rubber gym floor care

How to Care for Rubber Gym Flooring

By John Scillieri Hours Published on

Rubber gym flooring is popular for commercial gyms due to its durability and versatility. Rubber gym flooring can last many years with proper care and maintenance. However, knowing the best way to care for rubber floors in a gym is not straightforward. There are a few tips and tricks to increase the longevity of the rubber floor surface.

Rubber flooring is popular for commercial gyms for several reasons. For example, rubber mats provide a durable surface that easily withstands heavy use. It also provides excellent shock absorption, reducing the risk of injury. Additionally, rubber floors are easy to clean and maintain, making them an ideal choice for busy gyms.

This article provides guidelines on how to care for rubber gym flooring. You will learn about the best cleaning, maintenance, and preventative measures to ensure the rubber gym flooring stays in excellent condition for many years. 

Why Choose Rubber Gym Flooring?

Thanks to its numerous benefits, rubber flooring is the top choice for gym owners. Its exceptional impact absorption properties provide excellent protection for joints and muscles during physical activity. Additionally, it boasts exceptional slip resistance, offering gym-goers a stable and secure surface to exercise on.

Here is a list of the benefits of rubber flooring in gyms is popular: 

  • Prevent floor damage: The durable and resilient nature of rubber tiles ensures the floor surface remains in top condition, even after heavy use. This is especially important in gyms with heavy weight-lifting equipment.
  • Excellent durability: Rubber floor tiles are incredibly durable and withstand many years of heavy use. They won’t crack or tear easily and are resistant to most spills and liquids, ensuring a long lifespan.
  • Shock absorption properties: One of the best qualities of rubber flooring is its excellent shock absorption qualities. Studies show that rubber can help protect athletes from injury by cushioning and reducing the risk of slips and falls. Additionally, rubber flooring is soft on the joints, helping to reduce joint pain and fatigue during physical activity.
  • Sound dampening: Rubber gym mats help reduce the noise strenuous physical activity in a gym creates. This means a quieter, more enjoyable environment in busy gyms.

Daily Cleaning Routine for Rubber Gym Flooring

Regularly cleaning rubber flooring ensures the gym is a safe, clean, and bacteria-free environment. You only need a brush or vacuum, a damp mop, and mild detergent for regular cleaning. This is usually enough to remove debris, grease, and sweat stains from the rubber surface. 

Here is a step-by-step guide for a good daily cleaning routine:

  • Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft beater brush attachment to remove dust and debris from the surface.
  • Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing warm water with a mild detergent. You can also use a natural rubber floor cleaning solution by combining 1 cup of white vinegar with a gallon of hot water. Always avoid using harsh chemicals to prevent damaging the rubber finish.
  • Dip a soft sponge mop into the solution and wring it so that it’s damp, not dripping wet.
  • Gently clean the rubber floor tiles or mats, working in small sections.
  • Rinse the mop periodically to avoid spreading dirt around. If the solution gets dirty water, dispose of it, and make a new solution to avoid leaving streaks on the floor.
  • After cleaning, allow the floor to air dry completely before allowing foot traffic. 

By following these simple steps for daily cleaning, you can ensure that your rubber gym floor stays clean, hygienic, and free from bacteria.

Dealing with Stains and Spills on Rubber Gym Flooring

It is crucial to deal with spills and stains on rubber flooring promptly. This way, you can maintain the quality and appearance of the flooring. However, the appeal of rubber gym floors is that cleaning spilled liquids is relatively straightforward. 

Rubber flooring is resistant to moisture. However, any liquid not cleaned up promptly can seep into the rubber matting. This can affect the rubber over time, making the flooring lose by affecting the adhesive underneath.

Suppose you have noticed nasty set-in stains on the rubber surface. Use a commercial cleaning agent and a mop or soft-bristled brush to clean and disinfect the floor.  

Deep Cleaning for Rubber Gym Flooring

Deep cleaning is necessary once a week to keep the rubber gym floor in excellent condition. While regular daily cleaning is vital for maintaining its appearance and hygiene, periodic deep cleaning helps to prolong its lifespan and ensure a safe workout environment.

Here is a simple step-by-step guide for deep cleaning rubber gym flooring.

  • Remove dust and debris with an appropriate vacuum cleaner.
  • Use a commercial-grade rubber floor cleaner and a soft-bristle brush or automatic floor scrubber to remove all sweat, oil, and other dirt from the surface.
  • Let the floor dry naturally before allowing foot traffic.
  • If necessary, apply a recommended rubber floor sealer and apply according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Preventative Measures: Protecting Your Rubber Gym Flooring

Preventing damage to rubber gym floors is the best way to protect your investment. Rubber gym flooring can be expensive to install. Therefore, avoiding excess dirt, harsh chemical cleaners, and inappropriate footwear is crucial to prevent ruining your prized floor.

Here are some preventative measures to avoid unnecessary damage to the rubber floor finish:

  • Use proper footwear: Encourage users to wear appropriate athletic shoes with non-marking soles when using the gym. Avoid footwear with high heels, metal cleats, or spikes.
  • Avoid dragging heavy equipment: Lift and carry heavy equipment rather than dragging it across the floor.
  • Keep the floor clean: Regularly sweep or vacuum the floor to remove dirt, dust, and debris that can accumulate and potentially cause abrasions over time. 
  • Regular cleaning: Use the manufacturer’s recommended mild detergents or specialized rubber floor cleaners.
  • Place mats at entrances: Mats at gym entrances help to trap dirt and moisture, preventing grime from being tracked onto the rubber floor.

The Long-Term Benefits of Proper Rubber Gym Floor Care

Proper care and maintenance of a rubber gym floor extends its longevity. Not only does the gym floor look better for longer, but you save money on expensive rubber flooring repairs. Additionally, you help to minimize the risk of gym-goers tripping or slipping on a damaged surface. 

Additionally, regular rubber gym floor maintenance and cleaning prevents bacteria growth, ensures safety, and enhances the overall appearance of the gym.  

Conclusion

Proper care and maintenance of rubber gym flooring are essential for keeping your gym in tip-top shape. Regular cleaning, using mild cleaning detergents, and dealing with spills quickly are crucial to protect the floor’s surface.

Additionally, preventative measures such as wearing appropriate footwear and placing mats at entrances help ensure that the floor will look new for many years.

John Scillieri

John Scillieri is the Founder and Managing Partner of J & J Gym Floors, bringing over three decades of expertise in hardwood flooring to the sports and fitness industry. Following in the footsteps of his father, a renowned hardwood floor professional, John launched J & J Gym Floors after graduating college, combining rich family tradition with innovative approaches to gym floor installation, maintenance, and customization.

With a passion for quality craftsmanship and a commitment to customer satisfaction, John has led J & J Gym Floors to become a trusted name in the industry. His hands-on approach and deep understanding of flooring technologies ensure that every project, from local school gymnasiums to professional sports arenas, receives the highest standard of care and attention to detail. When he's not transforming gym floors, John enjoys staying active and spending time with his family, always keeping an eye out for the next big trend in sports flooring.