It’s taking a lot more effort than usual for me to get my butt into the (home) gym. It’s cold, dark, and I’m loving my sofa right now than crunches. As a result of this, I’ve decided to give my gym equipment a thorough clean in an attempt to remove any roadblocks between me and my morning sweat session. It’s crucial to keep your at-home workout apparel clean, sanitized, and smelling nice.
Even if you don’t want to do anything else after an exhausting workout, your equipment can start to smell, decay, and even make you sick if you don’t clean it.
Why Should You Sanitize Your Home Workout Gear?
It’s not like you’re going to the gym and mingling with repulsive, sweaty strangers. So why do we have to clean our workout clothes at home? There’s just one word for it: germs.
Bacteria can be acquired by anyone, and if you don’t wash your hands before using your home gym, germs may end up on all of your equipment. HPV, E. coli, streptococcus, and influenza are just a few of the bacteria that reside in gyms. And according to research, germs can survive on gym surfaces for up to three days, providing plenty of time to infect members of your family or roommates. Aside from that, germs can also cause odor; no one wants to hold handles that smell like stale Doritos.
This is where sanitization comes into play. It isn’t simply about cleaning dirt away; it’s about eliminating all germs as well. You must clean it after every session if you touch it or sweat it.
All You Need to Clean Your Fitness Equipment
- Multipurpose wipes
- A vinegar solution that is homemade (water + white vinegar, optional: baking soda)
- A disinfectant spray or solution
- Dish soap
- Clean Microfiber Cloths
- Mop
- Yoga mat balance spray or our DIY recipe
Keep all of your cleaning equipment within arm’s reach and store it in a shower caddy in the corner of your exercise area. It makes things much easier that way. There are no more excuses!
How to Clean Your Exercise Equipment
Sprinkle the all-purpose spray on the equipment after a sweat session on the treadmill or elliptical (or, if you like to DIY, our DIY all-purpose recipe). Spray the surface of your choice with the solution (avoid screens) and leave for one minute. Then use a dry Microfiber Cloth to clean any handles, bars, or other frequently touched surfaces. I’ll take that dampened cloth from time to time and wipe down other components of the equipment that get dusty and have a drip here and there.
Between each usage, I recommend cleaning your equipment. (And don’t forget to unplug your machine just to be safe. It’s unlikely, but I’d rather not have anyone get electrocuted.)
How to Clean Your Dumbbells and Weights
You don’t lift, bro? If you do, it’s critical to clean your weights. Weights come into direct contact with the palms of your hands, so if you pick up any germs, they’ll definitely spread to them.
Here’s how I clean weights:
- Fill a glass with water and a tiny amount of dish soap.
- Finally, wring out your microfiber cloth in soapy water to keep it from dripping.
- Wipe down your dumbbells with a clean, damp cloth.
- Wipe down the table with a clean, dry cloth.
You can also use this to your advantage by performing it during your rest periods. Soapy water is effective in eradicating a variety of germs, therefore this is an excellent at-home equipment option. If you’re concerned about someone catching a sickness, feel free to bring disinfectant for weights or grab your favorite brand and keep it in your caddy.
How to Clean a Yoga Mat
When you’re finished downward dogging, take away the sweat droplets that have fallen on your mat.
Disclaimer: It’s worth noting that yoga mats are available in a variety of materials, so double-check the instructions to avoid breaking them. If your mat is made of rubber, you have two options for cleaning it:
A store-bought balance spray can help you get a great yoga position. Before or after your practice, spritz your mat to eliminate sweat and odors.
Alternatively, use your own homemade disinfectant spray: water, vinegar, and 10 drops of essential oil of your choice. (I prefer tea tree oil.) I also have a video demonstrating how to do this.
Hanging your yoga mat over a shower curtain or outside to dry is an extra choice (but not in direct sunlight).
Take Your Shoes Off
Many germs and bacteria are present on our shoes. That’s why I keep a pair of “indoor” workouts that have never been outside (much like me these days). But, if you don’t want to do this, simply make sure to clean the bottoms of your running shoes before getting started with your workout.
Scrub Those Floors
You don’t have to clean the floor after each workout (unless you want to, but I’m usually done looking at the room when my workout is over), but it’s a good idea to empty your mop every now and again to clear away the filth that your shoes bring in.