Whether your equipment has been patiently collecting dust waiting for your reopening, or working overtime outside, or even going along business-as-usual, you are probably paying a little more attention to what you clean it with.
Here are my top 3 products for cleaning your Pilates equipment and how to use them.
Water
Yes, you heard that right. Before you skip ahead to the next section, hear me out. Your Pilates equipment is art. It’s a piece of heirloom furniture that you rely on for income. It needs to be safe and look good. And, you want to preserve it for as long as possible so its value stays high and you avoid sinking unnecessary money into its upkeep.
So, what’s the best solution here? Water. Plain, ol’ water.
Check out this before and after photo of just using water and a microfiber rag!
How to use it:
Spray some on a microfiber rag (they’re the best at grabbing debris off the equipment and not leaving fuzz behind) and wipe away!
Yes, you may need 3 or 4 wipes instead of the one wipe of a magic eraser, but I guarantee your equipment will fare better in the long run.
Where to use it:
This solution works great on wood, metal, and vinyl. Do not use on classical, uncoated springs like BB Contrology, Gratz, or Basil.
When to use it:
This should be the first solution you try to remove any marks, dirt, dust, or grime from your equipment. Always start at the most gentle solution, add some patience, and see what happens.
Dish Soap and Water
This happens to be the cheapest and most versatile cleaning solution known to Pilates studios… aside from plain water, that is. When plain water doesn’t work, try this next.
How to use it:
Mix 1 teaspoon dish soap (think the basics like Dawn or Palmolive) and 16 ounces of water in a spray bottle. Shake. Spray the solution on a microfiber rag and gently the surface you need to clean.
Where to use it:
I use this on any metal, wood, or vinyl surface on a Reformer, including contemporary springs like Balanced Body, Peak, and Stott. Be sure not to spray on the equipment, but spray on the rag.
When to use it:
Dish soap and water is what I recommend using between every client. Not only is it effective, but it is affordable. Pair it with a small microfiber rag and you’ve got a non-destructive germ grabber on your hands. (Want to learn more? Check out this post.)
This solution also works well if you need a little more cleaning power than plain water.
TriNova Leather Cleaner
My favorite solution ever. Seriously, this is so satisfying to use. Grab your bottle from Amazon.com by clicking here.
Note: Yes, it says “Leather” cleaner, but it is wonderful for vinyl.
How to use it:
Besides your trusty microfiber rag, you need a plastic bristle scrub brush like this one. Carefully spray the solution directly on the vinyl and scrub vigorously with the scrub brush. Wipe away the dirty suds with the microfiber rag. Be sure to mop up any overspray so it doesn’t stain nearby wood or metal surfaces.
Where to use it:
This is good for any color vinyl upholstery, like on your carriage, barrel, chair top, mat conversion, or cadillac.
When to use it:
This solution should be used infrequently, maybe once every 6-12 months depending on your studio volume.
Honorable Mentions
- Apple Cider Vinegar for corrosive stains on chrome rubes (i.e. towers)
- Aluminum foil for scrubbing grit off of Reformer rails.
- 70% alcohol ONLY for uncoated, classical springs like Gratz. (Seriously, don’t use this anywhere else)
Want more help with cleaning your equipment in the age of COVID-19? Check out my online course for Pilates studios here.