Top cleaning tips for a germ-free gym

With so many people coming and going, using exercise equipment, water stations, and washroom facilities, and with so many high-contact touch points in every room, gym facilities can be key culprits when it comes to harbouring germs and spreading harmful bacteria.

As a business owner, maintaining client safety will be amongst your top priorities, and keeping on top of the cleaning duties in your gym is key to ensuring this. 

Just as you have a schedule in place for your team to ensure your facilities are always monitored by a member of staff and to see classes running smoothly and on time, it’s a good idea to have a schedule in place that covers daily, weekly, and ad-hoc cleaning duties, so that you can ensure maximum hygiene in your gym at all times. 

The principles governing your staff schedule, your class schedule, and your cleaning schedule are largely the same, and will include: 

Training your staff 

It’s easy to assume that simply asking your team to ‘clean the gym’ will be enough, however it’s always a good idea to brief each staff member in on what exactly the task will involve, so that you can ensure the work gets done properly and everyone is kept on the same page. 

Keeping a log 

With members of staff on different shifts, perhaps even shifts that are variable from week to week, it can be tricky to keep on track with who is doing what and when, but it’s important that you’re able to keep track of things when it comes to your cleaning schedule to make sure you never fall behind and no area is ever missed. Asking staff to keep a written record of who has cleaned what and when will save you time, minimise stress, and allow you the peace of mind that everything is being kept in order.  

Staying organised 

Just as it’s important to stay on top of the who, what and when aspect of the cleaning schedule, it’s equally important to stay organised when it comes to cleaning supplies. The last thing you want is for a team member to commence their cleaning duties only to find that supplies are running low, or have all been used. It’s easy to fall behind with tasks while you’re waiting for your supplies to arrive, and this can cause a break in routine which can quickly become a permanent one if you’re not careful. Conducting a regular “stock check” of your cleaning supplies will prevent you from running this risk. 

Calling in the professionals when needed 

When it comes to running a successful business, we know that it can sometimes feel like there are 101 things to sort out and not enough hours in the day to get through everything. Whilst you’re intention may be to implement a cleaning schedule yourself and distribute the tasks amongst your staff, it may be that, with all the other responsibilities mounting up, this just isn’t feasible. That’s where we come in! 

Whether you’re looking for a regular monthly deep-clean, a weekly cleaning package, or more ad-hoc cleaning services as and when required, the Cleanbright team is here to help! We’ve been providing comprehensive cleaning services to clients across all sectors for over 40 years - get in touch to find out more about how we can help you to maintain the highest levels of cleanliness and hygiene. 

Why invest in cleaning? 

It’s quite simple really - a clean gym = happier members, and therefore a greater client retention rate, which can only mean one thing… protected profits! According to a report conducted by the International Health, Racquet & Sports Club Association (IHRSA), 56% of the gym members surveyed expected their gym to be free of germs. The report also showed that if a gym was considered to be unclean, overall customer satisfaction ratings almost halved, falling from 83% to 43%, whilst retention rates fell from 90% to 52%. The numbers speak for themselves, really! 

Top hygiene tips for gym-goers 

If you’re an active gym member worried about potential germs in your gym, there are a number of things you can do to have a more hygienic gym experience, including: 

Bringing your own clean towel  Wiping down equipment with an antibacterial solution after use  Wearing flip-flops in the washroom  Washing your hands before and after every gym session Wearing a plaster over any cuts  Avoiding the gym if you feel unwell  Washing dirty gym clothes at 60 degrees (celsius) to kill germs  Washing your water bottle between each session 

Cleaning checklist for gym owners 

Are you a gym owner looking for tips on how to implement a cleaning regime in your gym? Here are a few pointers to get you started! 

Daily cleaning tasks 

Clean and disinfect all surfaces that have been touched by gym users, including machines, weights, drinking fountains or water coolers, mats, door handles, etc.  Inspect all equipment for damage or wear and tear  Empty bins  Clean and disinfect changing rooms, shower areas and bathrooms  Ensure that equipment is properly returned and stored after use  Ensure all disinfectant/wipe-down stations are fully stocked 

Weekly cleaning tasks 

Clean the floors throughout your facility  Clean and disinfect upholstered furniture  Clean mirrors and windows (indoors and outdoors, if required)  Clean and lubricate the moving parts of your equipment

Ad-hoc cleaning tasks 

Tidy away anything that may be a tripping hazard  Clean the walls  Clear the lockers  Replace broken or faulty light bulbs  Remove and replace broken equipment  Monitor humidity levels and air circulation 

Need a hand with keeping your gym sparkling clean? Look no further than the Cleanbright team! 

Get in touch for your free, no-obligation quote today!