Gym Cleaning: How to Keep Your Space Hygienic?

Gym cleaning goes beyond just aesthetics; it’s about the health, safety, and well-being of everyone who uses the space. With a constant flow of people sharing the same equipment, the environment becomes conducive to the spread of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Keeping a gym clean is essential to maintain a good reputation, retain members, and comply with health regulations.

In this article, you will learn how to organise a gym cleaning routine, what products to use, how to involve the staff, and which areas require extra attention. Check it out!

The Importance of Gym Cleaning

Damp environments with high foot traffic, such as gyms, are perfect breeding grounds for microorganisms. Physical contact with equipment, mats, dumbbells, and water fountains increases the risk of cross-contamination between users.

Beyond health concerns, cleanliness is directly linked to the customer experience. A dirty space, unpleasant odours, or poorly maintained bathrooms can create a negative image and drive clients away.

What’s the Ideal Cleaning Frequency?

The frequency of gym cleaning will depend on how often each area is used. Below is a suggested cleaning schedule:

Ongoing Cleaning (During operating hours): Wipe equipment with alcohol-soaked cloths, disinfect water fountains, empty bins, and replenish soap and paper towels.
Daily Cleaning: Floors, locker rooms, bathrooms, mirrors, countertops, and high-traffic areas.
Weekly Cleaning: Windows, doors, lights, walls, and fans.
Monthly Cleaning: Deep maintenance of upholstery, mattresses, air conditioning ducts, and hard-to-reach areas.

Which Areas Require Extra Attention in Gym Cleaning?

Not all areas of the gym require the same level of attention during cleaning. Here are the critical points that need more dedication to keep them presentable and hygienic:

Equipment and Machines
All equipment should be cleaned frequently. Focus on contact surfaces such as seats, handles, and bars. Additionally, provide alcohol spray bottles and disposable cloths for users to clean after use.

Locker Rooms and Bathrooms
These areas are highly sensitive and prone to bacterial growth, so they should be cleaned several times a day. Use specific disinfectants for floors, toilets, and sinks. Ensure the replenishment of soap, toilet paper, paper towels, and proper maintenance of drains and plumbing.

Group Exercise Rooms
These rooms contain many mats, balls, steps, and mats, which accumulate sweat and need to be disinfected after each class. Good ventilation and air circulation also help to keep the space safer and more hygienic.

Reception and Common Areas
As high-traffic areas, the floors and furniture in the reception should be cleaned frequently. However, phones, computers, and counters also need special care as they are handled by several people throughout the day.

Recommended Cleaning Products
To clean gyms, effective products are needed that do not compromise the health of users. The main items include:

• 70% Alcohol: For quick sanitising of surfaces and equipment.
  
• Hospital-grade Disinfectants: Especially for bathrooms and locker rooms.
  
• Neutral Soap: Ideal for floors and surfaces that do not require heavy disinfection.
  
• Disposable or Microfibre Cloths: Preferably in different colours for each area.
  
• Gloves and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): For cleaning staff.
  

Remember to avoid excessive use of strongly-scented products, as they can cause allergies or discomfort for the gym-goers.

Educate Staff

Instructors and receptionists should collaborate by educating members on the importance of cleaning equipment after use and respecting cleanliness in the gym environment.

How to Monitor and Evaluate Cleaning Effectiveness

It’s not enough just to clean; it’s essential to check if the cleaning is working. Here are some tips:

• Use physical or digital checklists to track the cleaning routine and frequency.
  
• Conduct regular inspections with visual checklists and smell tests.
  
• Gather feedback from members via suggestion boxes or surveys.
  
• Monitor complaints related to hygiene and address them promptly.
  

By following these tips, you can maintain gym cleaning efficiently, ensuring that your space is always hygienic for your staff and members.