Sweat, smiles, and… germs? Your gym is a haven for fitness buffs but it’s also a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
A recent study analyzing the various bacteria found in fitness centers found that bacterial species like Bacillus, Serratia, Aerococcus, Erwinia, and Enterobacter spp. were abundant on treadmills, leg presses, and elliptical machines. These same species were also present in bathrooms and high-touch surfaces like handrails.
You’re doing the right thing by reading this guide. You want to thoroughly clean your gym facility to ensure a hygienic and safe experience for your staff and guests.
We’ll walk you through the steps of cleaning a gym facility, from the floors, mats, gym equipment, and beyond. Let’s get right into it.
Gather the necessary supplies before cleaning a gym facility. Here’s what you’ll need:
Cleaning solutions:
- Natural pH floor cleaners are gentle on most types of gym floors, including rubber, vinyl, and laminate. Some popular options:
- Hillyard Super Shine-All
- Zep Neutral Floor Cleaner
- Bona Pro Series Hardwood Floor Cleaner
- Disinfectant cleaner (EPA-registered): Choose a disinfectant effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria and viruses like:
- Clorox Healthcare Bleach Germicidal Wipes
- Purell Professional Surface Disinfectant Spray
- Lysol Disinfectant Spray
- Mild detergent: Mix a mild detergent in warm water. This is perfect for cleaning foam mats and other soft surfaces. Here are some suggestions:
- Dawn Dish Soap
- Seventh Generation Free & Clear Dish Liquid
- ECOS All-Purpose Cleaner
- Streak-free glass cleaners to clean mirrors, windows, and other glass surfaces:
- Sprayway Glass Cleaner
- Windex Ammonia-Free Glass Cleaner
- Invisible Glass Premium Glass Cleaner
- All-purpose cleaner for general cleaning tasks:
- Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner
- Puracy Natural Multi-Surface Cleaner
- Branch Basics Concentrate
- Tools and equipment:
- Auto scrubber for large areas
- Mop, bucket, and wringer
- Microfiber cloths
- Sponges
- Spray bottles
- Broom and dustpan
- A vacuum cleaner with various attachments
- Gloves
- Masks
Deep clean gym floors with an auto scrubber and neutral floor cleaner
The gym floors take the most beating, not just from heavy foot traffic but from sweat, dropped weights, and streaks from footwear.
Regular mopping might not be enough to remove ingrained dirt and grime, which is why an auto scrubber will come in super handy.
Step-by-step guide on deep cleaning gym floors with an auto-scrubber:
- Prepare the surface by clearing the area of obstacles, like gym equipment and office furniture.
- Sweep and vacuum the floor to remove loose debris.
- Fill the auto-scrubber solution tank with the recommended cleaning solution.
- Adjust the brush pressure and solution flow based on the type of gym floor and soiling level. Consult the equipment’s manual for guidance.
- Start the machine slowly and guide it across the floor, overlapping each pass slightly. Make sure to start at the farthest corner of the room and work your way towards the exit to avoid walking on freshly cleaned floors.
- Make a first pass to apply the cleaning solution and loosen up the dirt.
- Make another pass to scrub and remove dirt.
- (Optional) if the auto scrubber has a built-in vacuum, activate it to remove excess moisture and leave the floor dry.
- Empty and rinse the recovery tank after each use to prevent dirty water from being reapplied onto already-clean floors.
- Spot clean remaining marks and streaks using a microfiber mop to address any areas the auto scrubber might’ve missed.
- Leave the floor to dry.
Clean gym foam mats with mild soap and warm water
Specific cleaning instructions may vary depending on the mat type but, gym foam mats generally can be cleaned using a mild soap and hot water solution.
Here’s how to clean a gym foam mat:
- Start by vacuuming, mopping with a microfiber cloth, or shaking out the mats to remove and loosen debris.
- Fill a bucket or sink with hot water and a small amount of mild detergent.
- Dip a soft-bristled brush or sponge into the soapy water and scrub the mats thoroughly on both sides.
- Rinse the mats with clean water to remove soapy residue.
- Air-dry the mats completely before returning them for usage.
- For added disinfection, spray the mats with a diluted bleach solution or gym-specific disinfectant spray after each cleaning.
For a more detailed guide on cleaning various types of gym floors, please check out our guide: Best Methods To Clean 6 Types Of Gym Flooring.
Wipe down and sanitize all gym equipment
Sanitize all gym equipment, like treadmills, ellipticals, leg presses, dumbbells, yoga mats — whatever’s in your fitness center.
Regular disinfection kills germs that can lead to illnesses like colds, flu, and skin infections. Disinfection is a must in a gym setting where people are sweating and touching shared surfaces.
Use a clean microfiber cloth or disinfectant wipe to remove visible dirt, sweat, and grime from all surfaces of the equipment. Then, apply the disinfectant to the surface. Pay close attention to high-touch areas like handles, buttons, and screens.
Let the disinfectant sit on the surface for the recommended contact time (this is usually indicated on the product label). Wipe away excess moisture with a clean microfiber cloth.
Try to disinfect gym equipment at least twice a day, especially during peak hours. Encourage gym goers to disinfect equipment themselves by placing disinfectant wipe dispensers and hand sanitizer stations nearby.
Additionally, post clear and visible signage on various gym equipment as a reminder to wipe down surfaces before and after post-usage.
Conduct regular janitorial cleaning in bathrooms
Regular janitorial cleaning services are essential for cleaning gym bathrooms, but gym staff should also be vigilant in maintaining cleanliness in these areas throughout the day.
Here are some tips for cleaning gym bathrooms:
- Deep clean and disinfect toilets, sinks, countertops, and all touchpoints like door handles, shower spigots, and faucets.
- Ensure there’s always an ample supply of soap, paper towels, and toilet paper.
- Regularly check and inspect exhaust fans to ensure they’re functioning properly.
- Control odor using air fresheners or odor-neutralizing sprays so the bathrooms stay fresh.
Disinfect locker rooms
Locker rooms and shower areas are often humid and breeding places for bacteria, mold, and unpleasant odors. This is why they should be routinely and thoroughly cleaned.
Daily sweep and mop floors, wipe down benches and lockers with disinfectant and empty trash bins. Pay special attention to shower stalls and drains. Scrubbing away soap scum, and disinfecting thoroughly.
Keep reception areas and offices spotless
The reception area is what customers see first, so it’s important to keep it neat. First impressions can make or break your gym and it all starts with a well-maintained reception area.
Simple vacuuming and dusting will go a long way. Take it a step further, by wiping down and disinfecting touchscreen displays or electronics with a microfiber cloth and appropriate cleaning solution.
For offices, make sure desks and surfaces are decluttered. Dust and wipe down furniture, shelves, and electronics. Empty trash bins and vacuum or mop floors weekly. You should also keep windows and blinds clean and smudge-free.
Maintain HVAC systems and invest in HEPA air purifiers
Poor ventilation, combined with sweat, body odor, and fumes from cleaning products can create a stuffy and unpleasant indoor gym atmosphere. Keep it fresh and clean with these tips:
- Open windows and doors whenever possible to maximize airflow.
- Regularly replace filters in HVAC systems or seek assistance from a vent cleaning company to prevent accidental damage.
- Place a HEPA-activated air purifier at strategic locations within the facility. These help remove dust, allergens, and other airborne pollutants.
- Opt for eco-friendly cleaning products that emit low VOCs (volatile organic compounds) to reduce the amount of chemical fumes released into the air.
- You may also add an essential oil diffuser and fill it with lavender, lemon, or peppermint-scented oils to freshen the air.
Key takeaways
It goes without saying, but a clean gym is paramount to the health and safety of your staff and members, and also the success of your business.
Follow these thorough cleaning practices and establish a regular cleaning schedule. See the wonders these small cleaning changes can make with regard to increasing membership rates in your facility.
If you need professional assistance in maintaining a spotless gym facility, Craddock’s Cleaning Services offers specialized gym cleaning services tailored to the unique needs of your facility.
Claim your FREE, no-obligation quote in 24 hours or less. We’re more than happy to help you create a cleaner, healthier, and more inviting facility for your valued members and staff.