The gym – a great way to stay active and healthy. But let’s be real – after a tough workout, the last thing you want to do is lay your sweaty self down on a dirty floor! For one thing, a clean gym promotes good hygiene and prevents the spread of germs, so it’s important to keep those rubber floors looking fresh.
Rubber can easily scuff and needs to be cared for properly to keep it looking new. But how can you clean the rubber gym floor? Well, keep reading as we shed more light on this!
Why Clean a Rubber Gym Floor?
It Prevents Slips and Falls
Dirt and dust on rubber mats can make them super slippery. And this, in turn, can affect your safety. So, giving them a good scrub is better to help prevent dangerous slips and falls. Removes Grime Buildup
All that foot traffic grinds grime into the little holes and grooves. So, cleaning thoroughly to lift out that packed-in gunk is better.
Restores Traction
Proper cleaning restores the grippy traction you need for stability during exercises. No more sliding around!
It Kills Germs and Bacteria
Gyms harbor all kinds of ugly germs, especially on the floors. However, cleaning the rubber will help kill gross bacteria and viruses.
Flu Virus and Cold Germs
Rhinovirus, the culprit behind colds, lives on surfaces for days. Sanitize floors to fight the spread of illness.
Dangerous MRSA
The antibiotic-resistant bacteria MRSA can lurk on gym floors. Disinfecting helps destroy it.
What Is the Condition of the Gym Rubber Floor?
Before cleaning, take a close look at the condition of the rubber flooring. Check for excessive dirt, scuffs, stains or worn areas. This will help determine what type of cleaning is needed.
Look for Built-Up Dirt
See if there is a thick layer of dirt that has built up over time. This often accumulates along the edges and in corners. Excessive dirt will need more intensive cleaning.
Check for Scuffs and Stains
Inspect the floors for black scuff marks from shoe soles as well as stains. Grease and oil stains may require spot cleaning. Perspiration stains can leave behind salty residue. All of these may need extra scrubbing to remove.
Identify Worn Areas
Pay attention to high traffic areas that get more wear and tear. Rubber can get thin in certain spots, losing its color. These areas will need special care when cleaning.
Remove Surface Debris
Before any wet cleaning, dry debris needs to be swept up and disposed of. This prevents the debris from becoming a muddy mess when liquids are applied.
Step by Step On How to Clean Gym Rubber Floors
Sweep Away Loose Debris
A good sweep is the first step in any thorough floor cleaning. Sweep the floors well to remove any loose dirt, dust, or crumbs. Be sure to get into corners and underneath equipment.
For rubber floors, use a soft bristle broom to avoid any scratching. Get in all those nooks and crannies and sweep away all that loose debris!
Use Short Strokes
When sweeping rubber floors, use short gentle strokes. Rubber can be easily scratched so you want to protect the surface. Apply only very light pressure with the broom to avoid damaging the floor over time.
Lift Mats And Equipment
Don’t forget to lift up any floor mats or movable equipment like weights or benches. This allows you to fully sweep underneath these items. Simply slide mats and equipment aside, sweep the floor below, and then put back into place.
Sweep Under Bleachers
Bleachers and seating areas often accumulate lots of dust and dirt underneath. Be sure to slide bleachers out and sweep effectively underneath them. Gym goers definitely don’t want to be sitting on top of hidden debris!
Vacuum For A Deeper Clean
Once you’ve done an initial sweep, it’s time to bring out the vacuum for a deeper clean. Choose a vacuum with brushroll or beater bar attachment designed for hard floors – not carpets. This helps lift and remove fine dust and embedded dirt on hard rubber floors.
Work In Sections
To ensure you cover the floors systematically, divide the space into sections. Work your way across each section with the vacuum using overlapping strokes. Go slowly to allow the vacuum time to lift debris. Missing spots will leave some areas cleaner than others!
Get Along Walls And Corners
Be sure to vacuum along the full perimeter of the room, going all the way into corners. Use attachments like crevice tools to vacuum in tight spots. This picks up all that sneaky dirt likes to hide along edges and walls. Don’t forget about under the bleachers too!
Check Filters Regularly
For maximum efficiency, check and empty vacuum filters and bags regularly when cleaning large gym spaces. A full bag or clogged filter reduces suction power needed to thoroughly clean floors.
Scrub Away Stains And Marks
Once you’ve done a thorough sweep and vacuum, it’s time to tackle any stubborn stains or marks. For rubber gym floors, use a neutral pH cleaner specifically formulated for rubber flooring. Check the product label to ensure compatibility.
Use A Soft Scrub Brush
Apply your chosen cleaner to marks and stains and let sit briefly. Then use a soft scrub brush to gently agitate the area and work cleaner into the floor. Apply light pressure and scrub in circles to break up and dissolve dirt.
Rinse Thoroughly
After scrubbing stains and marks, be sure to rinse the floor thoroughly with clean water. Use a wet mop or cloth to wipe away all soap residue. You want no cleaner to remain on the surface as it could damage the floor over time.
Target Tread Marks
Pay special attention to cleaning scuff marks left from gym equipment or shoes. Rubber can easily show tread marks that give a dirty appearance. Scrub these marks thoroughly to like-new condition.
Mop For A Healthy Shine
Once you’ve done a deep clean, it’s time to mop! This puts the finishing touch on your gym floor cleaning. Dip your mop into clean water and wring thoroughly so it is just damp. Then, mop rubber floors using straight back and forth strokes. Rinse mop frequently for best results.
Use A Neutral Cleaner
For mop water, add just a small amount of a pH neutral rubber floor cleaner. This helps enhance shine and leave a protective layer. Too much soap can leave a film, so stick to the recommended dilution.
Divide Into Sections
Just like with vacuuming, divide the gym space into sections when mopping. Do each section fully before moving onto the next. This prevents the floor from drying with streaks and uneven shine.
Rinse Frequently
Be sure to rinse your microfiber mop pad frequently in clean water. Dirty mop water will just spread grime around. Frequently rinsing keeps the floors getting cleaner as you mop.
Check For Streaks
After mopping each section, inspect from multiple angles for streaks. Re-mop any streaky areas to ensure a uniformly clean floor with no swirl marks. Your floors will look professionally cleaned!
Make It Shine With Finish
Using a gym floor finish brings out that beautiful, glossy shine. It also adds an extra layer of protection from dirt and scuffs. Use a finish specifically made for rubber floors following label directions. Let’s take a look at how to apply the finish
Apply Thin Coats
Pour floor finish directly onto the floor and spread with a microfiber applicator pad. Apply in thin, even coats and allow drying completely between coats. Multiple thin coats give better results than one thick application.
Finish At Day’s End
Apply floor finish at the very end of cleaning after mopping. Finishing is best done in the evening once gym users have left for the day. This allows proper drying time without disruption.
Allow Proper Dry Time
It’s critical to allow each coat of finish adequate drying time per product instructions. Do not allow activity on the floor until fully cured, or it could become damaged. Be patient – the shine will be worth it!
Consider Ventilation
Ensure the gym space has proper ventilation when applying floor finish. Open doors and windows to allow fumes to escape. Consider running ventilation fans to aid drying and dissipate odors.
How Can I Deal With Tough Stains On Gym Rubber Floors?
Even with diligent cleaning, tough stains can still happen. Treat these stains gently to avoid damaging the rubber flooring. With care, even set-in stains can be removed.
Clean Spills Quickly
Promptly clean up any spills on rubber floors before they have time to set in. Absorb wet spills immediately with a clean cloth. The quicker you act, the easier the stain will be to remove.
Use Stain-fighting Sprays
For stubborn stains like oil or grease marks, use a stain-fighting spray designed for rubber floors. Lightly spray, let sit, and wipe away. Avoid harsh scrubbing which can harm the floor.
Rinse Repeatedly
After using any cleaning agents on tough stains, rinse repeatedly with clean water. Wipe and rinse until all soap residue is removed to prevent floor damage over time. Thorough rinsing protects your investment.
How Can I Maintain a Gym Rubber Floor?
Don’t undo all your hard cleaning work by neglecting floors once they look great. Follow a regular floor cleaning schedule to stay on top of it. Sweep, vacuum, mop, and scrub regularly to prevent buildup.
Spot Mop High Traffic Areas
Do occasional spot mopping in high traffic zones like by the free weights or cardio equipment. Just damp mop smaller areas that see a lot of action to keep soil from accumulating.
Shake Out Mats Regularly
Don’t forget about gym mats! They can collect dirt, skin cells, and other gross stuff. Take mats outside regularly and shake out to keep them cleaner between deep cleanings.
Consider Floor Protectors
In especially high-traffic gym areas, use floor protectors under equipment. These protectors shield floors from the drag of heavy machines. Make your gleaming floors last longer!
Post Cleaning Reminders
Politely remind gym members to wipe equipment and shoes before entering workout areas to minimize dirt. Post-friendly signs or notices to help keep floors cleaner between regular maintenance.
Deep Clean Periodically
Over time, daily cleaning just won’t cut it. Schedule periodic deep cleaning sessions to revitalize those floors! Deep cleaning tackles embedded gunk regular cleaning can’t touch.
Move All Equipment
For deep cleaning, move all portable equipment off the floor. This allows you to access and clean the entire space, including under equipment. Replace equipment only after floors are fully dry.
Use heavy-duty degreaser
For periodic deep cleaning, use a heavier-duty degreaser designed specifically for removing built-up grime on rubber floors. Check product labels and follow instructions carefully before use.
Scrub Intensely
When doing deep cleaning, scrub rubber floors with extra intensity using a stiff bristle scrub brush. Apply plenty of muscle to remove stubborn dirt without fear of everyday damage.
Rinse Meticulously
After intense deep cleaning, rinse even more meticulously to remove all residue. Any remaining degreaser left on the floor could lead to deterioration over time. Don’t miss a spot!
Key Takeaway
There you have it – with some diligence and elbow grease, you can get those unsightly rubber gym floors looking fresh and clean.
Just remember to: sweep away debris, vacuum thoroughly, scrub stains, mop with care, and finish for shine. Follow these steps, and you’ll have your gym rubber floor sparkling for years to come.
