One of the big surprises for my clients is that your Pilates equipment manufacturer probably doesn’t recommend cleaning vinyl with essential oils. While a diluted solution of tea tree oil is the theoretical ideal choice for many studio owners, the major vinyl manufacturers (Naugahyde and Boltaflex) don’t recommend it.
What the manufacturers say
Shari Berkowitz published a handy guide to Equipment TLC in 2012 (click here) and Balanced Body, Gratz, Basil and Peak representatives all recommend a mild soap and water solution. Stott actually recommends using a diluted tea tree oil but I’m not sure why and don’t know who supplies their vinyl.
Naugahyde recommends a 10% liquid soap and water solution for light soiling, and a 10% bleach/90% water solution for tough stains. You can read their care guide, here.
Each Pilates equipment manufacturer has a recommendation on their website. It is important to note that if you are attempting to make a warranty claim on your vinyl or foam, cleaning the vinyl with tea tree oil or a harsh solution as contraindicated by their recommendation can void your warranty.
Balanced Body says:
Cleaning. You can extend the life of upholstery by keeping it clean and free of dirt, oil and perspiration. After each use, wipe down the upholstery with a solution of mild soap and water. Then wipe it down with clean water and dry with a soft towel.
Disinfecting. Equipment upholstery is coated with BeautyGard®, which offers antibacterial protection. If you want additional disinfection, Balanced Body offers Balanced Body CleanTM disinfecting solution. Use of any other solution (especially those containing essential oils) will shorten the life of some equipment and is not recommended.
Stott Pilates (Merrithew) says:
Wipe vinyl surfaces with a mixture of water and tea tree oil, a natural disinfectant. Add 1tsp of tea tree oil to a 1L or 1qt spray bottle of water. A mixture of mild soap and water may be used to remove more persistent dirt. Ensure cleaner does not leave an oily residue, or make surfaces slippery.
Peak says:
A daily routine of wiping down your vinyl upholstery after use with a mild cleaning solution that does not contain silicone is recommended. A dilute solution of mild soap in water can be used to clean not only the upholstery, but the wood, aluminum rails, chromed and galvanized steel poles, and carriage riding wheels (basically anything other than the ropes and/or leather straps). Wipe with a cloth dampened with plain water and dry after cleaning.
Gratz says:
A solution of 1 part household liquid dish soap abd 10 parts (1:10) water should remove most soiling. The soap should not saturate the upholstery. Do no use Tea Tree, Peppermint, or etc. on the upholstery. This will dry out the upholstery and cause it to crack and split.
Towels
Many studios I visit have a washcloth and a spray bottle at each station. At the end of each day, the washcloths are swapped out for new ones. Depending on how many washcloths you want to have on hand, you can then do a load of laundry every week or two.
What to avoid
I strongly recommend against are wipes like Lysol Disinfecting Wipes and solutions like Windex. If your vinyl feels sticky, hard, brittle, or looks like it has a layer of grime on it, then it’s probably not a great idea to use.
Deep Cleaning
After a while, your vinyl might start getting dirt buildup in the texture. If that happens, I recommend using this conditioner (yes, it’s made for leather but it works GREAT on vinyl) with a scrubbing brush once a year. The vinyl will get clean and feel great.
Final Note
I have many clients who swear by a diluted solution of Tea Tree Oil and water or Thieves and water. They’ve used it for years with no issues, and are happy with the scent and perceived cleaning ability. Pilates equipment reacts to diluted oil solutions a bit differently depending on method of application, number of times used in a day, climate, and the random mix of body oils, lotions, and sweat from your clients. So, your results may vary.
Regardless of what you choose, I want you to make an informed decision, hence this article.
I hope you found it helpful!