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8 Ways to Clean the Fitness Gear You Always Forget to Clean

By , SparkPeople Blogger
You don't even want to know what kinds of things could be growing on that water bottle you've kept in your hot car's cup holder for the last six months. Same goes for that gym bag sitting by the front door housing last week's forgotten soaked clothes.

It's no secret that germs are lurking all over your gym, but what about the ones hiding out in the equipment you lug back and forth to the gym or rely on for your at-home workouts? Taking the time to wipe down and care for your yoga mat or plastic water bottle is just as essential as washing your sweat-drenched, post-workout tank top and leggings. Neglecting to do so could result in your gym equipment becoming home sweet home to some unwelcome and unpleasant bacteria. 

"Workout and fitness items are often a breeding ground for germs and and bacteria, as they are damp and moist, [which allows] bacteria to easily multiply," Melissa Maker of Clean My Space says. "Germs are spread easily in workout spaces as equipment is shared, so airborne illnesses transfer from one item to the next, which makes cleaning your equipment all the more important."

Incorporating basic maintenance of your personal workout gear into your overall routine will not only keep you safe from being sidelined by illness, but you'll also be giving yourself peace of mind and an inviting, fresh atmosphere for your sweat sessions. "Cleanliness definitely affects overall health and wellbeing, as countless studies have shown," Maker says. "It is not just the basic fact that you are getting rid of harmful germs and bacteria, but it is proven that having a clean and organized space allows you to focus better and relax easier." 

Keep these easy cleaning recommendations on hand for all your sweatier-than-you-think pieces of gym equipment.




What are your favorite cleaning hacks for fitness gear?