Hydrogen Peroxide: Setting the Bar in Gym Disinfection

Gyms and fitness facilities are some of the areas that harbor a wide range of harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The more the people flock to the gym, the more the chances of having the various exercise equipment and surfaces contaminated with germs. In fact, walking barefoot around the locker room or showers is one easy way to pick up an athlete’s foot or contract MRSA infection. 

And while bacteria, fungi, and viruses are everywhere, some are more harmful than others, and gyms make fertile ground for these microbes. Gym operators invest a lot of time and money in cleaning and disinfection exercises to maintain the highest levels of hygiene. However, not all disinfectants offer the same efficacy and kill rate. Some are very effective in killing harmful bacteria but not viruses, and some kill all germs but reacts with metallic surfaces to cause cracking or rusting.

Over the years, hydrogen peroxide has become the gold standard in the gym disinfection sector, thanks to its high efficacy, non-corrosive, and environmentally friendly properties. 

Reasons for Disinfecting the Gym 

Constant cleaning and disinfection of gyms is a necessary procedure that helps lower the spread of germs. One study published in NCBI found evidence of a wide range of potentially harmful bacteria on gym equipment, such as golden staph, staphylococcus saprophyticus, and salmonella, which causes diseases in humans.

Another 2017 study found that free weights had 362 times more bacteria than a toilet seat, while a treadmill had 74 times more bacteria than a water faucet in a high-traffic public bathroom. These findings illustrate how gym equipment can harbor germs and why gym operators must pay keener attention to their cleaning and disinfection routine.  

Besides controlling the spread of COVID-19, proper disinfection in the gym can help curb the spread of other deadly microorganisms such as:

  • Rhinoviruses: a group of viruses that causes upper respiratory infections and common colds.
  • Influenza: an airborne virus that can multiply and spread to the respiratory tract.
  • Dermatophytosis (ringworm): a fungal infection of the skin that can appear on any part of the body, i.e., from the foot (athlete’s foot) to the groin area (Jock itch). 

Investing in an effective gym disinfectant will not only help eliminate harmful germs but will also boost customer satisfaction and retention rate. In fact, a research study by IHRSA found that fitness facilities that spent 4% of their budget on housekeeping reported more profits and higher member retention rates than those that spent only 3%. 

Large group of exercise machines in an empty gym.

Why Hydrogen Peroxide is the Best Gym Disinfectant 

Choosing the best gym disinfectant in the flooded market can be a daunting experience. It takes proper analysis, comparison of the active ingredients, use history, and perhaps a bit of trial and error to finally land on an effective disinfectant unit. That said, there are different types of disinfectants, and you would want to choose the best based on the following factors:

  • Targeted microorganisms/germs: Most disinfectants are rated for a wide range of bacteria and fungi and might not have the same effectiveness for certain types of viruses. A rule of thumb is to find a disinfectant rated for all viruses, bacteria, and fungi. An EPA’s N-listed disinfectant is highly preferred as it offers protection against COVID-19. 
  • Kill time: This dictates the time the disinfectant will take to kill specific pathogens. Some products keep the surfaces, visibility wet to comply with the kill times, while others kill all microbes almost instantly. The best gym disinfectant should have a typical kill time of around five seconds to five minutes. Anything beyond that will keep the equipment wet for long.
  • How compatible the disinfectant is with the material or surface: The best gym disinfectant should be non-corrosive to avoid damaging metal parts or causing them to rust. 
  • Ease of use: Ready-to-use disinfectants are always the best since you won’t have to mix disinfectant with water. Similarly, water hardness may affect the effectiveness of the disinfectant. 
  • Safety of the people using the gym: The disinfectant should be harmless, non-irritant, environmental-friendly, and, where possible, odorless.

From all the properties discussed above, hydrogen peroxide comes out as the best choice for varied applications in the gym and in different facilities where thorough disinfection is needed.

One of the hydrogen peroxide-based disinfection products that have shown high efficacy with a wide range of applications is the CURIS DUO™. This EPA-registered fogging system is effective against flu, COVID-19, MRSA, H1N1, MRSA, and other viruses, mold, and bacteria.

And since the hydrogen peroxide compound breaks naturally into water and oxygen, it’s one of the safest and environmentally friendly disinfectants that’s not linked to asthma, allergies, or respiratory illnesses. This formulation is non-corrosive and also safe to use on electronic gadgets and surfaces.

Closing Comments

Compared to other disinfectants such as chlorine compounds, ammonia, alcohols, and phenols, hydrogen peroxide is the unsung hero in the gym disinfection market. If you are considering hydrogen peroxide for use in your gym, going for formulated product such as the CURIS DUO™ is often the easier and most convenient way. This way, you enjoy hands-free operation, with no sticky residues or stains on clothes and fabric.