With the weather becoming hot and humid, cleaning your home gym equipment – machine and small exercise props included – can save you from contracting skin problems, allergies, and other health issues. 

Here are simple ways you can clean the basic pieces of your exercise equipment at home.

Dumbbells
Dumbbells or hand weights are the most basic strength training equipment you can have in your home gym. If you have rubber-coated lightweight dumbbells (2 to 5 pounds), use antimicrobial wipes or a damp piece of cloth to clean before and after use. On the other hand, maintenance of steel and metal dumbbells or kettlebells require special cleaning materials.

Exercise or yoga mat
Exercise and yoga mats are regularly used for bodyweight exercises like yoga, HIIT, Pilates, and full-body circuit training. Before a sweaty exercise session, use a non-slip yoga towel and put it on top of your mat to lessen the sweat that goes on it. To clean the mat, line it with a piece of damp cloth or paper towels, spray a basic solution of water with mild soap or a few drops of dishwashing soap, and let it dry. To disinfect a yoga mat, mix equal parts of water and vinegar and spray the solution on the mat. Alternatively, you can purchase cleaning sprays from the website of special yoga mat brands.

Exercise bands
Exercise tubing, booty band, flat resistance band or loop band made of rubber should be cleaned regularly as well. With a damp cloth, remove the dust from the surroundings and sweat. Hang in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight.  

Suspension training equipment
Your hands can leave a lot of sweat on exercise handles and straps right after an intense workout session. Right after using a suspension training home equipment like TRX, clean the handles and foot cradles with antimicrobial wipes or spray with a disinfectant. Hang to dry right after each session.

Inflatable fitness balls
Stability balls, Bosu, and mini Pilates balls should be cleaned before and after a session. To clean, place the ball on top of your exercise mat to avoid slipping and use antimicrobial wipes or a damp cloth to wipe down the ball. Here’s a tip: put an exercise towel on top of a ball before you lie down to do your core exercises for easier cleaning.

Cardio machines
The treadmill, indoor cycling bike, and elliptical machine are some of the most popular cardio machines that you can use at home. Since cardio exercises are done more frequently during the week, it’s important to keep your machines clean. Wipe the sweat off the handles, seat, and other commonly touched areas with your disinfectant spray or antimicrobial wipes after every use. Keep in mind that one of your family members might be doing his/her cardio routine right after you.