Whether you're working out at home or in a public gym, the last thing you want to see on a piece of gym equipment is leftover sweat droplets or stains. Much like a clean kitchen is much more pleasant to cook in, a clean gym sets you up for an effective workout.

With regard to public fitness facilities, a study conducted by the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) concluded that gym cleanliness is one of the most powerful tools to boost member satisfaction. A fitness facility should be as clean, if not cleaner, than members' expectations.

On top of maintaining looks, keeping machines clean can also help extend their lifespan. When dust, sweat, oils, dirt, and grime build up over time, machines can malfunction. For example, if a treadmill collects a lot of dust, its rollers can eventually get clogged.

Although an essential first step, removing dust and grimy sweat residue is only half the battle. Following your cleaner with a disinfectant can help you kill the harmful bacteria that can make you, your family, or your clients sick.

Avoid cleaning and disinfecting with alcohol, bleach, ammonia, or other abrasive chemicals, as these can lead to discoloration, cracking of plastic pieces, and corrosion of your workout equipment. In addition, cleaning with wire or stiff bristle brushes can leave scratches behind.

Disinfecting wipes seem the most convenient but getting them to do their intended job is more challenging than you'd expect. For wipes to disinfect properly, you need to continuously wipe your surface to keep it wet for the amount of time listed on the label (called "kill time" or "contact time"). Because of this, they're often misused, making them far less useful than one might think in the fight against illness-causing bacteria.

Furthermore, many wipes are alcohol-based. Alcohol can evaporate quickly, making it ineffective if it dries before the kill time is met.

The best way to clean gym equipment is to clean with an all-purpose cleaner and follow up with a disinfectant spray.

Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner is safer for the materials that make up your gym equipment, like steel, rubber, and vinyl. Clean, degrease, and deodorize, while removing grime and set-in stains without the harsh chemicals found in many other cleaners.

An EPA-registered disinfectant can eliminate cold, flu, E. Coli, Salmonella, Staph, and other illness-causing bacteria in 2 minutes or less, remaining wet and active on hard, non-porous surfaces long enough to do its intended job.

We suggest cleaning your home gym equipment after every use and deep cleaning and disinfecting once a week. Deep clean and disinfect equipment in a fitness center or gym at least once a day.

Directions for Cleaning Gym Equipment:

Floors:

See how to clean hardwood and laminate floors here. Otherwise, use the directions below to clean rubber floors or yoga mats.

1. Prepare your Simple Green solution. Mix 1 oz. of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner with 4 cups of water in an empty spray bottle.
2. Apply the solution. Lightly mist your solution onto the floor or mat.
3. Wipe. Use a damp microfiber cloth or mop to spread the solution.
4. Dry. Allow the surfaces to air dry completely.

Treadmills, Ellipticals, and Other Cardio Equipment:

1. Unplug the machine.
2. Prepare your Simple Green solution. Mix 1 oz. of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner with 4 cups of water in an empty spray bottle.
3. Spray onto a microfiber cloth.
4. Wipe. Wipe down the entire machine. Don't forget the cupholders, grips, handles, screens, and other smaller spaces.
5. Dry. Allow the machine to air dry completely.

Free Weights and Benches

1. Prepare your Simple Green solution. Mix 1 oz. of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner with 4 cups of water in an empty spray bottle.
2. Spray onto a microfiber cloth.
3. Wipe.
4. Dry. Allow the surfaces to air dry completely.

Resistance Bands - Rubber

1. Prepare your Simple Green solution. Mix 1 oz. of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner with 1 cup of water in a large container.
2. Soak. Add your bands to the solution and leave them to soak for a few minutes.
3. Scrub, if necessary. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away any troublesome spots left after soaking.
4. Dry. Lay the bands flat to dry on a towel.

Resistance Bands - Fabric

1. Prepare your Simple Green solution. Mix 1 oz. of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner with 1 cup of water in an empty spray bottle.
2. Dampen any stains with clean water.
3. Apply the solution.
4. Let it sit for a few minutes to soak.
5. Blot. Gently rub and blot with a clean damp towel or absorbent cloth.
6. Allow the band to dry completely.

DISINFECTING, DEODORIZING:

1. Remove gross filth or heavy soil prior to application of Simple Green Clean Finish Disinfectant Cleaner.
2. Apply product with a hand pump trigger sprayer. Hold sprayer six to eight inches from the surface to be treated.
3. Spray area until it is covered with the product.
4. Allow the surface to remain wet for 30 seconds up to 5 minutes, depending on which germs you are trying to kill. No scrubbing necessary.
5. Allow treated surfaces to air dry or wipe off with clean cloth.