Why Do Gyms and Fitness Centers Need Deep Cleaning Services?

3/11/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Carrollton stresses the priority of having trained and certified technicians deep clean fitness centers during the COVID crisis.

SERVPRO of Carrollton is a respected provider of commercial cleaning and property damage restoration services, such as water removal and fire damage cleanup. The team of cleaning experts at SERVPRO is committed to ushering in a new standard of clean through their defensive pathogen cleaning program. The Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program enables businesses to remain open, clean, and safe.

Gyms and fitness centers, as high-risk environments for the transmission of COVID-19 and its contagious variants, have been hit hard by the pandemic. Health experts at Everyday Health explain the situation: “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, gyms and fitness centers have been places where the risk of transmission of the novel coronavirus is high. People get sick with COVID-19 when respiratory droplets and aerosols carrying the virus come in contact with the eyes, mouth, and nose. And gyms are high-touch, close-proximity spaces where vigorous exercise increases the range at which people exhale respiratory particles because they’re breathing more heavily...”

Gym and fitness center risk factors include:

• High concentration of people
• High-touch environment
• Close-proximity activities
• Elevated respiration rate and intensity
• Asymptomatic carriers

Although fitness centers have been hit hard by COVID-19, people are still eager to stay in shape and enjoy community with like-minded enthusiasts. Cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing options are available to overcome these risk factors so people can achieve their health and fitness goals.

The Workout Environment: A Bacteria Breeding Ground

Free weights, pull-up bars, exercise machines, and other workout equipment are contaminated with viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The floor, too, can harbor a high concentration of germs. A thorough and rigorous cleaning protocol is crucial to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, its variants, and other infectious illnesses such as the common cold and the flu.

Common Germs in the Gym

A common contaminant in the typical fitness center is E. Coli, which is found on many touchpoints in the workout area. Exercise equipment can facilitate the spread of staph infections. The floors in the locker room, showers, and sauna can spread candida, a yeast fungus that causes athlete’s foot. Strep throat can be transmitted from doorknobs and handles on workout machines. Infectious respiratory droplets from sneezes, coughs, or talking can infect others with influenza or COVID-19. Thankfully, early detection and intervention go a long way to treating these ailments.

Cleaning and Disinfecting: What Is the Difference?

A hygienic fitness center is achieved with both cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning removes germs, body fluids, dirt, and grime from equipment and other surfaces. Contaminants are manually wiped away with a cloth, brush, or sponge using water and a detergent. Cleaning lowers the germ count, reducing the risk of infection, while disinfection actually kills most germs and viruses on the various surfaces in the fitness center. Nonporous surfaces such as glazed tiles, plastic, metal, marble, and glass can be disinfected.

What Cleaning and Disinfection Products Are Best?

Safe and effective EPA-approved disinfectants are best. The label lists what bacteria and viruses the disinfectant kills and provides instructions on proper usage. Disinfectants have a contact time which refers to how long the product must remain visibly wet on a surface in order to work. Successful elimination of germs depends largely on following the directions found on the product label.

The Need for Personal Protective Equipment

Exposure to harsh chemicals and contaminated surfaces is a risk hazard for cleaning staff. They should receive adequate training and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) while cleaning and disinfecting the facility. This equipment includes:

• Gloves
• A mask or face shield
• A gown or coveralls
• Eye protection such as goggles

These measures protect workers from accidental splashes. PPE should be thoroughly disinfected or discarded after use to limit cross-contamination.

Important Cleaning and Disinfecting Recommendations

Surfaces to be wiped down with an EPA-approved disinfectant include workout equipment, countertops, faucet handles, light switches, and doorknobs. Proper disinfecting techniques should be followed. Prevent recontamination by wiping in one direction. Spray surfaces and be sure to allow for the recommended contact time. To prevent members from experiencing skin or eye irritation from the disinfectant, consider flushing the equipment with soap and water to remove the dried disinfectant.

Prescribe a daily routine of cleaning and disinfecting. Documentation and accountability will ensure consistency, and consistency will limit infection. Some training and exercise equipment may need to be disinfected many times a day. A clean, safe facility with a documented cleaning protocol may reduce exposure to potential litigation stemming from sickness traced to the facility.

Fitness center members can do their part to limit the spread of disease by following the following these easy steps:

• Create a barrier between the machine and the skin with a towel.
• Clean each machine with a disinfectant wipe after each use.
• Avoid touching the face, eyes, mouth, or nose during the workout.
• Wash hands after the workout.

Fitness center facility managers should consider securing the services of a reputable, certified professional cleaning company for periodic deep cleaning. The Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Program is a defensive pathogen cleaning strategy dedicated to ushering in a new standard of clean to keep people safe and confident when they enter a business, professional office, workspace, daycare, school, or fitness center.

Gyms and fitness centers in Farmers Branch, TX, and the surrounding area can learn more about SERVPRO of Carrollton’s commercial cleaning services by emailing office@SERVPRO10952.com. The office can also be contacted by phone at (972) 446-0383. In addition to cleaning and disinfecting services, SERVPRO of Carrollton provides damage restoration services, including fire, storm, and water damage restoration.