How to clean rubber gym floors: Step-by-step guide for results

Rubber gym flooring is durable, slip-resistant, and moisture-resistant, making it an excellent choice for both home and commercial gyms. It’s also low-maintenance and built to last.

However, it can trap dirt, sweat, and grime, leading to bad odors and skin irritation. That’s why regular gym floor cleaning matters.

Fortunately, we know what works and what doesn’t when it comes to the best way to clean rubber gym floors, so you’re in the right place. Keep reading to learn how to clean rubber gym floors, ensuring they remain fresh, hygienic, and durable.

Why rubber gym floors need proper cleaning

Rubber gym floors require regular cleaning due to the significant wear and tear they experience daily. People walk on them with dirty shoes, sweat on them during workouts, and occasionally spill drinks. If they are not cleaned, problems can accumulate. The floor becomes sticky, grimy, or stained. It can also lead to skin irritation or rashes, especially for those who stretch or lie directly on the floor.

Proper cleaning of rubber gym flooring removes germs, bacteria, and other microorganisms that are left behind by regular workouts. It also helps to control odors. Rubber naturally has a strong odor, but when combined with sweat and dirt, the smell can become noticeably stronger. 

Another reason to clean your rubber gym flooring is to extend its lifespan. Small particles of dirt and grit wear down the surface, particularly when people walk over them repeatedly or when weights are dropped. If the floor isn’t cleaned, that dirt gets embedded in the rubber, causing it to crack, fade, or peel sooner than it should.

What you’ll need to clean a rubber gym floor

You’ll need a few basic tools, including a broom, a vacuum cleaner, a mop, a bucket, and a soft-bristled brush. The best mop types for rubber flooring are strip mops or sponge mops because they’re gentle and don’t hold too much water.

For cleaning solutions, use a pH-neutral rubber gym floor cleaner. This is the safest option for rubber. You can also use mild soap mixed with warm water if you don’t have a special cleaner.

Meanwhile, there are a couple of optional tools that can make the job easier, especially for bigger gym areas. One is an auto scrubber, a machine that simultaneously scrubs and dries the floor, and a rubber floor finish or sealer.

How to clean rubber gym flooring step by step

Following a regular cleaning routine helps prevent grime buildup, reduces odor, and protects the floor from damage. You don’t need fancy equipment, just the right tools, a gentle cleaner, and these simple steps. Here’s how to clean a rubber gym floor:

Remove surface dust and debris

Use a broom to clear the floor of any loose dirt, dust, hair, crumbs, and other debris. You can also use a vacuum if you prefer, but ensure it doesn’t have a beater brush, as the rotating brushes can scratch or wear down the rubber. Take your time with the corners, edges, and along the walls, where dust and debris tend to collect.

Spot-clean any stains or dirty rubber patches

Inspect the gym floor mats for scuff marks, stains, stickiness, and unusually dirty patches. Then, use a soft-bristle brush and a pH-neutral cleaner to gently scrub the spots until the stain lifts.

Avoid using abrasive scrub pads or harsh chemicals, such as bleach and vinegar, as they can damage the surface or cause discoloration. If something is stuck on the floor, let the cleaner sit on it for a minute before scrubbing.

Mop with a safe cleaning solution

Fill a bucket with warm water and add a small amount of mild soap. Dip your mop into the solution, wring it out well, and mop the gym tiles using gentle back-and-forth motions, covering one section at a time. For optimal results, use a strip mop or a sponge mop. Don’t press too hard; let the mop glide over the surface to lift dirt without damaging the rubber.

Additionally, be careful not to use too much water while mopping. If your floor has interlocking tiles, be especially cautious not to let water seep into the seams, as this can cause the tiles to lift or wear out more quickly.

Let it dry properly

Once you’ve finished mopping, let the floor dry completely before walking on it. You can leave it to air dry, or use a wet vacuum if you prefer to speed up the process. Good airflow also helps, so open windows or turn on fans to improve ventilation. This prevents the development of any damp or musty odors.

Disinfecting and deodorizing rubber gym floors

Regularly cleaning rubber gym floors removes visible dirt, dust, sweat, and surface grime. However, it doesn’t thoroughly disinfect or deodorize the rubber flooring. Instead, you need to use a specialized rubber floor disinfectant designed to kill bacteria, fungus, and viruses without harming the material.

• Mix the disinfectant with warm water, following the dilution instructions on the label. 
• Then, use a clean cloth or a sponge mop to apply the solution evenly over the floor. 
• Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing it time to work its magic. 
• Wipe off any remaining moisture using a dry cloth or a clean mop.

Avoid using anything too acidic or alkaline to disinfect or deodorize your rubber gym floor, as it can damage the rubber over time. 

However, if you need a natural option for occasional deodorizing, you can use a mild vinegar solution. 

• Add a small splash of distilled white vinegar to a bucket of warm water. 
• Then, dampen a mop in the vinegar solution and gently go over the floor. 
• Follow up with a dry cloth or mop to remove excess moisture. 

This solution should be used occasionally, rather than as your primary cleaner, as repeated use, even if diluted, can wear down the rubber surface.

Additionally, rubber gym flooring can emit a strong odor when it’s new due to a process called off-gassing. This is normal, but it can make your gym feel stuffy or unpleasant. To help with this, maintain good ventilation by opening windows and using fans regularly. You can also place bowls of baking soda or activated charcoal around the gym to absorb lingering smells.

Sealing rubber gym flooring (optional)

Sealing your rubber gym flooring is an optional step, but it can be a smart move, especially if you have virgin rubber flooring or flecked rubber tiles, which can collect dirt in the specks. When used correctly, a sealer protects the floor from wear, supporting long-term rubber gym floor care and making routine rubber floor cleaning easier.

Here’s how to apply it in simple steps:

• Make sure the floor is clean and dry before sealing.
• Soak up a clean sponge mop with a non-diluted rubber floor finish and sealer.
• Apply a thin, even coat across the entire surface.
• Let it air dry thoroughly. Avoid using fans or forced air to speed up the process.
• Repeat the process up to a maximum of four coats, or until you achieve the desired level of shine.
• Wait at least 24 hours after the final coat before allowing foot traffic.

How to maintain clean rubber gym floors long term

A regular cleaning schedule keeps your rubber gym floors clean in the long run. For daily care, sweep or vacuum the floor, mop with warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner. For weekly care, spot-clean stains, mop the entire floor, and check for any areas that need extra attention.

In addition to a cleaning routine, here are a few helpful tips for preserving rubber gym floor mats:

• Use furniture pads under heavy gym equipment to reduce pressure and prevent dents from forming.
• Avoid dragging machines or weights across the floor to prevent tears or scratches.
• Rotate movable mats or tiles occasionally to even out wear and tear.
• Place mats at entrances to trap dirt and moisture before it reaches the gym floor.
• Address spills and stains immediately to prevent long-term damage.
• Keep the area well-ventilated to help manage odors and moisture buildup.

The bottom line on how to clean rubber gym floors

Dirt, dust, sweat, and grime can quickly accumulate on your rubber gym floor, making it slippery or sticky, both of which can lead to accidents or skin irritations. The good news is that cleaning is simple when you have the right tools and products.

Besides playing a significant role in safety, hygiene, and the overall well-being of the flooring, regular cleaning of your rubber gym floor prevents odors from accumulating and maintains a welcoming environment for everyone.

If you ever feel overwhelmed by the size of the space or notice that deep-set grime just isn’t coming up, it’s okay to call in professional help. A professional cleaning service can handle deeper or larger-area cleaning of rubber floors.