Members notice everything at the gym. They see the sweat on a bench, the towel on the floor and the condition of the locker room. As a result, fitness center cleaning has a direct effect on whether members renew. A clean facility feels safe, cared for and worth the membership fee.
Here is how to plan cleaning for the areas members care about most.
Why Fitness Center Cleaning Matters
Gyms combine heavy traffic, shared equipment and moisture. In addition, members touch the same handles, mats and machines throughout the day. Therefore, a fitness center needs more than a nightly clean. It needs a plan that keeps up with how members actually use the space.
Equipment and High Touch Surfaces
First, focus on what members touch. For example, machine handles, seat pads, free weights, benches and mats need regular cleaning and disinfection. Similarly, door handles, check in counters and water fountains see constant use. Many gyms also provide wipes so members can clean equipment between uses, so keep those stations stocked.
Locker Rooms and Restrooms
Locker rooms are where first impressions turn into lasting opinions. So check them several times a day, keep supplies stocked and clean showers, benches and floors on a set schedule. Moisture also matters, because damp areas can lead to odors and mildew. For more, read about restroom high touch surfaces.
Floors and Mats
Gym floors take a beating from equipment, sweat and outdoor dirt. Therefore, use products that suit each surface, from rubber flooring to hardwood studio floors. In addition, entrance matting helps keep dirt out of workout areas. Read our floor care strategy guide for more.
Plan Fitness Center Cleaning Around Peak Hours
Most gyms have predictable rush hours, such as early mornings and evenings. Meanwhile, quieter periods are the best time for deeper work. For example, a day porter can handle restroom checks, spills and equipment wipe downs during busy times. Then the night crew can take on floors, showers and detail work.
Use the Right Products the Right Way
Follow the label for every disinfectant, including the contact time, which is how long a surface must stay wet. Likewise, choose products that are safe for vinyl, rubber and upholstery so equipment lasts longer. As a result, you protect both members and your investment.
Make Cleaning Visible
Members feel more confident when they can see cleaning happen. For instance, a staff member wiping down equipment during peak hours sends a clear message. Read more about building a transparent cleaning plan.
How WOW! Supports Fitness Center Cleaning
WOW! Facility Services serves fitness centers and studios with janitorial, day porter, floor care and disinfection services. In addition, we use a color coded system to keep tools in the right zones. Every program starts with a facility assessment. Then we build a customized scope of work around your facility. Once service begins, account managers complete quality control inspections against that scope. Meanwhile, our integrated operational platform technology documents inspections, deficiencies and corrections.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should gym equipment be cleaned?
Members should wipe equipment after each use, and staff should clean and disinfect high touch equipment on a regular schedule throughout the day.
What is the hardest part of fitness center cleaning?
Keeping up during peak hours. Day porter coverage helps keep locker rooms, restrooms and equipment ready while members are in the building.
Do I have to switch vendors after a facility assessment?
No. WOW! offers facility assessments at no cost and with no obligation. In fact, you can use one simply to benchmark your current program.
Which areas does WOW! serve?
WOW! Facility Services has its headquarters in White Plains and serves New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, including Westchester County, Fairfield County, Rockland County and New York City.
Give Members a Gym They Want to Return To
WOW! Facility Services has its headquarters in White Plains and serves New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Book a facility assessment at no cost and with no obligation, or call 1-866-780-9966. Want a quick benchmark first? Then grade your current service with the Facility Assessment Scorecard.