If you spent lockdown working out at home, chances are your home gym equipment is in need of a deep clean.
On a seemingly endless list of household chores, wiping, washing and disinfecting your weights, mats and any other gear is something that’s all too easy to overlook.
But it’s a quick and easy task – just follow these top tips…
How to clean home workout equipment
Yoga mats play a part in most people’s at-home exercise regimes. If you use your mat once a week, you should probably clean it about once a month. To disinfect your mat, spritz both sides with a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar with a splash of tea tree oil, then wipe it clean with a towel.
To give it a deep clean, follow up with soap and water. Scrub the solution firmly into your mat with a microfibre cloth, rinse it off with warm water and then allow it to air dry.
Free weights are easy to clean so it’s worth giving them a wipe down after every workout. Anti-bacterial sprays are a quick and effective option. Simply spray a small amount on a clean cloth and wipe down your weights, paying particular attention to the parts you hold during your workout.
Alternatively, use the ever-reliable option of soap and water. This also applies to ‘improvised’ free weights – if you’ve been using tins of baked beans as dumbbells, give them a wipe down before you put them back in the cupboard.
If you’re working out on carpet rather than a mat, remember to clean it afterwards. A thorough vacuum should be enough to remove any grime. If possible, deep clean with a carpet shampoo every couple of months or so. For hard floors, use a damp mop with some cleaning solution and dry it with a clean cloth afterwards.
Feeling inspired? Check out the rest of our handy cleaning tips and household hacks!