Having a home gym is a great way to stay in shape, without the negative aspects of working out in a public space. Lineups for equipment, expensive monthly fees, inconvenient hours, and driving long distances to and from can be a deterrent for many, but while you can avoid these hassles by using the equipment in your own home, there is one thing you can’t avoid: cleaning. Follow our list of tips for the best way to clean a gym using products you already have around your home—to leave the entire room and your equipment looking and smelling great.
Get Rid of Dust
Clean air is an essential part of good health, and is especially important in your home gym where your heart rate is accelerated and lungs are expanded. A vital component in learning how to clean a home gym is removing dust from all horizontal and vertical surfaces, including exercise equipment, shelving, lighting, and fans. Use a microfiber cloth to trap, rather than spread the dust around, working from the top of the room down.
Inspect the Hardware
As you clean, inspect the cables, screws, and other hardware on your gym equipment, looking for signs of wear and tear or loose bolts that may require tightening.
Wipe Down Equipment
Any all-purpose cleaner can be used to wipe down the handles, rails, and other components of your gym equipment although care should be given around electronics. Make your own cleaner using a combination of vinegar, water and baking soda, adding a few drops of tea tree oil, which is known to be antifungal and antimicrobial. Place the solution in a glass spray bottle and keep it close by to spray down your equipment after each use.
Clean Free Weights and Other Accessories
Dumbbells, free weights, kettle bells, stability balls, and other items can get grimy quickly. To clean all your equipment, prepare a mixture of warm, soapy water and gather several clean microfiber cloths. Dip a cloth in to the mixture and wring it out thoroughly before wiping down surfaces. Use another cloth to dry each piece before returning to their designated space.
Clean Your Exercise/Yoga Mat
Check the label or original packaging to see if your mat is machine washable, and if not, gently scrub with a mixture of soap and water, being careful not to saturate the material.
Replace Towels
Stock your home gym with a fresh stack of clean towels in varying sizes. Keep a full spray bottle on hand along with microfiber cloths to wipe down your equipment as you go, and to keep the room smelling fresh.
Shine Your Mirrors
Use a commercial glass cleaner or a solution of vinegar and water to clean dust and fingerprints from your mirrors. After spraying, use a squeegee to remove the solution and wipe the edges with newspaper or a microfiber cloth for a clean finish.
Clean the Floor
The best way to clean a gym floor depends on the type of flooring material used:
- Carpet — Vacuum the surface thoroughly and steam clean the carpet twice a year.
- Rubberized flooring — Use a stiff brush to loosen debris, vacuum with a soft bristled head, and then damp mop the surface.
- Hardwood or tile — Sweep or vacuum the floor before mopping.
Molly Maid Can Help
Encourage family members to leave your home gym neat and organized, and to wipe down all materials after each use. Contact the professionals at Molly Maid today to arrange for home cleaning services, including your home gym, by requesting a free estimate online.
