Why You Should Always Clean Your Gym Equipment

Going to the gym is an act of self-care. Looking after your body and improving your fitness are excellent ways to boost your physical and mental health.

However, gyms are also notorious breeding grounds for harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi. Without proper sanitation between sets, frequently used equipment like treadmills and stationary bikes can harbor strains such as Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. Knowing how to clean gym equipment effectively can protect your fellow workout enthusiasts and keep machinery in tip-top condition.

Discover the importance of cleaning your gym equipment and learn when and how to disinfect it to prevent the spread of germs and keep your gym operating smoothly.

The Hidden Reality of Gym Germs

People shed skin cells, germs and bacteria when they work out. Using unclean equipment puts you at risk of infection from microorganisms.

A recent study found that 73.8% of gym equipment tested positive for Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium found in the noses and on the skin of around 30% of the population. Though it’s sometimes harmless, Staphylococcus aureus can cause severe infections that may be life-threatening to vulnerable gym-goers.

Warm, humid gym environments also create ideal conditions for fungi to multiply and spread, potentially causing contagious skin infections such as ringworm and athlete’s foot.

Germs found in gyms can also expose you to:

• Influenza
• Human papillomavirus
• Rhinovirus, aka the common cold
• Herpes simplex virus
• Impetigo

Do You Clean Gym Equipment Before or After?

Cleaning equipment before and after your workout is standard gym etiquette and one of the simplest ways to protect yourself and others. Give each machine a thorough wipe before you start to remove germs left behind by the previous user. Focus on high-touch areas like the handles, seat and backrest.

When you finish your set, wipe everything down again so the person who follows you has a clean, safe surface to use. This small habit limits the spread of germs and keeps the gym more hygienic for everyone, especially during peak times when the equipment is in high demand.

What to Use to Clean Gym Equipment

Depending on your chosen gym, you may have access to various cleaning products.

• Disinfectant wipes: Most gyms provide professional-grade wipes that effectively kill up to 99.9% of bacteria without damaging vinyl or electrical components of machines.
• Disinfectant spray and paper towels: Some gyms provide antibacterial sprays and paper towels for their members. A good rule of thumb is to spray the paper towel rather than directly onto the equipment, particularly for electrical components.

If you are not sure where to find dedicated cleaning supplies in your gym, ask a staff member. Though most gyms place disinfectants in noticeable areas, others may keep them at the front desk.

Avoid using these items for gym equipment cleaning.

• Personal towels: Though they are a lifesaver when you need to wipe sweat off your face and body, hand towels cannot sanitize equipment surfaces, and using them for cleaning could increase your risk of contact with harmful pathogens.
• Hand sanitizer: Only apply hand sanitizer to your skin. If you use it on gym equipment, the highly concentrated alcohol can degrade materials like vinyl seats and rubber grips.

How to Clean Gym Equipment Correctly

Using disinfectant is half the battle — you also need to know how to sanitize gym equipment to maximize safety.

• Respect the “dwell time”: Most disinfectant sprays need to sit untouched on surfaces for 15 to 60 seconds to effectively eliminate germs. If you use spray, read the directions thoroughly to maximize its effectiveness.
• Target high-touch zones: While you should clean every surface you contact, focus on disinfecting high-touch zones, such as handles, adjustment knobs, rails, levers and buttons.
• Protect electrical components: Many cardio machines feature electrical consoles that require extra caution when cleaning. Never apply a liquid disinfectant directly to the console. Instead, spray your paper towel or cloth and carefully work around it.
• Clean free weights and mats: Dumbbell handles and exercise mats often harbor the highest bacterial loads, so don’t forget to wipe them down thoroughly before and after use.

Why Proper Cleaning Protects the Machines

Cleaning gym equipment prolongs its lifespan. Regular care prevents unnecessary wear, reduces downtime and keeps your favorite machines in good working order so you and your fellow members can rely on them when you want to work up a sweat.

• Preventing rust and corrosion: Sweat contains high levels of salt and acid, which can corrode metal surfaces, break down softer materials and clog moving parts.
• Protecting upholstery: Alongside sweat, body lotions and naturally occurring oils can damage vinyl upholstery, causing it to crack, peel and become harder to clean. These issues can make equipment uncomfortable to use and decrease its lifespan.
• Reducing sensor failures: Accumulated sweat and oil on machine consoles, buttons and sensors can reduce their effectiveness and cause long-term damage to electrical components.

Building a Cleaner Community

Alongside regular equipment cleaning, a few unspoken etiquette habits can go a long way toward keeping the gym safe, sanitary and welcoming for everyone.

• Wipe down every time: Clean every piece of equipment before and after use.
• Report empty stations: If you notice an empty wipe dispenser, disinfectant spray bottle or paper towel holder, immediately ask a staff member to refill it.
• Practice good hand hygiene: According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, dirty hands are responsible for spreading approximately 80% of communicable illnesses. To prevent the spread of germs, you should wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after a workout, particularly after using the bathroom.

Experience Safer Workouts

5 Bridges Health & Fitness maintains a spotless facility so you can stay fully focused on breaking through plateaus and making progress you can be proud of. Our “Total Health” approach brings together five essential pillars — nutrition, fitness, recovery, education and community — to help you build lasting, sustainable wellness.

If you want to pursue your goals in a respectful, supportive environment, sign up for your free trial or call our friendly team at 717-452-9893 today.