How To Clean Gyms and Leisure Centres

A consistent, well-planned cleaning routine essential – not only for hygiene, but also for customer satisfaction, safety and your gym’s reputation. 

In this guide, we’ll discuss:

• How to clean gym equipment
• How to deep clean gym floors
• How to clean changing rooms
• The best gym and fitness centre cleaning equipment to use for each area

Why gyms and leisure centres need strict cleaning routines

A recent study found that gym equipment can contain far more bacteria than a toilet seat, with free weights carrying over 300 times the number of germs typically found in a bathroom. And it isn’t just weights – treadmills, exercise bikes and other gym machines also harbour high levels of harmful bacteria. 

In fact, more than 70% of the strains identified were considered potentially dangerous to humans, including those linked to pneumonia, septicaemia and toxic shock syndrome. With so many people sharing the same equipment every day, proper cleaning isn’t optional – it’s essential for protecting your staff and gym members.

How often should a gym be cleaned?

Your gym or leisure centre should be cleaned every day, with deeper cleaning scheduled throughout the week and month. Here’s a typical gym cleaning routine:

• Daily: floors, gym equipment, free weights, doors and changing rooms
• Weekly: deep floor scrub, steam cleaning of showers and changing rooms
• Monthly: deep clean and disinfect all areas, including flooring and any outdoor spaces. You should also disassemble equipment where appropriate and thoroughly clean all components.

You should also encourage members and personal trainers to wipe down their equipment after every use. Make sure to provide adequate cleaning stations and clear signage throughout the gym.

6 tips to help you maintain a cleaner and safer gym

Keeping your gym consistently clean starts with building good habits and giving your staff the tools they need to maintain high standards every day. Here are a few simple but effective tips to help you stay on top of hygiene.

1. Create a clear cleaning schedule. Set daily, weekly and monthly tasks so everyone knows what to do and when. 
2. Train staff to use cleaning equipment. Proper training is important when it comes to safety and effectiveness.

1. Use microfibre cloths. They’re ideal for lifting sweat, oils and dirt compared to standard cloths. They also help keep equipment free from marks and smudges.

1. Ventilate changing rooms. Proper airflow reduces moisture, mould and odours in humid areas like changing rooms. 
2. Increase cleaning at peak times. Early mornings, evenings and weekends typically see higher footfall, so add extra cleaning checks to stay ahead. 
3. Maintain equipment weekly. Regularly check cables, padding, frames and flooring around machines to prevent dirt build-up and prolong the life of your gym equipment.

The best gym cleaning equipment to hire

Choosing the right equipment doesn’t just make cleaning easier – it makes the whole process faster, safer and far more effective. This includes tools designed specifically for steam cleaning for gyms, which are ideal for tackling bacteria, odours and grime in high-moisture areas.

Here are some of our most popular gym cleaning machines available to hire.

• BR 35/12 Scrubber Dryer – Compact and highly manoeuvrable, perfect for gym flooring, free weight zones and studio spaces. 
• B 50 Scrubber Dryer  – A powerful option for larger, open-plan gym floors and leisure centre corridors where fast, consistent cleaning is essential. 
• SGV 8/5 Steam Vacuum Cleaner – Ideal for deep cleaning wet areas, tiles, showers and changing rooms. It combines steam and vacuum power to remove grime, kill bacteria and eliminate odours. 
• T 10/1 Professional Dry Vacuum – A reliable vacuum for carpets, entrance mats and debris removal across all gym areas.

Now that we’ve covered the essential gym cleaning equipment, let’s look at how to use it as part of an effective cleaning routine.

A daily (and weekly) cleaning routine for gym and leisure centres

Whether you’re opening a new gym or taking over management, following a clear daily and weekly routine will help you stay on top of hygiene, protect your equipment and create a better experience for your members.

Hire professional gym cleaning equipment

Ready to improve hygiene standards in your gym or leisure centre? Kärcher Hire provides reliable, professional-grade cleaning machines designed to handle everything from daily floor care to deep cleaning changing rooms. Explore our full range of gym cleaning equipment or speak to our team to find the best machine for your facility.