Cleaning and Sanitizing Your Pilates Springs: Do’s and Don’ts

A Professional Guide for Pilates Studio Owners, Instructors, and Home Equipment Users

Pilates springs are one of the most frequently touched components on reformers and Pilates machines. While maintaining hygiene is essential, improper cleaning and sanitizing methods can quietly damage springs, reduce resistance accuracy, and increase safety risks.

Written from the perspective of a Pilates equipment specialist, this guide explains how to clean Pilates springs safely, what cleaning methods to avoid, and how to balance sanitation with equipment longevity—without compromising client safety or performance quality.

Why Proper Pilates Spring Cleaning Matters

Pilates springs are precision-engineered components designed to withstand repetitive loading cycles. Unlike upholstery or straps, springs are highly sensitive to chemical exposure, moisture retention, and surface degradation.

Incorrect cleaning practices can:

• Accelerate corrosion

• Weaken hook connection points

• Shorten spring lifespan

• Increase the risk of sudden resistance failure

Understanding how to clean Pilates springs correctly is a critical part of responsible studio and equipment management.

Common Mistakes When Cleaning Pilates Springs

Using Harsh Disinfectants or Bleach

Strong chemical cleaners may eliminate bacteria, but they also damage protective coatings and attack the metal structure of Pilates springs. Bleach, ammonia, and acidic cleaners significantly increase the risk of corrosion.

Spraying Cleaner Directly Onto the Spring

Direct spraying allows liquid to enter coil gaps and hook joints, where moisture becomes trapped. Over time, this leads to internal corrosion that may not be visible during routine inspections.

Soaking or Submerging Pilates Springs

Pilates springs are not designed for immersion in water or disinfectant solutions. Even stainless steel springs can suffer fatigue degradation when repeatedly soaked.

Reinstalling Springs While Still Wet or Under Tension

Moisture combined with tension accelerates metal fatigue and reduces long-term durability. Springs should always be fully dried and relaxed before reattachment.

How to Clean and Sanitize Pilates Springs Safely (Best Practices)

Use Mild, Equipment-Safe Cleaning Solutions

Recommended options include:

• Diluted neutral soap

• Light alcohol-based wipes (used sparingly)

• Manufacturer-approved cleaners

The goal is surface sanitation—not aggressive chemical treatment.

Apply Cleaner to a Cloth, Not the Spring

Always spray cleaning solution onto a soft cloth first. Gently wipe the spring along the coil and hook areas to minimize moisture penetration.

Dry Springs Immediately After Cleaning

Use a clean, lint-free cloth to remove all moisture. Ensure springs are completely dry before reinstalling them on the machine.

Remove Springs During Deep Studio Cleaning

For daily or weekly deep cleaning routines, removing the springs entirely and cleaning them separately helps protect both the springs and surrounding equipment.

How Often Should Pilates Springs Be Cleaned?

Cleaning frequency depends on studio traffic and usage intensity:

Over-cleaning can be just as damaging as under-cleaning.

Balancing Hygiene and Pilates Equipment Longevity

Increased sanitation awareness has led many studios to overuse disinfectants. While hygiene protects clients, excessive chemical exposure compromises spring integrity and resistance consistency.

Effective Pilates equipment maintenance requires a balance between cleanliness and mechanical preservation.

When Cleaning Is No Longer Enough

If Pilates springs show any of the following signs, cleaning alone will not restore safety:

• Visible rust or corrosion

• Rough, noisy, or uneven movement

• Noticeable loss of resistance consistency

• Deformed hooks or stretched coils

In these cases, spring replacement—not additional cleaning—is the safest solution.

Expert Recommendations for Long-Term Spring Care

• Establish a consistent cleaning routine

• Train staff on proper cleaning methods

• Avoid harsh chemicals

• Inspect springs regularly for wear

• Replace springs proactively rather than reactively

Pilates springs should be treated as critical safety components, not disposable accessories.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning and sanitizing Pilates springs is not just about appearance—it is about maintaining safety, performance, and professional credibility. With the right methods, studios and individual users can protect both their clients and their equipment.

If your current cleaning routine feels aggressive or uncertain, it may be time to reassess the method—not the commitment to hygiene.