Some of our customers have been asking us a very good question: How do you clean ropes?

CLEANING SOLUTION

Fill up a spray bottle with an ammonia solution.

Some gyms offer spray bottles filled with a disinfectant solution (usually ammonia based) that you can use before and after you use equipment. However, if they do not, consider making and bringing your own.

• Ammonia mixtures are usually quaternary ammonia mixed with water. This is safe to use and does a good job at getting rid of the germs on equipment.
• However, like wet wipes, you'll need to allow the solution to sit on the equipment for a few moments prior to wiping it down. This ensures all the germs are removed.
• Be mindful when you spray down equipment. Do not spray it near outlets, plugs or machines with electric panels. Also make sure to be mindful if spraying near other members.
• If your gym doesn't offer a spray solution, consider making your own. You can either purchase an ammonia cleaner at the store or make your own. Mix a 1/2 cup of ammonia to 1/2 gallon of water.
• Fill a small hair spray bottle with the ammonia cleaner and toss it in your gym bag to bring with you.

CLEANING OFF GYM EQUIPMENT & ROPES

Clean off each piece of equipment you use.

Even though there is a low risk that you'll get an infection or cold from sharing the equipment at the gym, it's good manners to wipe off equipment after you use it.[5]

• Before using any gym equipment (yoga mat, dumbbell or rope machine), thoroughly wipe down whatever part you'll come into contact with.
• Spray or wipe down the equipment with your chosen disinfectant. Also wipe down the equipment after you use it as well. This isn't necessary, but just good manners and proper gym etiquette.
• Items to sanitize include: ropes, yoga mats, dumbbells, kettle bells, exercise balls, the handles and control pad on cardio equipment, and the handles on weight machines.

MINIMIZING CONTACT WITH GERMS & BACTERIA

Wash your hands.

There's no better defense against germs and bacteria than regular hand washing. Make sure to thoroughly wash up before you head out for home to avoid bringing those germs back home with you.[7]

• After you've completed your work out and you're just about to leave, stop by the bathroom to wash your hands. You want this to be the last thing you do before you leave. Don't wash your hands and then re-contaminate them by touching items in the locker room, water fountain or other surface.
• Make sure to follow proper hand washing techniques. Wet your hands thoroughly and then use soap to lather up. Scrub under your nails, on the tops and bottoms of your hands and your wrists for at least 20 seconds. Rinse your hands off and then dry with a paper towel or air dryer.
• You may also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Rub thoroughly on all parts of your hands for 10-20 seconds or until hands are dry.

Don't touch your face.

Another important piece to avoiding contact with germs is avoiding contact of your face. Whether it's your mouth, nose or eyes, these are openings to your body where germs can get in and make you sick.

• While you're working out, try to be mindful of how often you're touching your face. You may not realize how often you're touching your face during your workout.
• Spend a day really paying attention to how often you wipe sweat off your face, rub your eyes during your morning workout, or scratch your nose. Each time you do this, you're increasing the chance you contaminate yourself with germs.
• It will take some time to get used to your new routine of "no face touching." However, you'll be better off in the long-run.

Take care of cuts and scrapes.

In addition to your eyes, nose and mouth, germs can also make their way in through cuts and scrapes. Make sure that you take care of these before heading out to the gym.

• If you get a cut or scrape while you're at the gym, make sure you clean and sanitize the area. Beware of blisters or friction burns that you may also get while at the gym. There's a good chance it will get contaminated with germs in a gym environment.
• Thoroughly wash the cut or scrape with warm water and soap. You can also ask a staff member if they have a first aid kit with disinfectant cream as well.
• Use a band-aid or bandage to completely cover the cut or scrape. No open part should be exposed. Keep the area covered until the cut is completely healed.