Gyms are breeding grounds for the spread of germs, with shared equipment, high foot traffic and hot, moist conditions the norm. Sweating and lots of high-touch areas can lead to the spread of bacteria and viruses. Weights, machines, and mats are hotspot areas that need to be cleaned and sanitised regularly to ensure a safe and healthy environment for members. But how regularly? Do weights need to be wiped down several times a day? Is a deep clean and sanitisation required on a daily basis? What about locker rooms and toilets?
The following are just some of the things you should consider when choosing the right cleaning frequency for your gym or fitness centre. First, we’ll start with how you plan to approach the tasks in terms of whether you have trained cleaning staff or you plan to partner with a professional cleaning company.
Member Hygiene Habits
The first line of defence when it comes to preventing the spread of germs in a gym is the members. It is best practice to provide cleaning solutions and microfibre cloths that could be used by members after using machines, focusing on high-touch areas such as rubber handles and grips on the machines. This acts as an immediate defence against germs, minimising the spread of bacteria. Simple but clear signs are also a good idea, encouraging members to bring their own towels, clean the machines and always think about hygiene when working out.
Staff Cleaning
Not all members will respect the rules in place, which means staff must be on hand to maintain cleaning standards throughout the day. You can train your staff members and create a customised schedule that everyone can adhere to during peak and non-peak times. The plan should include a breakdown of the tasks that need to be done at specific times. Provide them with non-toxic cleaning solutions and all the necessary equipment to sanitise the machines and mats, etc. Locker rooms and bathrooms always need to be prioritised as these are the areas where members linger, increasing the risk of germ and sweat build-up.
Professional Gym Cleaners
If you’re unsure of how often your gym needs to be cleaned, call in the professionals, and you’ll get the answers you’re looking for. Professional cleaners are experienced in all aspects of gym cleaning protocols and can create a custom proposal for your space. They will take the projected footfall into account and will work around your peak times. Professional cleaners use specialised equipment and EPA-approved disinfectants that are safe for high-touch areas, giving gym owners complete peace of mind when it comes to health and safety.
Key Factors That Influence Cleaning Frequency
There are a number of other factors to consider when deciding how often the space needs to be cleaned. These include:
- Ventilation and Humidity – High humidity and poor airflow can cause a buildup of bacteria and mould.
- Time of Year – Virus outbreaks and flu seasons increase the need for deep sanitisation.
- Regulations – Check health codes and industry standards.
- Foot Traffic – Periods of heavy footfall will require more frequent cleaning.
- Area Type – Highly absorbent and high-touch areas will need multiple wipe-downs per day.
Daily, Weekly, Monthly Gym Cleaning
The conclusion is that an effective schedule should include daily, weekly and monthly cleaning. Taking this layered approach is the best way to ensure a consistently clean and hygienic environment for members. If you’d like some help creating this schedule, our team would be more than happy to arrange an on-site visit and talk you through the many benefits of hiring a professional cleaning team to help maintain your space.