How Often Should You Deep Clean Home Gym Equipment?

When you’re working out, your first thought probably isn’t about how clean your equipment is. But if your mats, dumbbells, and shoes are probably a lot dirtier than you think, considering the moisture and bacteria they’re exposed to from your sweat. Even if you give everything a wipe down after working out, you should also be deep cleaning your equipment periodically to prolong its lifespan and keep you healthy.

How Often Should You Deep Clean Yoga Mats?

Yoga mats are prone to sweat, dirt, and bacteria buildup, making regular cleaning essential. Ideally, you should clean your yoga mat after every use by wiping it down with a mild soap or a yoga mat cleaner.

For a deep clean, you can hand wash it using a gentle detergent and warm water. Gently scrub the surface with a soft brush, rinse thoroughly, and allow it to air dry completely before using it again. You should deep clean your yoga mat once a month if you use it regularly.

How Often Should You Deep Clean Gym Bags?

Gym bags can accumulate odors and bacteria over time, especially if you frequently store damp workout clothes or shoes in them. To keep your bag smelling fresh, you should remove all the contents and air it out every couple of days.

Most gym bags can be deep cleaned by wiping them down with a mild detergent before wiping with a clean cloth. Some bags can be thrown in the washing machine, although you should check the manufacturer’s instructions before doing so. Make sure your bag is completely dry before storing your equipment inside. You should deep clean your gym bag every three months.

How Often Should You Deep Clean Dumbbells and Weights?

Dumbbells and weights come into contact with your hands, sweat, and body oils frequently, making them susceptible to germ and bacteria buildup. Wipe down your dumbbells and weights with a disinfectant wipe or a cloth dampened with a mild detergent solution after each use.

To deep clean dumbbells and weights, you can create a mixture of warm water and mild soap. Use a clean cloth or sponge to scrub the surfaces, paying extra attention to the handles and any textured areas. Rinse everything thoroughly and allow your gear to air dry before putting it away. You should deep clean dumbbells and weights every two weeks.

How Often Should You Deep Clean Gym Shoes?

Gym shoes endure significant wear and tear during workouts and can harbor bacteria and less-than-pleasant odors. Many sneakers are machine-washable, so feel free to throw them in the laundry every few weeks to freshen them up.

If you can’t wash your shoes in the washing machine, wipe them down with a damp cloth and mild detergent or use a sneaker cleaning kit. To battle standard odors, sprinkle baking soda inside your shoes and let them sit overnight before shaking them out. You should deep clean your gym shoes every couple of weeks or whenever they start to look dirty.

How Often Should You Deep Clean Resistance Bands?

Resistance bands are versatile and convenient, but they can accumulate sweat and body oils over time. After each use, wipe your bands down with a sanitizing wipe or cleaning solution.

To deep clean resistance bands, fill a sink or basin with warm water and a gentle detergent. Submerge the bands and gently scrub them with your hands or a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly and allow them to air dry completely before storing. You should deep clean resistance bands every few weeks depending on how frequently you use them.

How Often Should You Deep Clean Water Bottles?

Some people wash their water bottles every day while other people go months without even rinsing them out. Ideally, you should be rinsing your water bottle with soapy water every day to limit the growth of bacteria.

Water bottles should be deep cleaned at least once a week. If your water bottle is dishwasher safe, this will be the easiest way to sanitize it. If you can’t use a dishwasher, use a bottle brush to reach all the nooks and crannies instead. Rinse thoroughly and let it air dry with the cap off.

How Often Should You Deep Clean Foam Rollers?

Foam rollers are used to release muscle knots and are a staple in many home gyms. Wipe your foam roller down with a sanitizing wipe after each use, making sure to cover the entire surface of the roller.

Many foam rollers are porous, so they can’t be submerged in water without being damaged. A sanitizing wipe every day should be enough to keep yours clean for a long time, but you should replace the roller altogether once it starts to break down or develop any musty odors.

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Keeping your workout gear clean is vital for your health and the longevity of your equipment. Here’s how often you should be cleaning things like yoga mats and gym bags, and how to do it.