A professional cleaner reveals 3 tasks you should always do after exercising at home to avoid a hidden breeding ground for germs

If you're lucky enough to have a home gym, or simply roll out your yoga mat in your living room or grab your set of dumbbells in your bedroom, there are three cleaning tasks you should be doing regularly, says our pro.

In fact, as she highlights, while working out at home may well be convenient for the majority of us, without the right cleaning routine, your workout space can quickly become a breeding ground for germs, dust, and odors.

Here, she shares her three cleaning tips for the tasks she always recommends to keep your home gym or workout space fresh, safe, and motivating.

3 tasks you should be doing if you regularly exercise at home

1. Clean the floors where you place your workout mat

First things first, highlights Karina Toner, cleaning expert and operations manager at Spekless, it's crucial to clean the floors under where you place your workout mat.

She explains, 'Sweat, dust, and pet hair accumulate quickly on floors, and since mats are porous, they can absorb bacteria and odors. Even if you’re only doing yoga or bodyweight exercises, a dirty floor transfers grime to your mat.'

So, to tackle this area when cleaning a home gym, Karina recommends sweeping or vacuuming every few weeks and mopping your floors at least once a week.

'Use a mild, no-rinse floor cleaner, like the Bona Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner available at Amazon, which is safe for hardwood, tile, and laminate,' she says. 'If you have carpets, a lightweight stick vacuum like the Shark Rocket Deluxe Pro Corded Stick Vacuum, also available at Amazon, helps capture dust and debris efficiently.'

Don't forget to wash your yoga mat, too, which should be done at least once a week. Adjust accordingly based on how often you use yours.

2. Wipe down exercise equipment after every use

It's not just your floors and mat that need your attention. In fact, advises Karina, you should be wiping down your exercise equipment after every use.

'Dumbbells, resistance bands, kettlebells, and machines all collect sweat and oils from your hands,' she warns. 'Without regular cleaning, they not only look grimy but can harbor bacteria that spread between workouts.'

So, says Karina, after each session, spray your equipment with a disinfecting solution safe for surfaces, such as the Lysol Disinfectant Spray, available in a pack of four at Amazon. For a more natural option, you can also make a DIY vodka cleaner in a refillable spray bottle, available at Walmart.

'Keep a pack of Amazon Basics Microfiber Cleaning Cloths available at Amazon nearby for quick cleanups,' adds Karina.

3. Sanitize high-touch surfaces

Finally, Karina highlights, 'Items like door handles, light switches, and remotes you may touch during a workout are hotspots for bacteria transfer, especially if you’re moving between sets or switching music. Neglecting these can reintroduce germs to your clean space.'

Therefore, you should clean these high-touch surfaces two or three times a week with a disinfecting wipe, she says, such as the bestselling Clorox Bleach-Free Disinfecting and Cleaning Wipes available at Walmart.

'For sensitive electronics like remotes or smart devices, use the WHOOSH! Screen Shine Go, available at Amazon,' she adds, 'which sanitizes without leaving streaks or residue.'

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FAQs

Is cleaning considered exercise?

If you're an avid cleaner but struggle to find time to exercise, we have good news for you – cleaning can be considered exercise, including doing laundry and vacuuming.

This is because these exercises not only involve physical movement, but also increase your heart rate, strengthen your muscles, and help to improve flexibility.

Meet our expert

Karina Toner

With numerous contributions in Homes & Gardens, Real Homes, The Spruce, and many more, professional cleaner Karina has extensive knowledge of both commercial and residential cleaning, and knows better than anyone how to keep a home gym space clean and sanitized.

'By building these three tasks into your routine, your home workout space will stay clean, hygienic, and more enjoyable to use,' says Karina.

Did you know you can also organize your workout space to encourage exercise?