Going to the gym is a great way to stay fit and healthy. However, gyms can easily become breeding grounds for germs and bacteria if not properly cleaned. Maintaining a clean gym environment should be a top priority to ensure the health and safety of members. When tackling gym cleaning Brisbane, it’s important to focus on key areas that tend to harbor the most germs. Here is an overview of the most important areas to clean thoroughly in a gym.
Equipment
Gym equipment sees a lot of traffic and comes into direct contact with sweat and skin oils. Wiping down machines after each use is recommended, but it’s also crucial to do a deep clean of equipment regularly. All upholstered parts on machines should be sanitized. Handles, seats, pads and grips are prime locations for the spread of bacteria and viruses. Disinfectant wipes work well for quick cleaning between uses, while a spray bottle with a microfiber cloth allows for deeper cleaning. Pay close attention to small grooves and textured parts where grime can collect.
Free Weights
Free weight areas face some of the heaviest traffic in gyms. Bars, plates, dumbbells and other free weights need routine cleaning. Between uses, a quick wipe down is advised. For a more thorough cleaning, use disinfectant sprays or wipes on all surfaces of free weights. Offer sanitizing wipes or spray bottles with paper towels near weight racks so members can easily clean items before and after use. Schedule thorough cleanings of racks, shelving and storage areas in free weight rooms to control dust buildup.
Exercise Mats
Yoga mats, gymnastics mats and padded flooring are breeding grounds for germs. Sweat, skin cells and dirt quickly accumulate in these porous surfaces. Provide disinfecting mat spray or wipes near racks where exercise mats are stored. Encourage members to sanitize mats before and after each use. For a deep clean, thoroughly scrub mats and padded flooring with hot water and an antimicrobial cleaner then allow to fully dry before returning to use. Clean mats at least once a week for hygiene.
Floors
Gym floors need regular mopping and disinfecting to control bacteria. High traffic areas like walkways between equipment require more frequent cleaning. Hard rubber flooring is best for allowing thorough cleaning as opposed to carpets. Use a cleaner made for gym and sports environments. Look for antimicrobial ingredients specifically formulated to kill germs on hard, porous athletic flooring. Schedule deep cleans when the gym is closed to allow floors to fully dry.
Locker Rooms
Locker rooms present many cleaning challenges. All surfaces in restrooms, showers and changing areas need disinfecting. Use a multipurpose disinfectant spray to thoroughly clean benches, lockers, sinks, toilets and walls. Allow to sit for the proper contact time before wiping. Check that soap dispensers are filled and no trash bins are overflowing. Provide disinfecting wipes for members to quickly wipe down locker handles and benches before and after use. Mop floors with an antimicrobial cleaner. Keep drains free of hair buildup.
Water Fountains
Gyms should provide bottle refill stations and water fountains to allow members to stay hydrated. But these hand-to-mouth water sources can spread illnesses easily. Clean and disinfect all water fountain and refill station surfaces frequently. Pay special attention to nozzle areas where germs spread through mouth contact. Use a powerful antimicrobial cleaner for water dispensers rather than just a typical surface cleaner.
Air Quality
While visibility is focused on surfaces, air quality is also crucial for gym health. HVAC systems should provide adequate ventilation and be well maintained. Supplement with portable air purifiers containing HEPA filters to capture airborne particles. Set purifiers near equipment, where members are breathing heavily. Treat gym air ducts a few times per year with a sanitizing antimicrobial fogger. Monitoring CO2 levels helps gauge if ventilation needs improvement. Keep humidity moderate to prevent mold growth.
Trash Cans
Don’t neglect trash as a problem area. Gyms produce a lot of waste like water bottles, wipes and towels. Make sure adequately sized bins are placed conveniently around the gym floor and locker rooms. Empty all trash cans frequently to prevent overflowing. Provide separate bins for recycling plastic and aluminum. Use trash cans with lids that open hands-free to improve hygiene. Disinfect the outer surfaces of cans regularly to kill germs that accumulate.
Common Areas
Clean common areas like studios, courts and pools just as diligently. Shared equipment like balls, rackets and pool cleaning tools need regular disinfecting for safety. Clean lounge areas, reception desks, and other high-touch locations between each use whenever possible. Provide sanitizing wipes or spray for members to quickly clean before settling in. Ensure proper procedures and cleaning supplies to wipe down any rental gear or accessories between uses. Post visible cleaning schedules and procedures to show members the gym’s commitment to cleanliness.
By focusing cleaning efforts on these key areas, gyms can significantly reduce the spread of illness. Establishing cleaning protocols for both members and staff helps maintain the highest hygiene standards. Using the right commercial cleaning products formulated for fitness facilities is also critical.
Eco Cleaning Brisbane is a leading cleaning company serving gyms throughout Brisbane. With over 20 years of professional cleaning experience, our trained staff follows thorough disinfecting procedures using top eco-friendly products. Contact our gym cleaning experts today for a quote on keeping your fitness centre clean.
Why Choose Eco Cleaning Brisbane?
● Serving Brisbane for over 20 years
● Fully insured and bonded cleaners
● Using latest equipment and green products
● Specialized gym cleaning training
● Competitive pricing with honest quotes
Frequently Asked Questions About Gym Cleaning
How often should gym equipment be cleaned?
For hygiene, gym equipment should be quickly sanitized between each use. A deep cleaning of equipment should happen daily or at least every other day. Use disinfecting sprays or wipes to thoroughly clean handles, pads and all high-touch areas.
What’s the best way to clean exercise mats?
To deep clean porous exercise mats, use a mix of hot water and antimicrobial cleaner. Scrub well then let mats dry completely before using again. Provide disinfecting mat spray or wipes near mat storage for quick cleaning between uses. Clean mats at least weekly for proper hygiene.
How should I choose a gym floor cleaner?
Look for a cleaner specially formulated for gyms and sports centres. The best cleaners for gym floors contain antimicrobial ingredients to kill germs. Rubber floors allow for more thorough cleaning compared to carpets. Always follow with a thorough rinse and allow floors to dry before reopening.
How can gyms improve overall air quality?
Good ventilation, air filters and controlling humidity are key for clean gym air. Install portable air purifiers with HEPA filters near equipment to capture airborne particles. Sanitize air ducts periodically. Ensure HVAC systems are well-maintained. Monitoring CO2 helps assess if ventilation needs improvement.