5 Tips for Disinfecting and Sanitizing Your North Dallas Gym

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Richardson is available to provide an extra hand with periodic comprehensive cleaning or a refresh.

It has always been common courtesy to wipe down a machine at the gym after use, but when COVID-19 hit the Dallas area, the cleaning regimen for fitness centers changed (for what might be forever).

Facilities are now cleaned more frequently while patrons do their part to keep equipment and hands clean. Exercise is a part of a healthy lifestyle, so SERVPRO is here to help gyms stay clean and hygienic with this guide based on CDC information.

1. Set a Cleaning and Disinfection Schedule

A gym is a busy place and all of your staff should be cross-trained for cleaning duties. Since you’ve staffed for peak times, you know what the visitor traffic patterns are. 

In addition to cleaning surfaces with disinfectant, also perform regular vacuuming with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and bags.

Cleaning duties should immediately follow peak times. Staff will be delegated to every section of the gym for a complete wipedown including locker rooms. Daily routine cleanings should be enforced by supervisors checking and signing off on the duties being done.

2. Stock Up on Supplies

A hardworking staff can’t keep a gym clean without the right supplies. Keep your closets well stocked with automatic shipments of cleaners, paper products, gloves, etc.

Corporate gyms most likely already have a supplier for cleaning products. If you’re looking to purchase, SERVPRO and the CDC recommend EPA-registered disinfectants effective against viruses.

Make it a strict policy that any solutions (chemicals mixed with water) be properly labeled so that cleaners don’t get mixed up. We recommend keeping the cleaners organized and differentiated between those meant for routine cleaning vs. ones for “high touch” wipedowns. 

3. Sanitize High Touch Areas More Often

In addition to regular cleanings, it’s best practice to wipe down all “high touch” areas. This includes door handles, bathroom faucets, paper towel dispensers, your most popular equipment, and touch screens.

For sensitive electronic devices like POS system screens, you should avoid spraying these. Instead, use wipes that are specifically designed for electronic screens.

4. Train Employees on How to Use Products

The cleaning protocol for disinfectants and sanitation products all depends on what supplies you have on hand. It’s best to read all the directions before use or having your staff use these products.

For example, some products are to be left on a surface for several minutes before they can be wiped off. If not, the surface has not been sanitized. Some cleaning products require that gloves or masks be worn during use.

For the safety of your staff and for the cleanest gym environment possible, be sure that your staff knows exactly how to use each cleaning product.

5. Encourage Customers to Do Their Part

One popular gym chain launched a full campaign complete with signage, recurring PSAs mixed in with the streaming music over the facility speaker system. This was a friendly reminder to clean up after the use of machines. 

Set up plenty of cleaning stations for your patrons to use. These stations are equipped with paper towel dispensers, cleaning spray for wipedowns, hand sanitizer, and a large trash receptacle.

Thankfully, many fitness enthusiasts already practice gym etiquette and providing them the cleaning supplies they need makes it that much easier.

SERVPRO’s Gym Cleaning and Sanitation Services

Gyms everywhere have hardworking staff, but sometimes they need a little help with keeping everything sanitized. 

SERVPRO of Richardson is available to provide an extra hand with periodic comprehensive cleaning or a refresh. Refresh services include:

• Carpet cleaning
• Upholstery cleaning
• Air duct cleaning with new a/c filters
• HEPA air scrubbing

Call SERVPRO at (972) 690-1414 for a free on-site estimate. We operate 24/7 and will work around your gym’s schedule!