Gyms are basically petri dishes in disguise. Sweat, humidity, shared equipment, and busy locker rooms make them a perfect hangout spot, not just for fitness lovers, but for bacteria, viruses, and fungi too.
If you run a gym, you already know how important it is to keep things looking spotless. But surface-level shine? It's not enough. Your members expect (and deserve) a hygienic, safe environment so they can focus on smashing PBs, not dodging germs.
At Cleancorp, we've partnered with loads of gyms and fitness centres, and we've seen first-hand what it takes to keep high-traffic fitness spaces truly clean. Let's break down exactly what a proper gym cleaning program involves, and why it’s an absolute non-negotiable for modern gyms.
Why Gym Cleaning Needs to Go Beyond a Quick Wipe Down
Most gym-goers do their best to wipe equipment after use (bless them). But let’s be real... a quick swipe with a towel doesn’t eliminate viruses or bacteria.
With heavy daily use and sweaty bodies everywhere, standard cleaning schedules often fall short. That’s where professional gym cleaning steps in. It protects your brands reputation and helps keep your members loyal, healthy, and coming back for more.
Your Ultimate Gym Cleaning Checklist
1. The Entrance: First Impressions Matter
That first step inside sets the vibe. Clean entry mats, spotless glass doors, and fresh-smelling lobbies instantly tell your members that you take hygiene seriously. Dust, mop, and disinfect these areas daily (minimum) - they’re your brand’s handshake.
2. Workout Zones: Your Main Stage
Mirrors, dumbbells, benches, mats... all magnets for fingerprints and sweat. These spaces should be cleaned multiple times a day, not just at closing time.
A regular wipe isn’t enough: professional-grade disinfectant sprays, electrostatic sprayers, and targeted antibacterial treatments are essential to stop bacteria in their tracks.
3. Equipment: Bacteria’s Favorite Playground
Treadmills, bikes and weights... they get up close and personal with everyone. Disinfectant wipes and sprays should be readily available for members, but staff (or your cleaning team) should also deep clean all high-touch points several times daily.
Equipment hygiene isn’t just about looking good; it’s about stopping viruses and staph infections dead in their tracks.
4. Mats: The Ground Zero
Mats soak up sweat like a sponge. Vinyl mats can quickly become breeding grounds for bacteria and odors if not cleaned properly. Mats should be cleaned and disinfected after every use, using dedicated cloths and disinfectants — no cross-contamination from other areas.
5. Locker Rooms & Showers: Hot and Humid Havens
Locker rooms are notorious for mold, athlete's foot, and staph infections. Regular deep cleaning, anti-fungal treatments, and thorough disinfection of showers, benches, and floors are critical.
Encourage members to do their bit (like putting towels away properly) but ultimately, it’s your job to keep these spaces safe and fresh.
6. Bathrooms: High-Traffic, High-Risk
Every touchpoint (door handles, taps, flush buttons) needs regular attention. Bathrooms should be cleaned and disinfected multiple times throughout the day to avoid them turning into germ epicenters.
7. Reception Desks: The Brand Welcome Zone
The front desk is often overlooked, but it’s a high-touch zone: pens, clipboards, EFTPOS machines, and counters. Keep these surfaces spotless and always stocked with hand sanitiser.
8. Floors: Your Undercover Hygiene Hero
Gym floors, especially wooden ones, are tricky. They absorb moisture and can warp or crack if neglected. Regular sweeping, mopping with the right disinfectant, and specialized floor care help maintain their look and safety.
Clean vs. Disinfect vs. Sanitise: Not the Same Thing
👉 Cleaning: Removes visible dirt and grime.
👉 Disinfecting: Kills germs and viruses on surfaces.
👉 Sanitising: Lowers the number of germs to safe levels.
A true gym cleaning program needs all three; regularly and systematically.
How Often Should Gyms Be Cleaned?
| Area | Cleaning Frequency | Key Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance | Daily | Sweep, mop, disinfect doors and handles |
| Workout zones | Multiple times daily | Disinfect equipment, mirrors, touch points |
| Equipment | After each use + deep daily | Wipe with disinfectant, detail clean handles |
| Mats | After each use | Disinfect, dedicated cloths only |
| Locker rooms | At least twice daily | Clean benches, showers, remove moisture |
| Bathrooms | Multiple times daily | Full disinfect, restock supplies |
| Reception | Daily | Clean counters, disinfect pens and touch pads |
| Floors | Daily | Sweep, mop, inspect for moisture damage |
The Cleancorp Difference: We Do the Heavy Lifting
At Cleancorp, we know gym cleaning isn’t a one-size-fits-all job. Our team works with you to build a customised cleaning plan that fits your schedule and keeps your members safe. We use advanced disinfection tech (like electrostatic sprayers) and eco-friendly, hospital-grade products — because we care about your brand, your people, and the planet.
Ready to Set the New Standard?
Your gym is a community. Give your members the confidence to keep coming back, injury and infection-free.
📞 Call us on 1300 211 944 or Get A Free Quote below to learn how we can help keep your gym looking (and feeling) its best.