STANDARD CLEANING INSTRUCTION
STANDARD CLEANING
The apparatus can be maintained with a simple cleaning process which is best done with a mild liquid soap ( Method or liquid dish soap ) mixed with 1 part soap 10 parts water ratio = 1: 10. It is best to spray a lint free cloth or towel directly and then wipe the upholstery, frame and all parts for general cleaning. We recommend avoid spraying the apparatus directly and always wiping after cleaning to remove additional residue.You should never use abrasive cleaners or pads as they will scratch the upholstery and aluminum, and wood parts and compromise the surface finish.
UPHOLSTERY
Our Naugahyde Spirit Millennium upholstery fabric is inherently anti-microbial and anti-fungal and used in health care and medical applications. For general cleaning, we recommend the 1 part soap 10 parts water ( 1:10 ) for best results. As referenced above, it's best to spray a clean cloth and wipe the upholstery and not spray and saturate the padding as the fabric will absorb excess moisture causing a crack or tear on the surface.
The use of essential oils as a cleaning product is not recommended as the oils are typically concentrated and will attract and remove the oils from the Naugahyde and can cause the surface to crack over time. There are essential oil solutions which can be diluted and you can use a liquid castile “baby soap” or unscented mild liquid soap 1:10 solution and add a single drop of essential oil to the mixture. This very small amount will not damage the material and will provide a nice scent.
DISINFECTING RECOMMENDATIONS
The disinfecting process the manufacturer recommends is: 1 part household bleach ( Sodium Hypochlorite ) mixed and sprayed onto a clean lint free cloth and wiped across the surface. Let the disinfect sit for approximately 30 seconds before cleaning and wiping any residue off with a clean slightly dampened cloth. This will avoid the bleach excess from coming in contact with the body or clothing of the practitioner using the apparatus.There are also alcohol based disinfectants and the same guidelines apply for 1 part disinfectant and 10 partswater and then wiping with soft cloth to clean. Using alcohol wipes should be followed by a quick wiping with a clean damp cloth after the surface has dried to remove any residue left by the alcohol wipes.It is not recommended that alcohol based disinfectants be combined with bleach based cleaners as the mixture could create a chemical reaction that could cause discoloration and weaken the surface of the upholstery.
Environmental Protection Agency
There are many basic virus killing products available including the bleach and alcohol based solutions referenced above, but due to the new strain of Covid-19, there is not yet definitive information to confirm the protocols which are most successful in killing the virus. Here is what the EPA guidelines and CDC website suggests.
CLEANING GRATZ ALUMINUM FRAMES, HARDWARE, AND WOOD.
The same methods referenced above can be used to clean and disinfect the metal and wood frames, hardware, handles and parts. It is important that after wiping down the equipment with a liquid soap and/or disinfectant solution that the parts are wiped with a clean slightly dampened cloth to remove any residue from the surface.The rails on the Reformer can attract dust and are best cleaned with a few drops of cleaning solution, be allowed to sit for a minute, and then rubbed to remove dirt or reside from the wheels. A Scotch brite pad can be used along with cleaning solution to help remove any stubborn surface dirt and discoloration.
It is also important to note that on occasion the aluminum frames can absorb oils from the hands and feet or attract ambient dirt and discolor over time. We recommend using a de-greaser specifically designed for hard surfaces. A popular brand is Zep sprayed onto a soft clean cloth and allowed to sit for a few minutes before wiping the area to “lift” out the stain. The surface should then be wiped with slightly damp cloth to remove the de-greaser. It is important to remove the carriage if cleaning a Reformer frame and mask off any upholstery when spraying the Cadillac frame to avoid the de-greaser getting on the upholstery.
CLEANING GRATZ SPRINGS
If rust appears over time, the springs can be cleaned with a wire brush, Scotch Brite pad, or with fine steel wool. Wipe the rust with these abrasives gently to remove surface rust, spreading the spring coils if possible, then wipe with a slightly damp clean cloth to remove any dust and allowed to dry thoroughly. The springs can then be rubbed with another cloth sprayed liberally with WD-40, a popular water displacing preventative. The WD-40 should be left on the spring for 30 minutes to “soak” and then wiped clean to remove the excess WD-40 on the surface with a clean lint free cloth. This can be a messy process so it's recommended that rubber gloves are used, springs are removed from the apparatus before cleaning, and requires plenty of wiping rags and should be performed in a large plastic bin to avoid getting WD-40 on the apparatus, clothing, carpets or furniture.
The springs are steel wire and should be checked frequently to assure that there are no gaps in the spring coils, bends in the spring, or any deformation that would affect performance. The springs can be easily removed and cleaned with alcohol wipes. Be sure to wipe it dry right away to avoid rust and cause cosmetic issues (rust does not affect the performance of the springs).
This process should protect the springs from future rust accumulation. Studios that are located in humid areas and exposed to ocean air should consider ordering Nickel Plated Springs which are available for our apparatus on our web site and you can call or e-mail customercare@gratzindustries.com with any questions
CLEANING GRATZ LEATHER AND CANVAS STRAPS
The leather and canvas straps can be wiped with a slightly damp solution to keep clean. Avoid soaking the leather straps and canvas as this can cause them to weaken and discolorThe Sheepskin Fuzzies can be hand washed and dried with a small hair dryer, and a “carding brush” will restore the “fluffy” finish.
What our customer say about this product
Gratz Pilates is committed to supporting our community and you are welcome to contact customercare@gratzindustries.com for any additional information related to cleaning and disinfecting. We can also provide personal guidance for cleaning and maintaining your apparatus, wheels, springs and parts and recommend qualified studio equipment service technicians in some areas, or virtual trouble shooting for any performance related or maintenance issues.
