Vapor Cleaning Workout

Did you know that the number of people working out in gyms today is greater than at any other time in history?

Health club memberships in the United States are increasing about 5 percent per year, according to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association.  In 1990, the average attendance in a gym was just 58 days per year and today it has almost doubled to 115 days per year.

Because of this increased use and popularity, gym owners and managers have had to find more effective and productive ways to clean and sanitize their facilities.  One of the biggest concerns throughout the day is cleaning the exercise machines after they have been used by scores of patrons.

During the course of a workout, gym members can pick-up and transmit germs, which can prove to be harmful.  This happens because patrons perspire, sometimes bleed, and often touch workout surfaces that have become contaminated with germs and bacteria.  If left unchecked, bodily fluids found on these surfaces can spread athlete’s foot, scabies, lice, hepatitis, and even HIV.

A Very Fine Difference

One of the most efficient—and healthy— ways to keep a gym clean is by using vapor cleaning equipment, such as the DE4002 Vapor Cleaner from Tornado Industries.  

And using vapor technology to clean facilities, such as gyms, is not new. This technology has been used in the United States for more than a decade and was first introduced in Europe over 20 years ago. The medical profession was one of the first U.S. industries to apply the power of vapor—using it in autoclaves to clean and sterilize medical equipment.

Usually, no chemicals are used during vapor cleaning. Instead, water is heated to more than 240 degrees Fahrenheit, which creates the vapor. At this high temperature, the vapor is finer than steam, allowing it to deep clean seams, cracks, and crannies, which traditional cleaning using a wiping cloth and sprayer cannot reach.  And because of its effectiveness, vapor cleaning is now being accepted as an alternative to traditional methods for a wide range of applications.

Vapor also has significant cleaning properties. The created heat weakens the bond between dirt and surfaces. Although vapor cleaning does not require their use, cleaning chemicals naturally react faster when such high temperatures are present; therefore cleaning or sanitizing agents do not need to dwell as long on surfaces.

Additionally, water heated at such a high temperature kills most forms of bacteria. As vapor is applied to the surface, it loosens or dissolves contaminants, which are easily removed by wiping the surface area with a clean cloth.

The vapor almost instantly dries, which prevents metal areas from developing rust. In fact, vapor is often used to clean mechanical parts in factories and assembly lines because it is  quick to dry, thorough, and safe.

Making a Tough Job Easier

For many building service contractors (BSCs), cleaning gyms is one of the most difficult jobs around.  Unlike office cleaning, which only requires daily routine maintenance, gyms can be a cleaning disaster since the potential for cross contamination is constantly looming.

And, a gym’s appearance is extremely important for the owner or manager because it can make or break repeat and referred business. Gyms must not only look clean, they must be clean to prevent the spread of disease.

BSCs should always be aware of just how important their work is to the health, vitality, and livelihood of the facilities they clean.  And, they should always look for new methods and technologies, such as vapor cleaning, which can help make the difficult jobs easier and healthier.