Your home gym is a great place to enjoy a workout right in the privacy of your house. However, even if you’re the only one using the machinery in there (and maybe your family members), that doesn’t mean that you can skip the proper cleaning and maintaining of your equipment.
Anyone who uses their home gym regularly knows that your equipment gets dirty pretty quickly and needs sanitization. Continue reading to learn how to keep your home gym clean and germ-free.
Although not sharing your equipment with a stranger’s germs, it is still important to clean and sanitize your gym.
Imagine you were on the subway one day and you catch bacteria on your hands. When you get home, you hop on the treadmill for a quick workout.
Now the bacteria is on the treadmill handles and buttons. And what’s even worse is that there are certain types of bacteria that can live on surfaces up to a few days.
Thus, the next time someone of your family uses the machine, the bacteria will spread. Experts FantasticCleaners.com.au explain that is why cleaning and sanitizing your equipment is important to ensure a healthy environment in your home gym.
Weight Machines
Most public gyms have a rule for each member to wipe down the equipment after use to prevent spreading germs.
Make sure you implement that rule in your home gym, too.
- It doesn’t really matter that thousands of strangers are not using your equipment.
- Germs and bacteria are still spreading.
- Use antibacterial wipes and wipe the machines down after you’re done using them.
Treadmill and Elliptical
We usually leave cardio machines heavy on sweat not only on the deck and handrails. Sweat drips down to the conveyor belt or elliptical pedals. Therefore, it is crucial to:
Wipe away any sweat that you’re leaving behind.
Use a soft cloth or a towel. Use a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt from the machines.
Get in the nooks and crannies around the handles and the seat seams and don’t forget to unplug them before doing any cleaning.
Finally, vacuum around and under them.
Free Weights and Accessories
Free weights, stability balls, suspension trainers and other accessories don’t really need cleaning that often.
Scrub them off with an antibacterial solvent and a microfiber cloth once a week and that would be enough.
Wipe them down with a disinfectant wipe after each use to prevent bacteria from spreading,
Keep in mind to let them dry before using them again, as they will be a little slippery.
Resistance Bands
When cleaning your resistance bands it is important to remember not to use any cleaning solutions, as they may deteriorate the material.
Instead:
Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap and soak the bands in it.
Gently scrub the bands using only your hands and rinse them with warm water.
Afterward, allow them to dry but don’t put them in the sun, because it may damage the material they’re made of.
Mats
When it comes to cleaning the home gym, people always neglect the mats. And they’re one of the dirtiest items in there.
Don’t wait for your mats to smell nasty and get moldy.
Clean them regularly with a sponge and warm soapy water. If the mat is small and has a fabric-like texture, it might even be safe to place it in the washing machine. Confirm that by reading the label.
Look for mats that feature antimicrobial product protection next time you go shopping,
Do your best to prevent the growth of bacteria and bad odors.
Floors
Thoroughly vacuum and mop floors once a week to ensure a healthy environment. Depending on the floors you’re dealing with, choose the best disinfectant and follow the instructions closely.
Don’t risk making home solutions, as you might damage your floors. Also, make sure you dust off baseboards, ceiling fans and any other surfaces.
While exercising you take in a lot of air and the last thing you’d want is dust particles floating around the room and into your lungs.
Fresh Аir
Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining a healthy environment in your home gym. However, few people can afford giant luxury fans and HVAC systems in their homes.
Some home gyms are even situated in the basement. That’s why it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure fresh air can enter the space. If possible, regularly open the windows and doors and let fresh air and sunlight in the room. You can also use odor neutralizing sprays, air fresheners or an essential oil diffuser.