How to Clean an Elliptical Machine

An elliptical machine is a piece of stationary gym equipment that mimics the movement of walking or running. It is like a treadmill, though it tends to put less strain on your joints, making it a more viable option for those who seeking a low-impact alternative. These machines often come equipped with movable handles, as well, to engage your upper body. This makes them a fantastic, full-body addition to any fitness routine. 

Luckily, you do not have to belong to a gym to utilize this type of equipment. There is a wide range of sites that sell these machines to use at home. Depending on the make, model, and functionality, these machines can be quite costly, but are a wise investment to make. 

As such, it is an investment in your health and wellbeing that you will want to take care of for years to come. With proper care and routine maintenance, you can rest assured your machine will last. If you are looking for guidance on how to properly clean your elliptical machine, you have come to the right place.

In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know to keep your elliptical spotless and functioning flawlessly. 

Why You Should Clean Your Elliptical Machine 

It is recommended that you wipe down your elliptical machine after each use and do a more thorough cleaning at least once a month to keep your machine in peak shape. You may opt to clean it more frequently depending on how often you use it.

Cleaning your elliptical machine is important for a couple of reasons. One is hygiene. When we exercise, we tend to sweat. Sweating is our body’s way of regulating temperature. Our sweat may contain bacteria and other germs that can smell. It is best to wipe down your elliptical machine after each use to eliminate any residue and prevent odor. 

Additionally, cleaning your elliptical machine will help to maximize its efficiency and preserve its integrity over time. When all the parts are clean and free from grease, grime, and other debris, your machine will function as intended for optimal use. 

What Can I Use to Clean My Elliptical?

If you have never cleaned an elliptical machine, you may be wondering what products you should use to perform this task. What you use could affect how your machine operates and how well it functions over time. While it is always good to consult your owner’s manual for additional guidance from the manufacturer, there are a few standard items you will need to clean your machine. 

When performing daily wipe-downs, it is best to keep a cloth nearby. An old washrag or towel will do. You may also want to purchase a spray bottle to keep next to your machine. You can combine warm water with a small amount of antibacterial soap or disinfectant to create a simple solution that will help kill germs and whisk away sweat. Routine wipe-downs will make a deeper cleaning easier and less time-consuming.

Any disinfectant spray like this is sufficient:

It is important to remember to clean the rag often, so you are not wiping your machine down with soiled material. You also want to be sure you do not use too much liquid to wipe down the outside of your machine. There are electrical components that can malfunction if exposed to too much moisture. 

To perform a more thorough cleaning, you will need a vacuum and a dry cloth. As you disassemble your machine, you can vacuum up any debris and wipe down any dust or debris that has settled on internal parts from prolonged use. It is best to keep this area free from moisture as this can cause internal elements to rust over time. 

How to Clean Gym Equipment after Use

Now that you know what tools are recommended for routine cleaning, let’s talk about the cleaning process. While it may seem complicated, it is quite simple if you follow these general guidelines. 

First, it is recommended that you use gloves and protective eyewear. Safety is always a top concern and protecting your eyes and skin is critical. 

Once you are geared up, it is best to start with the exterior. You must wipe down the screen, cup-holders (if applicable), handles, arms, and footbeds. Here, you can use the simple solution we mentioned earlier and a dry cloth to eliminate any dust or dirt that has accumulated on the surface from extended use. 

Once you have cleaned the exterior, it is time to grab your vacuum and a clean cloth to tackle the inside of the machine. The first thing you’ll want to do is remove the cover.

The cover is a plastic piece that shields the internal components of the machine. It should be attached with a few screws, so you will need a screwdriver to remove the screws and release the plastic piece. 

After the cover is carefully removed, you will want to vacuum the inside of the elliptical. As mentioned before, this will help to remove any visible dust or debris. If there are smaller spaces that are too difficult to reach with a standard vacuum hose, you may want to use a dry cloth to wipe away any residue.

When it comes to stubborn stains, you may wish to use a treadmill cleaner or a small amount of detergent. These cleaners are more powerful and may be more effective for removing tough stains. 

When you have finished vacuuming and wiping down the interior, you must replace the cover. Once the cover is reinstalled and your machine is clean, you can resume use. 

Conclusion 

An elliptical machine can be a wise investment to make for your health and wellbeing. However, it is not a cheap purchase. With these machines costing upwards of a few thousand dollars, it is an investment you will want to take care of and properly maintain over time. 

Taking care of your elliptical machine does not have to be difficult. With just a few simple household items, a couple of minutes, and some elbow grease, you can keep your machine in tip-top shape for years to come.