Gym equipment wipes: You use them, we use them, and we all hope the person who used the machine before us used them, too. But how effective are those little wipes, really? Are they actually doing anything, or is this an example of a polite gesture that’s more for show than sanitation?
Here’s the good news: The gym isn’t a high-risk area for getting sick–as long as the person next to you isn’t coughing and sneezing. Even grimy equipment isn’t particularly problematic. “Overall, the risk of infection from surfaces people might come in contact with at a gym is very low,” says Daniel Kuritzkes, MD. You’re more likely to get sick from respiratory droplets from someone coughing or sneezing than you are from touching a surface (as long as you’re careful not to touch your face afterward, more on that important caveat later). However, wiping equipment down is still effective for killing most germs – and is an important part of being plain old courteous in a shared gym space.
We spoke with experts to find out just how effective equipment wipes are, and the best ways to avoid spreading (and catching!) germs at the gym.
Experts Featured In This Story
Daniel Kuritzkes, MD, is the chief of the infectious diseases division at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Erin Nitschke, NFPT-CPT, NSCA-CPT, is a health coach, ACE scientific advisory panel member, and program director of sciences at Laramie County Community College.
Shira Doron, MD, is the chief infection control officer at Tufts Medicine.
How Effective Are Equipment Wipes At Disinfecting?
We can all take a collective sigh of relief-equipment wipes are generally effective for eliminating the germs that cause most respiratory illnesses (when used correctly, that is). “Most bacteria and viruses are readily killed with standard disinfectant wipes,” says Dr. Doron. What makes the biggest difference in wipe effectiveness is contact time, AKA the number of minutes a surface has to stay wet with disinfectant in order for it to work against a particular germ.
“An ideal wipe has a short contact time of a couple of minutes for both common bacteria, like Staph and E. coli, and viruses, like influenza and coronavirus,” says Dr. Doron. If the wipe has a longer contact time, there’s a greater chance that the disinfectant will dry on the surface before it has a chance to work.
Dr. Nitschke recommends looking for wipes labeled as EPA-approved disinfectants for viruses and bacteria. It’s better to wipe the equipment down and let it dry out, rather than wiping it dry. Wiping and drying immediately after may not provide full disinfection, follow the product’s instructions for optimal results, says Dr. Nitschke.
Are Equipment Wipes More Effective Against Certain Germs Than others?
Here’s some good news: It’s pretty easy for an equipment wipe to knock out respiratory viruses such as influenza and coronavirus, says Dr. Kuritzkes. But the norovirus, which causes gnarly digestive symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, is notoriously challenging to kill and requires bleach or similarly strong products, says Dr. Doron. That’s what makes it so contagious…and why it’s always important to wash your hands post-workout.
Should You Wipe Down Equipment Before And After Use, Just to Be Safe?
This is more of a personal choice, although it certainly doesn’t hurt, says Dr. Nitschke. Wiping down equipment before you use it can add an extra layer of precaution, as there’s no guarantee that equipment has been cleaned (even though gyms encourage users to clean equipment after using it).
Dr. Kuritzkes says he always wipes down equipment before using it. Dr. Doron doesn’t, but both agree they take extra precautions not to touch their face while working out and always wash their hands thoroughly when they leave the gym.
What, Exactly, Should You Be Wiping Down at the Gym?
Machine handles and dumbbells and squat rack bars and mats and machines, oh my. There’s no shortage of things you touch at the gym, so how do you know what you should wipe off after use? Dr. Nitschke recommends wiping down all surfaces that you come in contact with during your workout, including machine and dumbbell handles and squat rack bars, in addition to pads, benches, and mats. Handles and bars are high-touch areas that can easily transfer bacteria, sweat, and oils from one person to another. While pads and benches may only come into direct contact with your body, having a blanket rule to wipe down everything is still a good idea. This respects the hygiene of the shared space and reduces germ spread for everyone.
How Else Can You Avoid Germs at the Gym?
Aside from breathing in respiratory droplets from a sick person, the greatest risk of infection is going to come from picking something up on your hands and then touching your face, says Dr. Doron. “Since people tend to touch their eyes, nose and mouth a lot without realizing it, it is easy to pick up germs from gym equipment, transfer it to the mucus membranes of the face and get sick that way. If you avoid touching your face until you are done with your workout and wash your hands well, how well disinfected the equipment is doesn’t really matter as much.”
Dr. Nitschke also emphasizes the importance of maintaining your own personal hygiene in a shared gym environment. For example, she recommends bringing a clean towel to place on benches or mats, washing your hands before and after visiting the gym, and, again, avoiding touching your face during workouts. And, hopefully it goes without saying, but if you’re not feeling well, please stay home and rest rather than risk spreading germs to others and/or exacerbating your symptoms. “Remember that gym etiquette goes beyond cleanliness. It’s about being mindful and respectful of the space and the people around you,” she says. “These small acts of consideration create a healthier and more enjoyable environment for everyone.”
Kaley Rohlinger is a freelance writer for PS who focuses on health, fitness, food, and lifestyle content. She has a background in the marketing and communications industry and has written for PS for over four years.
