For anyone who has ever had a rubber gym floor they surely know how strong and durable they could be. But let’s get real: keeping them clean and nice is just a tad of a challenge, particularly for those centers that see very high traffic.
Be it your home gym, community center, or even a commercial one, a clean rubber floor just looks awesome and encourages hygiene and safety. In this easy-approach guide, we are covering it all-from A to Z-about what you need to know in regards to cleaning and maintenance of your rubber gym floor.
Why Rubber Flooring Rocks!
Rubber flooring is most gyms go-to-again, for very valid reasons: ultra-resistant where wear and tear is concerned, including all shock and slipping. It withstands being pounded by machinery usage and heavy foot traffic daily, cushioning your joints with every rep.
That is, however, until it turns into some sort of dirt-dust-and-grime magnet over time. Which makes it pretty important to learn the ropes about how to clean it in order to keep the rubber fresh and to extend its life.
Prepare Your Cleaning Arsenal
Before we get into the cleaning action, let’s get our supplies. You’re going to want to have a broom or vacuum cleaner for removing the average debris and a microfiber mop, which will perform miracles on your rubber floors. You will also want a bucket in which to mix your cleaning solutions. Lastly, don’t forget that rubber floor cleaner made just for these surfaces.
Also, hot water is your friend here! You also want a sponge or scrub brush for those tough stains and a towel for drying the floor once you are done. Let’s begin!
Cleaning Action: Step by Step
First, one should get rid of loose debris in the area. This can either be done through sweeping or vacuuming and removes the dust and dirt that could scratch the floor while cleaning it. Once that is done, then it is time to whip up your cleaning solution. Mix your rubber floor cleaner into a bucket of warm water. Follow the recommended amount given by your cleaner’s specific manufacturer for dilution of the product. You will want to do this in order to avoid a sticky film left when you are finished cleaning.
Mop It Like It’s Hot
Mix up your cleaning solution and get to work, mopping the floor in sections, starting from one end of the gym Flooring and working across. The mop head should be subjected to frequent heavy wringing so that water saturation does not occur in the rubber to the extent that water damage results.
For especially stubborn stains or scuff marks, you may want to gently scrub the area with a sponge or scrub brush using your cleaning solution using the really harsh scrubbing pads that could scratch the rubber surface. You would then rinse the floor with clear water to remove any remaining residue from the cleaning solution by going over it once more with clean water or simply using a clean mop. Finally, allow the floor to air-dry completely; use towels if needed to soak up water.
Keep It Fresh with Regular TLC
Regular maintenance significantly enhances the appearance and performance of a rubber gym floor. You may want to develop schedules for maintenance, simplifying how you clean it.
For example, this could include light daily sweeping or vacuuming, deeper cleaning as described above on a weekly basis, and monthly inspections of wear and tear.
Knowing what your gym floor is made of will also help you tailor your approach to cleaning. Some types, like vulcanized rubber, are very resistant to stains and scuffs, and others may be more sensitive to these things.
Prevention is the best key
Other than cleaning, taking precautionary steps might be able to effectively minimize the dirt buildup on your rubber gym floor. The doormats at entrances will catch dirt or debris before they enter the gym. At the same time, substitution of a footwear policy that makes the essence of wearing clean, specifically designed shoes may effectively lessen gravel, dust, and dirt.
Odor control also needs to be addressed since high-traffic areas may develop odors on rubber floors. Consider using some deodorizing gym sprays after cleaning to help eliminate odors and keep the area fresh.
Time for a Deep Clean?
If you notice signs that your rubber gym floor needs more than just routine cleaning, it may be time for a deep clean. Deep cleaning should be done every few months or more often in high-traffic areas. Not a dull appearance, ongoing odors, or visible stains not coming out with regular cleaning.
Come the time for deep cleaning, follow the same procedures as have been performed, but you might want to use a more concentrated solution or another cleaning product apt for tough stains.
Don’t Forget the Edges and Corners
Cleaning tends to miss the edges and corners of your gym floor, as they become caked with dust and grime, yet somehow seem to be out of your reach.
Use a small scrub brush or a cloth to get into these tight spaces so you clean it well. This little extra time taken will pay dividends in the appearance and cleanliness of your gym.
Choosing the Right Cleaning Products
The cleaning products to be used on rubber flooring will not all be the same. You will want to avoid using any cleaning products that could contain harsh chemicals.
Consider finding nontoxic alternatives that are much safer for both your floors and the environment. Reading reviews and checking in with other owners of gyms about the best options can help you in selecting the best products for your cleaning routine.
Educate Your Fitness Club Members
Cleaning the gym is everybody’s concern. It is time to create awareness for your members that they, too, are supposed to take responsibility for cleanliness on the floor: wiping their shoes on the mat, reporting spills immediately, and avoiding food and drinks on the floor. In giving them good behavior practice, you would be able to sustain a noxious-free environment for every member.
Clean Floors, Happy Gym Goers!
A clean gym floor is not only aesthetically pleasing but also contributes to a much healthier environment for anyone using it.
So, roll up those sleeves, round up those supplies, and let’s keep that gym floor at its best! Clean floors make life in the gym so much better.
For example, be it a gym owner, a fitness enthusiast, or even a home gym owner, it certainly pays off when it comes to taking care of your rubber flooring. After all, a clean and well-maintained gym is one big motivating space for one and all to stay active, healthy, and Corruption-free.