With the announcement of gyms and indoor fitness classes being directed to close in hopes of curbing the COVID-19 virus, it seems like we’re left with no choice but to work out at home.
We’re pretty sure many of you out there are guilty of not airing out your yoga mats or even wiping down your resistance bands. Since we are in a pandemic, cleanliness should certainly be practised even at home — thus below, we have shared some tips on cleaning your workout equipment at home.
Yoga mats
Image: Maryjoy Caballero/Unsplash
Nothing disrupts your workout routine more than the thought of lying on an icky yoga mat. Sweat, odours, dust and dirt are pretty much accumulated on the mat during each workout session.
Thankfully, these are easily removed and of course, making it pandemic-proof. Some mats are also machine-washable but do read the manual before doing so. Otherwise, here’s two ways on how to spot clean both sides of the mat.
Method 1:
- Use a yoga mat cleaner; just a quick spritz on the mat, let it dry up and it’s good to go.
Method 2:
- Mix a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid and two cups of warm water in a spray bottle to clean the mat
- Wipe the mat down with a damp cloth that is dipped in clear water before laying it out to dry before rolling it back up.
To eliminate odours and absorb the sweat:
- Rub on some baking soda and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes before brushing or vacuuming off the excess.
Caring for your mat:
- Keep them out of direct sunlight
- Avoid using skin creams or oil before using it.
Foam rollers
Image: SrdjanPav/Getty Images
Nuff said, foam rollers are indeed an athlete’s best friend to cure onset muscle soreness. As much as it cares for the user, one should also care for the foam roller with these methods below.
Method 1:
- Use mild dishwashing liquid and spritz it onto a damp cloth.
- Wipe down the foam roller including the inner roll and let it air dry.
Method 2:
- Use antibacterial wipes, which are certainly, a must-have in the pandemic era.
- After wiping the foam roller down, let it air dry as well.
Caring for it:
- Keep it out of direct sunlight.
- Store out of reach from infants and pets to avoid injuries.
Dumbbells
Image: Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash
There are endless types of dumbbells sold in the market today. Be it the coloured or classic black ones, it’s essential that you clean them out at least once every two weeks to sustain the grip for your next usage.
Method 1:
- Prepare a gallon of water into a bucket and mix a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid.
- Dip a clean cloth into the liquid and wring it till it’s damp.
- Wipe down your rubber dumbbells and weight plates.
Tip: As your hands might get slippery, do take extra precaution to ensure it’s cushioned even it falls.
Caring for it:
- Keep them out of direct sunlight
- As much as the dumbbells and weights are durable and heavy, you should still be careful with them.
- Do avoid clanking them together or throwing them on the floor as this may damage the rubber.
Resistance bands
Image: Maria Fuchs/Getty Images
Resistance bands are a great way to compliment a workout or when you do not have room for big and expensive equipment at home.
Just FYI, knowing how these bands are made of latex, similar to that of balloons, it’s no surprise if it snaps or loses elasticity within a short period of time.
Well, of course, that doesn’t mean you leave it to rot after each use. Instead, here are ways to prolong its lifespan.
Method 1 (with dish soap):
- Put your resistance band into a pail.
- Add some warm water along with mild dishwashing soap.
- Use only your hands to gently wash the band before drying it out with a towel.
Method 2 (without dish soap):
- Get a damp cloth and wipe down the band
- Use a dry towel to wipe out excess moisture and hang it out in open air and away from direct sunlight.
Caring for it:
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Keep the bands dry
- As much as you want to avoid the bands from slipping off the rack, never weigh it down with anything heavy.
- Do not overstretch the bands; for higher intensity workouts, get a band of higher resistance (in accordance to colours).
Indoor treadmills
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Some households indeed have space to spare for cardio machines such as treadmills. They are certainly a hassle to clean, knowing how you’d just want to grab for a post-workout smoothie the minute your strava is logged out.
But, with the amount of money spent on the equipment, it’s wise to spare time cleaning it out with these methods below.
Cleaning routine:
- After each use; wipe off the sweat from the dashboard and the side handles using paper towels or antibacterial wipes.
- Once a week; wipe down the entire machine with a damp cloth (stick to only water as some cleaners may damage the lubricants and components)
- Vacuum around the treadmill to pick up dust and debris that could have gotten under the belt.
- Wipe down the belt itself with a damp cloth by pushing it with your hand.
Note: When cleaning the machines, do ensure that the wires are unplugged from the socket.
We recommend purchasing your home workout equipment from Decathlon Singapore. With their click and collect option, you’d be able to order your items online and pick them up at the nearest store within two hours. Talk about minimising contact during this pandemic — it’s surely an excellent and affordable option.
Feature image by @yogamovement