When it comes to keeping your fitness center clean not all products are created equal. Many conventional cleaners are full of toxic ingredients, like bleach and quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), which are harmful to human health. While using natural or green products may seem compelling, these typically lack the disinfecting power to keep your fitness center germ-free. Here’s what to keep in mind as you look for an EPA-registered disinfectant that’s free from toxic chemicals.
Risks of Using Conventional Cleaners and Disinfectants
When you rely on conventional cleaning products and disinfectants that contain ingredients like bleach, quats, phthalates and fragrances, you put the cleaning staff and anyone who works out in your facility at risk of developing health problems. Exposure to toxic chemicals has been linked to health risks including COPD, allergies, hormone disruption and endocrine disruption. With about 30% of the U.S. population having asthma or allergies, it’s hard to protect these sensitive populations.
The American Lung Association also recommends avoiding products with fragrances, irritants and flammable ingredients. One recent study even found that routine use of commercial cleaning products may deposit pollutant particles into respiratory tracts at a similar — or higher — rate than car exhaust. Another study found prolonged use of conventional products with harmful chemicals by cleaning staff can be just as bad for their health as smoking a pack of cigarettes per day.
Cleaning chemicals aren’t only toxic to your staff and customers, but can they damage your expensive equipment. Many conventional cleaning solutions can cause serious damage and corrosion to equipment over time. Only use toxin-free, hard-working multi-purpose cleaners and effective medical-grade disinfectants to keep your center protected from germs and health-compromising chemicals.
Which Areas to Clean?
Between the sweating and heavy breathing, it’s critical to disinfect your fitness center regularly to keep surfaces and equipment clean for your clients. Here are a few key areas to focus on:
- Yoga and Exercise Mats. Sweaty mats are a germ-fostering environment and need to be disinfected between ever use. Be careful not to use traditional cleaning solutions, which can cause real damage to these mats and void warranties.
- Studio Floors and Mats. Floors and mats don’t just harbor viruses; they can allow the spread of conditions like athletes’ feet and ringworm.
- Exercise Equipment and Props. From treatment tables used to expensive equipment like rowers or reformer equipment, athletic facilities are packed with areas that your clients interact with and need a gentle, yet effective disinfectant solution.
- Locker Room, Lockers and Benches and Waiting Areas. The warm, humid air can provide an environment for germs and bacteria to grow and thrive. Having a clean and fresh-smelling locker room helps promote your image as a high-end facility.
- Shared Technology and High Touch Areas. From doorknobs and light switches to computers and tablets, it’s important to disinfect high-touch areas regularly to ensure germs don’t spread around your facility.
There’s no need to settle for bleach or quat-based cleaning products. Athletic fitness facilities and studios now have access to highly-effective, EPA-registered disinfectants that can protect their clients, staff and equipment investments. These new products are toxic-chemical free, effective, planet-friendly and can even save you money.
