If you’re regularly at a gym, whether as a user or staff, you might have some blind spots when it comes to wiping down equipment. After all, it can be a bit tedious and time-consuming, and what’s the harm in not doing it?

Turns out, quite a lot. COVID-19 is a current public health threat, but there are still other health risks to be worried about as well. Keeping surfaces clean and sanitary is pretty easy when you’re educated and have the tools for the job. Continue reading for helpful tips and check out our disinfectant wipes and dispensers.

Gym Equipment Has Germs

Here are a couple of quick facts:

• An exercise bike at the gym has around 79 times more bacteria running around on it than a typical water faucet.
• Free weights have 362 times more bacteria than a public toilet.

A study from The National Center for Biotechnology Information in 2018 found that 73% of samples from the equipment of three different gym locations tested positive for Staph bacteria. It was also noted that the gym that disinfected equipment twice a day had significantly fewer occurrences of contamination compared to the two gyms that disinfected equipment once a day.

Pathogens can cause some pretty serious infections, including HPV, MRSA, Influenza, COVID-19, and Klebsiella. Gyms are full of people sweating, touching things, and spreading germs. Bacteria, fungus, and other pathogens thrive on soft and porous materials like towels, clothing, carpet, and upholstery, especially when they’re moist. Towels are a necessity for most gym-goers as well as a home to germs , so it’s important to promote hygiene and provide a designated bin for disposing of used towels to prevent contamination.

Gym-goers are at Risk

Whether your gym is a specialized workout facility or a public gym, you’re going to have a lot of visitors spending time coming into contact with a lot of surfaces that other people come into contact with. Spaces that have shared use are at higher risk of spreading bacteria like E. coli. People who work out at a gym are at high risk for spreading and contracting infections because sweat and other body fluids come into contact with surfaces with which many people’s skin come into contact.

Staph is one example of bacteria that you’re at risk of contracting from gym equipment and that’s another great reason to wipe down equipment both before or after use. In 2015 four students contracted MRSA from their school’s wrestling mats. The mats weren’t sanitized or disinfected for several years of continued use. Parents filed a $12 million lawsuit against the school for negligence and endangerment. It’s possible for a similar occurrence to happen at a gym, which could result in the gym closing down.

Wiping down gym equipment before each use helps protect yourself, and wiping it down after use is both a courtesy, and something you can do to help protect other people from getting sick. If you own or run a gym, having employees that are dedicated to this task and wearing safety equipment is an important way to protect your gym, your employees, and your customers.

If you’re a gym-goer, use the wipes provided by your gym to stay healthy. Cleanliness is the key to avoiding infection. All you need to do is thoroughly wipe down all the areas you’ll be touching with disinfectant, as well as any areas that are in contact with covered skin, like seats and headrests.

Common Questions About Gym Hygiene

Can you use Lysol wipes on gym equipment?

Lysol wipes are great for disinfecting, though if they’re scented, you might want to watch out as some people can have a strong or even negative reaction to fragrances. When using products like Lysol, make sure the surface is dry so the disinfectant has a chance to get its job done.

How do you disinfect gym equipment?

Use either spray disinfectant or disinfectant wipes to wipe down all of the surfaces that have contact with clothes or skin. Some products can make equipment slippery, so let it dry before use to avoid injury.

What type of cleaner does Planet Fitness use?

Many Planet Fitnesses are independently owned and operated, so it varies, but most use a neutral disinfectant spray to sanitize equipment.

Can you use hydrogen peroxide to clean gym equipment?

Hydrogen peroxide is a bad idea for cleaning equipment, as it oxidizes many metals, meaning it can be pretty tough on the equipment. Additionally, some people can have reactions to it.

Can you use Clorox wipes on gym equipment?

Clorox disinfecting wipes are a grand choice for disinfecting gym equipment.

How do you make disinfectant spray for gym equipment?

While you can make a disinfectant spray with chemicals like alcohol, thymol, and vinegar, it’s best to purchase products that are specifically designed for gyms, rather than making your own.

Is vinegar a disinfectant?

While vinegar can be a good cleaner and contains acetic acid, it is not classified as a disinfectant, and there is no data that shows it can destroy viruses like COVID-19.

We’re Your Source for Wipes & Wipe Dispensers

At Trashcans Unlimited, our primary goal is to make sure that our customers are getting the best disinfectant wipes, disinfectant wipe dispensers, trash cans, and trash can supplies to make sure that they can keep their facilities clean and sanitized. Whether wall mounted disinfecting wipe dispenser to save some floor space, free-standing, or an unbeatable 2-in-1 combination of a sanitizing wipe dispenser and a trash can, we have the tools to help keep your gym sanitary. Our customer service is second-to-none, so if you have any questions about our sanitary wipes or dispensers, get in touch with us.