One big draw for the new members in a health club would be their top of the line fitness equipment, a complete interactive workout monitoring, and web access. But we can't deny the fact that none of us would want to use a machine that has lost its luster and smells like day-old sweat. The consequences of having dirty equipment go beyond aesthetics itself. The spread of viruses and germs through contact with these equipment is definitely a serious health concern. Oil and dirt that are left behind by the users may interfere with sensors that track the heart rate and other stats. At the same time, it can cause deterioration of equipment padding. However, these are not the only consequences that members see and are concerned about.
There are many fitness facilities that do not have a staff who is required to clean every piece of equipment after use. Instead, they just rely on the users to wipe the machines and just offer them wipes or some spray cleaners. The kind of cleaning product that a facility offers matters less than how it is used: wipes and spray cleaners can only be effective when used correctly, as they can end up damaging the equipment and the users if not. The best thing to do is to have a full understanding of the capabilities of every product.
There are many fitness facilities that do not have a staff who is required to clean every piece of equipment after use. Instead, they just rely on the users to wipe the machines and just offer them wipes or some spray cleaners. The kind of cleaning product that a facility offers matters less than how it is used: wipes and spray cleaners can only be effective when used correctly, as they can end up damaging the equipment and the users if not. The best thing to do is to have a full understanding of the capabilities of every product.
The majority of wipes and sprays in the market today are made with a solution that contains quaternary ammonium compounds. This is an agent in a cleaner that is specifically for killing germs. The depth of cleaning basically depends on the owner or manager's preferences. There are those who only want to use products which are known to be antibacterial, others offer products that are more specified. An antibacterial cleaner is capable of disinfecting. It kills germs and viruses that are commonly found in health clubs. On the other hand, there are some chemicals which are used as disinfectants, they can be some environmentally friendly options that contain chemical agents which are derived from citrus oils to alcohol or phenol-based cleaners. The problem when it comes to the latter two is that they may pose a threat to the equipment. In fact, there are some options available which can be corrosive.
When selecting a particular product, facility owners need to consider not only whether it fits the budget or not. It has to be relatively safe for humans, which means respect and having caution. At the same time, it should be something that can be used safely on surfaces that exercises may come in contact with, without the need to be caustic. Moreover, it has to be material-safe as well. Drying chemicals may lead to premature wear, aging, and cracking of vinyl and plastic.
When selecting a particular product, facility owners need to consider not only whether it fits the budget or not. It has to be relatively safe for humans, which means respect and having caution. At the same time, it should be something that can be used safely on surfaces that exercises may come in contact with, without the need to be caustic. Moreover, it has to be material-safe as well. Drying chemicals may lead to premature wear, aging, and cracking of vinyl and plastic.
Ultimately, it is highly important for the managers and owners of fitness facilities to read the labels of the cleaning products, understand the limitations, and to take the full responsibility of making sure that the equipment is cleaned and disinfected properly. The staff members should also clean the equipment on a regular basis. Practicing all these things will not only guarantee a long-lasting use of the products and will give a more healthy and worthwhile experience to the exercisers.