If you’ve been to a number of gyms in your life, there’s a good chance you’ve been to a place that left a negative impression based on its cleanliness standards. For most people, poor sanitation is a major red flag that will have them rushing to cancel their membership and going to a competitor down the street.
Maintaining a clean and sanitary fitness center is crucial for your business. Not only will a clean gym attract more customers, but it will also help you build a good reputation that will improve your company's long-term outlook.
Here are some essential tips for maintaining a sanitary fitness center.
1. Develop a Cleaning Schedule
A dirty fitness center can be a breeding ground for germs, bacteria, and viruses, which can cause illnesses and infections. The first step in tackling this issue is to create a cleaning schedule that is realistic and easy for your staff to follow.
Daily tasks should include:
- wiping down equipment after use
- consistently disinfecting high-touch areas like door handles
- cleaning the bathrooms
Weekly cleaning should include tasks like:
- mopping the floors
- cleaning the windows
- dusting
Monthly cleaning tasks should include:
- deep cleaning the gym equipment
- steam cleaning the carpets
- disinfecting the locker rooms
2. Educate Your Staff
This point may seem obvious, but it can’t be overstated enough. If you don’t properly train your staff, your sanitation standards will be inconsistent and could lead to more serious problems like the spread of bacteria or viruses.
Gym management should always provide staff with proper training on cleaning and disinfecting equipment and surfaces, proper waste disposal and management, and the importance of hand hygiene.
3. Provide Cleaning Supplies for Customer Use
Want to know a tip that will improve your gym’s cleanliness while lowering the workload for your staff? Stock cleaning supplies for customer use throughout the gym.
If items like hand sanitizer, disinfectent wipes, and paper towels are readily available, people will be encouraged to use them. You might be surprised how many people are eager to wipe down the equipment themselves before and after use.
4. Hire a Professional Cleaning Service
If you want to run a professional operation, why not hire professional cleaners periodically throughout the year? Cleaning companies have the equipment and expert personnel needed to clean all the spots that your staff may have missed. Seeking help from the pros will keep your gym in the best condition for attracting and retaining customers.
5. Maintain Proper Ventilation and Air Quality
Have you ever been to a stuffy, crowded gym that is full of unpleasant odors? Not only do gyms with poor ventilation smell bad, but the lack of air flow can increase the risk of airborne infections.
Enhance your fitness center’s air quality by installing air purifiers, opening windows, using fans, and keeping your ventilation system regularly maintained.