Gym Cleaning Best Practice

Best Practices for Gym Cleanliness and Hygiene

Cleanliness has always and still remains as one of the most pointed reasons of dissatisfaction from members and reasons members cancel a membership. A clean gym fosters a healthier, more inviting environment, reducing the risk of infections and improves both member retention and satisfaction. Whether you’re a gym owner, manager, or staff member, following best practices for gym cleanliness is non-negotiable.

1. Facility Cleanliness: Setting the Standard

Daily Cleaning Protocols

A structured cleaning schedule ensures that all areas of the gym remain hygienic and free from bacteria, sweat, and dirt. Essential daily cleaning practices include:

• Equipment Wipe-Downs: Staff should sanitize high-touch surfaces such as cardio, dumbbells, barbells, machines, and mats after thoroughly a minimum of twice a day with a few three spot check routines. Constant monitoring from staff should then attend to any unhygienic situations per use.

• Locker Rooms and Showers: These areas are breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi. Clean and disinfect showers, lockers, and changing areas multiple times per day. In addition, commercial cleaners should be hired to thoroughly clean once a day in addition to this cleaning.

• Gym Floor: Gym floors accumulate sweat, chalk, and dirt. Regular vacuuming and mopping with disinfectant keep them safe and clean. This also improves presentation.

• Ventilation Systems: Air quality impacts member experience. Clean and service HVAC filters and ventilation systems regularly. These should follow a commercial service and cleaning contract.

• Facility Clean: In addition to equipment and core cleaning, a full schedule of cleaning of secondary facilities should be implemented. This should include items such as fans, ceilings, glass, walls, mirrors, light fittings, ledges, and other equipment items such as under treadmills, inside plate load shrouds etc.

Encouraging Member Participation

Keeping a gym clean is a primary responsibility for staff however members also play an integral part if service is made available and encouraged-

• Provide sanitizing wipes or spray bottles at every workout station for easy access for members to clean per use.

• Display clear signage reminding members to wipe down equipment after use.

• Offer hand sanitizer stations at entry points, near free weights, and in common areas.

• Encourage and enforce use of towels in the facility

• Be seen to be cleaning and members will follow.

Air Quality and Ventilation

Proper airflow reduces airborne contaminants and improves overall hygiene.

• Ensure HVAC equipment is well maintained, and filters are clean

• Keep windows open where possible to promote natural ventilation.

• Use fans for promote air flow and include fresh air ventilation if windows are limited.

Creating a Culture Cleanliness

• Educate members on proper gym etiquette, including hygiene expectations and member policies and procedures.

• Use posters, digital screens, and social media to communicate cleanliness messages.

• Have a zero-tolerance policy for not using a towel on machines or not wiping down a machine. Ensure you always have spare towels available for hirer or purchase.

• Ensure staff visibility to monitor and enforce rules consistently.

A gym that prioritizes cleanliness not only protects its members but also enhances its reputation and retention in the competitive fitness industry. By implementing rigorous cleaning protocols and fostering a culture of hygiene, gym owners can create a welcoming healthier environment for all.