Buzz
I teach a few cycling classes each week, and after every session, I grab a spray cleaner and a paper towel from the back of the studio to wipe down my stationary bike. It's only logical: The whole point of using it is to work up a sweat, and it's unavoidable that some of that sweat will end up on the bike.
I don't know what exactly is in the cleaner bottle, as I trust the gym’s cleaning crew to provide the proper tools for keeping the equipment in good condition. But with my Peloton at home, I am the cleaning crew, so I have to stay on top of it. After four years of ownership, here’s what I’ve learned about how to properly clean every part of the bike.
Make sure to clean your Peloton after every ride
To start, keep a microfiber cloth or a roll of Clorox wipes within reach so you can quickly wipe down your seat and handlebars as soon as you finish your ride. There isn't much space on the bike to hang a cloth, and as a spin instructor, I kindly advise against hanging it from your handlebars during a ride—otherwise, you might accidentally pull the towel off when reaching for the bar, disrupting your grip. (That's why I don’t allow towels on handlebars during my classes.) I always keep a large roll of pre-moistened Clorox wipes nearby and use them to clean the metal parts, seat, and handlebars after every session. It works really well.
If you're a Peloton owner, you're likely already frustrated with spending extra money on accessories, but consider getting a simple peel-and-stick hook for the wall nearby or even a shoe hanger that can hang from the bike itself to store your microfiber cloth for easy access right after your ride.
Whether you prefer a rag or wipes, as long as you're wiping it down after every ride, you’re doing enough to prevent it from getting too dirty between deep cleanings.
Occasionally do a more thorough cleaning
About once a month, I dampen a cloth, add a small amount of dish soap, and clean the entire bike—avoiding electrical components, like the outlet cord and the wires connected to the screen (which I simply wipe with a dry microfiber cloth). Scrub the base, wheels, adjustable handles, and all other parts, then follow up with a dry cloth. Peloton's website recommends using baby wipes for this, but a damp towel works just as effectively.
The other night, I tried adjusting my seat, only to discover that the adjuster handle was stuck. There are two possible reasons for this: it’s been too long since I cleaned it, and now it’s sticky and gross or I may have used a rag that was too wet last time, leaving dried soap behind, which caused it to become gummy. Either way, it's not ideal for a bike I invested so much in, and it’s certainly inconvenient for me. So today, I cleaned it with a damp—not soaked—soapy cloth, making sure to get into every corner. Then, I wiped it down with a dry cloth to ensure no soap residue was left.
Be Gentle With the Screen
To clean the screen, Peloton suggests first holding the red button on top until the bike powers down, then using an ammonia-free cleaner meant for LCD, plasma, or other flatscreens, and wiping it with a microfiber cloth. Windex works fine, and I use it once a month, or whenever the screen gets visibly dusty, sweaty, or covered in other debris. When the bike is off, the screen is extremely reflective and hard to photograph, so please forgive the photo below, but it shows the improvement with just one quick pass of Windex.
Other Suggestions for Cleaning Your Peloton
If you're hesitant about using your regular cleaning products on the bike, consider purchasing ones made specifically for workout equipment. Wipex is recommended by Reddit users and is an affordable choice that can help ease your concerns about what you're applying to your $1,500 investment.
During your monthly deep cleaning, don't overlook the mat you likely placed beneath the bike—give it a wipe with a damp cloth and a bit of dish soap or use the Wipex cloths as well.
Don't forget to clean and deodorize your cycling shoes as well. Since the Peloton doesn't have straps for regular athletic shoes like most studio bikes, you're required to use specialized cycling shoes. While this is an additional cost, it can also lead to unpleasant odors, as these shoes are only used for sweaty activities and rarely get aired out or exposed to a nice breeze outside the house.
Wipe down the outside with your Wipex, Clorox, or a soapy cloth. To eliminate odors inside, sprinkle some baking soda and let it sit overnight before vacuuming and wiping it out. To be honest, I don’t do that because I leave my shoes clipped to the pedals at all times and irrationally dread unclipping them. As a result, they're always upside down when not in use, causing the baking soda to spill out. Instead, I spray the interior with a mixture of half vinegar and half water and let them air dry for a day. This method works great.
