Owning a gym isn't for the faint-hearted. Not only do you need good business sense, but you also must be energetic and very passionate about health and fitness. If that's not enough, you need to be very dedicated to ensuring your members' health and safety. That means a very clean facility. Nothing is more unattractive in a gym than one that physically looks like a hotbed of germs and bacteria. To ensure your gym is always hygienic and completely disinfected, you’ll need to make sure that you stick to a routine cleaning schedule and use the right tools. And what does all that mean? Check out our cleaning guide below.
Gym and Fitness Equipment Cleaning
Customers of the gym all know the etiquette: wipe, wipe, wipe. In other words, cleaning gym equipment after use is a must. There may not be any written rules lying about but since exercising makes you sweat, it is just hygienic to wipe away yours before letting others use the equipment.
Of course, wiping away your sweat isn't going to do away with the possible germs and diseases on the surface. As a gym owner, you should be aware that viruses that cause the flu and cold can stay on surfaces of your equipment for up to 24 hours. Others, such as the norovirus which causes stomach bugs, can stay there for more than a month. These all mean that your gym cleaning standards should be very high to ensure your clients as well as you and your staff remain healthy and safe.
To start with, you'll need disinfecting wipes and sprays easily accessible to your clients which they can utilize before and after they use gym equipment which can slow down the spread of germs. Make sure that any cleaning wipes and disinfectants you use aren’t corrosive to metal. To really disinfect your equipment, you'll need to have your staff clean each machine regularly. Also, have them spot check the equipment to make sure that no customer has left any dirt, grime, or sweat behind.
Gym Restrooms/Locker Rooms Cleaning
Locker rooms are just like any public restroom. Just think of all the sweaty people that pass through those doors every single day. The shoes coming from outside could be carrying fecal matter that could cause stomach flu and hepatitis A. There are also quite number of surfaces inside those rooms that can become a breeding ground for staphylococcus, fungi, streptococcus, and other germs. The steam coming from the showers can cause moisture to accumulate in the air and cause mold to grow.
Asking your members to wear flip flops or sandals is necessary but not enough to prevent contamination. Doing a thorough cleaning of the changing rooms and restrooms daily is a necessity. Sweeping the floors to get rid of dirt is a given. So is scrubbing the showers and toilets. But you also need to make sure to disinfect handles, benches, and all other surfaces within. This is a necessary step to take every day. You'll also need to dehumidify these rooms as much as possible to prevent water vapor from building up.
How to Clean Gym Mats and Floor?
A lot of emphasis is placed on sanitizing gym equipment that cleaning the gym floor can be overlooked. People walk all around the gym, dripping with sweat. They also use exercise mats. If not cleaned properly, these surfaces can become a den of germs. You'll need to have staff mop the floor regularly, removing any spills as quickly as possible. Using a vacuum frequently is also recommended. As for exercise mats, you'll need to scrub and hose them down daily. If you can, have enough mats in stock for two to three classes so you can rotate the mats and disinfect them with an alcohol spray in between training sessions.
Gym Reception Counter and Other Surfaces Cleaning
Yes, the reception counter and other surfaces around the gym aren’t as susceptible to germs and other diseases as the ones we’ve already discussed. However, we all know how first impressions last. Ensuring that all these surfaces are spic and span, especially the reception area, can make the place look attractive to newcomers.
Other Gym Cleaning Tips:
Tip #1: Have the best gym cleaning equipment
The basics - wipes, disinfectant solutions, mops, and the like - can easily be bought in any cleaning store. However, for rubber or hardwood floors, you're going to need special cleaning tools like heavy duty polishers and scrubbers. You may also need a dehumidifier and air movers for your locker rooms. For certain stains, you may need a carpet extractor.
Tip #2: Gym Odor Control
Never use air freshener to mask an odor inside your gym. It’s best to deal with it right away. Any foul smell could indicate the presence of bacteria. To tackle this problem, you will need to locate the source of the smell. Check the drains, walls, floors, toilets, and even the equipment to make sure they’re clean. A steam cleaner can be incredibly useful in getting rid of sweat, grime, and smells on most surfaces such as machine handles, exercise balls, treadmills, bench presses, and even dumbbells.
Tip #3: Get your members involved
During peak hours, doing a bit of spot cleaning isn't going to be easy. To ensure that your gym stays squeaky clean, ask your members to get involved. Have cleaning wipes, disposable paper towels, and disinfectant sprays within easy reach of all pieces of equipment across the gym. You can supply your members with small sanitizer sprays, so they don't have to go searching for it. And it will help remind them to sanitize their hands and equipment in between workouts. Gym cleaning is not easy. It takes quite a lot of effort. But with members regularly keeping their hands sanitized, it can make a drastic improvement on the overall cleanliness of your facility.