Single-use disposable paper towels create a lot of waste. One roll of disposable paper towels generates several garbage cans full of waste - not very eco-friendly!

Compare that to sanitizing equipment using a spray bottle and reusable towel: No waste is generated! Yes, the towels must be washed on a regular basis, but research shows that gym-quality towels (costing about $1 each) can be washed several hundred times before being “retired.” Here’s some simple gym math: If an average equipment cleaning towel is used 50 times between washings, and is washed 300 times before being retired, that’s 15,000 uses — for $1. That’s good value, and being environmentally responsible.

One common question that must be addressed is: “Doesn’t a repeatedly-used towel become germ-laden from the sweat?”

Actually, the opposite is true. Spray bottle and towel equipment cleaning proves to be a very clean and effective method for sanitizing just-used equipment surfaces. With each use, the towels are being refreshed and replenished with more germ-killing sanitizing solution. A significant amount of disinfectant remains on the towel at all times. This was validated through double blind analytic testing by the Chief Microbiologist, Mario Markovic, at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center (Cleveland, Ohio).

Therefore, contrary to gut-reaction belief by facility members and/or management, a towel wetted with disinfectant solution IS clean and safe for reuse.

In conclusion, feel safe and secure to use disinfectant spray bottles and towels for effective equipment cleaning. When properly placed, your members will love the convenience and safety this method offers, your equipment cleaning costs will be cut by up to 95 percent and you will improve your image as an environmentally-conscious facility. And, your reputation as a “clean” facility will lead to new member attraction and increased member retention rates.