A new year sparks a fresh wave of motivation for people to get healthy. Eating better and exercising more always top the list of New Year’s resolutions. In fact, more than ? of Americans list one of those as their #1 New Year’s resolution.
If you fall into that category, MomFabulous wants to encourage you to start strong and to persevere through the whole year! Pull your at-home workout equipment out of the closet. Dust it off and organize it in an easy-to-reach area, such as a closet or basket.
As you exercise, your hands get clammy, your skin begins to perspire, and your body heats up. Sometimes there are even ominous smells. If more than one person is using the same workout equipment, it’s important to wipe it clean after each use – just like you would in a gym.
Besides, there will be days you hop on the treadmill as soon as you get home from work…and forget to wash your hands. You can even transfer germs to your equipment if you wear your athletic clothes to the grocery store and then wear them to workout.
Curious how dirty your at-home gym can be? Studies show that germs can linger around on your exercise materials for up to three days. Eww!
One: no Mama wants germs in her house. Two: clean equipment will last longer. Three: you clean the rest of your house, and this won’t take much extra work.
Here is your go-to handbook for how to clean your at-home exercise equipment!
All-Purpose At-Home Gym Cleaner
This is an all-natural cleaner that is antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, and antiseptic.
¾ cup water
¼ cup witch hazel or white vinegar
6 drops lavender oil
3 drops tea tree oil
Spray bottle
- Combine all ingredients into the spray bottle.
- Shake until combined.
- Label and conveniently store in your at-home gym.
To use: spray on gym equipment and wipe dry with a towel. For electronics and technology devices, always spray onto a cloth first, then wipe the device with the damp cloth.
Note: This is an all-natural, gentle yet cleaner that is antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial, and antifungal. Not all equipment will respond well to this spray. Using essential oils may ruin or discolor some materials. Spray a test patch on a small part of your equipment first to make sure the cleanser doesn’t adversely affect it.
Hand weights, Bar weights, and Kettlebells
Generously spray and wipe every surface of the weight. Give a little extra scrub to the parts that your hands held onto. If desired, also spray down the rack that holds your weights.
Allow to fully dry before putting away or using again.
Resistance bands
These floppy bands can be difficult to clean, but they need to be cleaned nonetheless. First, spray your all-purpose at-home gym cleaner onto a rag (not directly onto the bands). Then, wipe both sides of the band with the damp cloth. Hang up to dry.
Spot test this cleaner on a band; although these ingredients are natural and gentle, some bands are sensitive to cleaners. If that’s the case, rinse your bands in a bowl of lukewarm water with one drop of dish soap mixed in.
To increase the lifespan of your resistance bands, do not expose them to sunlight or high temperatures.
Treadmill, Elliptical, Stationary bike, or other machines
First, unplug your machine! As you know, water and electricity do not mix. Next, spray the surfaces that you touched: seats, handlebars, screens, adjustment knobs, water bottle holders, headphone plugs, etc. Wipe gently with a cloth; don’t be afraid to get into nooks and crannies! Allow to fully dry.
You do not need to fully clean every area of the machine every time you exercise, but it is recommended that you at least clean the areas you touched during your workout.
Bench, Mats, and Exercise balls
Your body comes into direct contact with benches and mats and those giant exercise balls, so these need a thorough cleaning after each use. Bonus: regular cleaning will also increase the longevity of your equipment!
First, spray the all-purpose at-home gym cleaner onto the bench or mat or ball (after spot testing). Wipe down with a cloth, rubbing into any grooves or over any sweaty spots. Allow to dry. If desired, you can re-spray after wiping and allow it to air dry.
Floor
Some people like to workout in their tennis shoes while other people much prefer to go barefoot. Regardless of your preference, your at-home gym floors need to be cleaned. And guess what? You can use your All-Purpose At Home Gym Cleaner on your hard surface floors too!
Grab a mop with disposable pads (like a Swiffer) or a reusable microfiber pads. Spray your cleaner directly onto the floor, then mop as usual. If using reusable microfiber pads, be sure to wash them after every use!
Cell phone, Tablet, TV remote, Watch, or other tech devices
Most people don’t exercise in complete silence. Which means you’re rubbing that cell phone or tablet as you workout. You’re changing channels on television or ipod. You might even be tapping your watch buttons as it records your workout.
Guess what? Those devices can all be wiped down with your all-purpose gym cleaner! First, spray the cloth, then wipe down the object. It’s never wise to directly spray a liquid onto a tech object. Always spray your cloth first!
Achieve your New Year’s Goals!
Don’t shy away from setting health-related goals this year. You can reach and exceed your resolutions to be more active and eat healthier foods. You can also improve your health by cleaning your gym equipment with an all-natural cleaner!
- How I stay fit with only 15 minutes of exercise per day
- 10 all-natural cleaning ideas for your home
- The best workouts for moms-on-the-go!
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