Highlights
- Always clean first, then disinfect: soil and sweat reduce disinfectant performance.
- Use an HOCl-based disinfectant: powerful on germs, gentle on rubber, vinyl, coatings, and metals when used as directed.
- Protect electronics: never spray consoles or touchscreens—apply to a microfiber cloth first.
- Target high-touch points: grips, seats, pins, buckles, rails, screens, and buttons.
- Respect wet-contact time: keep surfaces visibly wet for the label-directed time.
- Right product, right place: choose solutions compatible with fitness materials.
Why “clean → then disinfect (with HOCl)” matters
Cleaning removes sweat, oils, and chalk that block disinfectants. After cleaning, disinfect the high-touch zones to reduce risk. For gyms and home setups, an HOCl-based disinfectant is an excellent choice because it’s tough on microbes yet low-odour, residue-aware, and material-friendly when used as directed.
For home use, see our Kitchen & Bath Collection. For facilities, explore our School & Workplace Collection.
Step-by-step: how to clean exercise equipment
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Pre-wipe & inspect (≈30 seconds).
Dry-wipe chalk/dust. Identify sweat zones on grips, pads, rails, and consoles. -
Clean surfaces.
Apply your cleaning solution to a microfiber cloth, not directly to equipment. Wipe from cleaner areas (handles, screens) to dirtier areas (bases/feet). -
Disinfect high-touch points with an HOCl-based solution.
Apply to a clean microfiber and thoroughly wet grips, pads, adjustment pins, buckles, rails, and other shared touchpoints. Do not spray directly on screens or into seams. Keep surfaces visibly wet for the product’s labeled contact time. - Material-smart passes (quick references):
- Touchscreens & consoles: microfiber only; solution on the cloth first.
- Rubber/vinyl/leather (grips & pads): HOCl-based disinfectant is typically compatible and low-odour; avoid abrasives.
- Powder-coated frames & metal: gentle method; wipe dry to prevent streaks.
- Barbells & plates: remove chalk/soil first; then apply HOCl-based disinfectant and respect contact time.
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Final pass & dry.
Remove excess from seats and grips; buff consoles dry. Wash hands or use sanitizer after the routine.
Why an HOCl-based disinfectant is ideal for gyms
- Material compatibility: Kinder to rubber, vinyl, coatings, and metals when used as directed—helps avoid cracking, tackiness, or corrosion associated with harsher chemistries.
- Low odour / better user experience: Encourages compliance in shared spaces (no harsh fumes).
- Residue-aware: Designed to work without the sticky residues some products leave behind.
- Simple workflow: Apply to cloth, keep surfaces wet for the label time, and you’re done.
Compliance note: Always follow the product label, dwell/contact time, and your equipment manufacturer’s care guidance. For food-contact areas (e.g., studio snack counters), follow applicable local rules and label instructions regarding rinsing.
Prefer a family-safe, material-smart option? Try our 1 L Surface Cleaner & Disinfectant—ideal for home gyms and small studios.
Pro tips to keep equipment looking new
- Post a high-touch checklist near wipes/towels (grips, pins, seats, buckles, rails, buttons).
- Train users to wipe shared stations before and after use.
- Rotate cloths and launder on hot; replace when worn.
- When in doubt, consult the brand’s care page for do’s/don’ts and contact times.
FAQs
Q1: How often should I clean gym equipment?
A: In shared spaces, after each use—especially high-touch areas. At home, after every session plus a weekly deep clean. Disinfect after illness or per facility policy.
Q2: Can I spray cleaner directly on treadmills, bikes, or touchscreens?
A: No. Apply solution to a microfiber cloth, then wipe. Direct spraying can force liquid into seams or electronics.
Q3: What’s the best solution to clean gym equipment without damage?
A: An HOCl-based disinfectant is a strong, low-odour, material-friendly choice for grips, pads, frames, and many coatings when used as directed. Avoid bleach, ammonia, or harsh acids.
Ready for a simple, safe routine at home or in small studios? Explore our Kitchen & Bath Collection or, for larger spaces and programs, our School & Workplace Collection.
For more information, contact us here.
Sources
- CDC — When and How to Clean and Disinfect a Facility (clean first; label directions; ventilation). CDC
- CDC — When and How to Clean and Disinfect Your Home (clean high-touch surfaces regularly; when to disinfect). CDC
- CDC — Cleaning and Disinfecting hub (clean vs. disinfect; frequency guidance). CDC
- CDC — Environmental Cleaning Procedures (HAIs) (sequence and principles for environmental surfaces). CDC
- Life Fitness Support — Cardio Preventative Maintenance (microfiber; apply to cloth; avoid bleach/ammonia; don’t spray directly). support.lifefitness.com
- Life Fitness Support — Strength Preventative Maintenance (same care guidance across strength equipment). support.lifefitness.com
- Life Fitness Support — How to Clean Cardio and Strength Equipment (explicit: do not spray solutions directly on equipment). support.lifefitness.com
- Peloton — How to Clean Your Peloton Bike, Tread, or Row (wipe screens with microfiber; avoid spraying directly). Peloton
- Rogue Fitness — Barbell Cleaning Guide (remove chalk before disinfection; respect labeled contact time; avoid harsh chemistries). Rogue Fitness