Exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but it often leads to sweat, bacteria, and germs. Keeping your workout gear, gym equipment, and clothing clean is not only crucial for hygiene but also for the longevity of your athletic essentials. In this article, our clean living team explore the germs and hygiene challenges you may face in gyms and during your workouts, as well as practical solutions for keeping things clean. We'll introduce you to natural antibacterial and antifungal solutions for your gym clothing, shoes, and equipment.
Germs and hygiene challenges when you exercise
No matter where you work out or how you exercise, there are certain germ and hygiene challenges you should be aware of.
The gym environment
Gyms are a breeding ground for germs due to the high traffic of people sharing equipment and spaces. Common issues include:
- Sweat and bacteria: When people sweat, bacteria and germs thrive. This environment can lead to the spread of various infections, including ringworm, skin infections, and even herpes.
- Dirty gym equipment: Even when gyms are rigorous with their cleaning routine, many gym-goers don't wipe down equipment after use, leaving it covered in sweat and germs. In fact, an average dumbbell harbours 362 times the germs compared to a typical toilet seat. Treadmills and exercise bikes are even more alarming, with 417 times the bacterial load in comparison to a toilet seat.
- Locker rooms: Because they are high-use areas and people are carrying in sweat and bacteria from their workouts, the high humidity and dampness in locker rooms creates the ideal conditions for mould and fungal growth, leading to even more health hazards!
Workout gear and equipment
Maintaining hygiene for workout gear and equipment is equally important, whether you're a regular gym visitor or prefer outdoor activities.
- Running, soccer, rugby, and basketball shoes: Feet sweat heavily during exercise, and running shoes can become a breeding ground for odour-causing bacteria. Researchers conducted a study and discovered a variety of nine bacteria species on the randomly selected participants' shoes. Within two weeks, a single pair of shoes accumulated a staggering 440,000 units of bacteria. What's more, an alarming 90 percent of the time, these germs are tracked into homes and then transferred onto clean surfaces!
- Yoga mats and pilates equipment: These items come into direct contact with your body, making them vulnerable to sweat and bacteria build-up.
- Hiking boots: Hiking involves exposure to the elements, and boots can get muddy and wet, potentially leading to mould growth.
- Home gym equipment and weights: Home gym equipment can be overlooked and accumulate dust, while weights can become contaminated by sweaty hands.
- Workout clothing: Athletic clothing absorbs a significant amount of sweat and bacteria during exercise, and improper care can lead to unpleasant odours, bacterial growth, and deterioration of fabrics. And it doesn’t really matter whether you are wearing natural or synthetic fibres, as study showed that Staphylococci, a bacteria that cause skin infections and can potentially enter your bloodstream, joints, bones, lungs, or heart, were counted on large numbers on both cotton and synthetic fabrics.
The problem with conventional cleaning products
Keeping workout clothing and equipment clean can be a significant challenge due to the rigorous nature of physical activity.
Athletic clothing is designed to absorb sweat, and gym equipment comes into close contact with the body, making them prone to bacterial and fungal growth. The problem intensifies in gym environments, where shared equipment and surfaces can become hotspots for germs.
Conventional cleaners and chemical bleach, while effective at killing bacteria and fungi, usually have negative effects on workout items. They deteriorate the rubber in shoes and the elasticity and moisture-wicking properties of athletic fabrics, compromising their performance and longevity.
Moreover, these harsh chemicals can also be harmful to the environment and may leave residues that irritate the skin. Natural alternatives offer a safer and more sustainable way to sanitise and refresh workout gear, ensuring that they last longer, perform well, are odour-free, and eco-friendly.
Natural solutions for keeping your workout clean and healthy
Sanitising aromatherapy spray
This natural antibacterial and antifungal spray can effectively sanitise your workout equipment and clothing. Here's how:
- Sanitise equipment: Spray your gym equipment like yoga mats, pilates equipment, and weights. You can even use this to sanitise locker room benches and showers! Eucalyptus and mint are known for their antimicrobial properties and refreshing scent.
- Freshen shoes: Give your running shoes and hiking boots a quick spray to neutralise odours and kill germs. This is especially useful for avoiding fungal issues.
- Gentle on skin: Conventional sanitisers contain harsh chemicals and alcohol, which can easily trigger skin issues like eczema and contact dermatitis, especially when you start sweating. A natural, safe alternative will prevent this.
- Maintain cleanliness: Regularly using this spray helps maintain a clean workout environment and keeps odours at bay.
Natural laundry liquid
Your athletic clothing requires special care, and natural antimicrobial cleaner is gentle on fabrics while tough on germs. Here's how it can help:
- Effective cleaning: This laundry wash is designed to eliminate bacteria and fungi, leaving your workout clothing fresh and free from germs.
- No residue: Conventional laundry liquids and fabric softeners usually leave residue behind on clothing. This can easily trigger skin issues like eczema and contact dermatitis, especially when you start sweating.
- Gentle on materials: Many athletic fabrics are delicate and require a gentle cleaning solution to preserve their quality and elasticity.
- Odour-free apparel: By thoroughly removing unpleasant smells and bacteria, your workout clothing remains fresh, even after the sweatiest sessions.
Why natural solutions matter
The use of natural antibacterial and antifungal remedies like eucalyptus, lavender, and mint as alternatives to products filled with synthetic chemicals and alcohol is essential for several reasons:
- Safety: Many conventional cleaning products and detergents contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to your skin and the environment. Natural alternatives are safer and more sustainable.
- Effective microbe elimination: Eucalyptus, lavender, and mint have been used for centuries for their antimicrobial properties, making them powerful allies against bacteria and fungi.
- Long-term fabric care: Athletic clothing is an investment, and proper care helps it last longer, preserving its moisture-wicking and performance properties.
- Refreshing aroma: Natural solutions offer a refreshing and invigorating scent that enhances the overall exercise experience.
Maintaining hygiene during exercise is essential for your health and the longevity of your workout essentials. Gyms can be hotspots for germs, and your gear, equipment, and clothing are vulnerable to bacterial and fungal growth. Using natural remedies like the Averdant’s Eucalyptus & Mint Room and Linen Aromatherapy Spray and Australian Eucalyptus & Aloe Vera Natural Aroma Laundry Wash can help you tackle these issues effectively and safely. By choosing natural solutions, you not only protect yourself and your gear from germs but also contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment for all. Want to try it out? Get 10% off your first purchase!