How to Clean Rubber Flooring

Rubber flooring, including rubber floor tiles and rolled rubber flooring, is a popular choice for both residential and commercial spaces due to its durability, ease of maintenance, and versatile applications. Whether you have rubber flooring in a gym, kitchen, daycare, or your home, keeping it clean and well-maintained is essential for ensuring longevity and maintaining its appearance. Fortunately, cleaning rubber floors is relatively straightforward. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to effectively clean and care for your rubber flooring.

Why Rubber Flooring Is Easy to Maintain

Rubber floors are designed to be tough, but they also require proper care to keep them looking their best. Their non-porous surface resists staining and is relatively easy to clean compared to other types of flooring. Additionally, rubber flooring has slip-resistant properties, making it a safer and more practical option for many high-traffic areas. While rubber floors are durable, they do benefit from regular cleaning to prevent dirt buildup, staining, and wear over time.

Materials You’ll Need

Before you start cleaning, gather the necessary supplies. For basic cleaning, you’ll need:

• A broom or vacuum cleaner
• A mop (preferably microfiber or a soft sponge mop)
• Bucket
• Mild dish soap or pH-balanced floor cleaner
• Water (preferably warm)
• Towels or cloths for drying
• Optional: Rubber floor cleaner (if you want to use a specialized product)

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

1. Sweeping or Vacuuming the Floor

The first step in cleaning rubber flooring is removing loose dirt, dust, and debris. This prevents dirt from grinding into the surface during cleaning.

• Broom: Sweep the floor using a soft-bristled broom. Avoid using a stiff broom, as it could scratch the surface.
• Vacuum: If you have a vacuum cleaner, use a soft brush attachment to vacuum the floor. This is especially helpful for cleaning rubber floors in areas with more dust or crumbs, such as kitchens or playrooms.

Be sure to clean the entire floor surface to ensure no debris is left behind before wet cleaning.

2. Mopping the Floor

Once the loose dirt is removed, it’s time to mop the rubber flooring. This will remove any dirt or grime that has settled into the floor, as well as freshen up the surface.

• Prepare the Cleaning Solution: Fill a bucket with warm water and add a small amount of mild dish soap or a pH-balanced floor cleaner. Avoid using harsh chemicals, bleach, or ammonia, as they can damage the rubber or cause discoloration over time.
• Mop the Floor: Dip the mop into the cleaning solution and wring out excess liquid. Begin mopping the floor in small sections, ensuring you cover the entire surface evenly. For textured rubber flooring, you may need to use a soft brush to gently scrub between the grooves or surface patterns.  You want to avoid cotton mops as it will leave lint behind.  
• Rinse if Necessary: If using a cleaner that requires rinsing, go over the floor with clean water to remove any soapy residue. This step helps to prevent buildup and keeps the floor from becoming slippery.

3. Dry the Floor

After mopping, it’s important to dry the floor properly to avoid water damage or slipping hazards.

• Use a clean, dry towel or cloth to wipe away any excess moisture from the surface. This will help prevent streaks and water spots from forming.
• Allow the floor to air dry completely. Rubber flooring dries relatively quickly, but leaving it to air dry ensures that no water is trapped in the seams, which could lead to mildew growth or unpleasant odors.

4. Deep Cleaning for Stubborn Stains

Although rubber flooring is resistant to staining, some substances (like oils, grease, or shoe scuffs) can leave marks behind. For tougher stains, follow these steps:

• For Scuff Marks: Rubber can sometimes develop scuff marks, especially in high-traffic areas. To remove scuff marks, use a magic eraser or a damp microfiber cloth. Gently rub the scuff until it disappears. If needed, apply a small amount of dish soap to the cloth to enhance cleaning power.
• For Grease or Oil Stains: If grease or oil has stained your rubber flooring, use a mixture of mild dish soap and water, or a specialized rubber cleaner. Apply the solution directly to the stain and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Use a soft brush or cloth to scrub the area gently, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
• For Mold and Mildew: Rubber floors in damp areas can sometimes develop mold or mildew. To clean mold, mix a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 1 part water. Apply it to the affected areas, then scrub gently with a soft brush. Rinse the area with clean water and dry thoroughly to prevent mold from reappearing.

5. Optional: Use a Rubber Floor Cleaner

While a mild dish soap solution works for most cleaning needs, you may choose to use a specialized rubber floor cleaner for more in-depth cleaning. These cleaners are specifically formulated to clean rubber surfaces without damaging the material. They can also help to maintain the floor's color and texture over time.

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the cleaner’s label to ensure safe and effective use.
• Always test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area of the floor before applying it to the entire surface to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage.

6. Protecting the Floor

To extend the life of your rubber flooring and keep it looking its best, consider these protective measures:

• Area Rugs or Mats: Place mats or rugs at high-traffic entry points to prevent dirt and grit from being tracked onto the rubber flooring.
• Furniture Pads: If you have heavy furniture or equipment on your rubber floor, use furniture pads or coasters to avoid indentations and scratches.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: As mentioned, avoid using harsh chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaning tools, as these can damage the floor and reduce its lifespan.
• Power Platform: Our GrytFit Power Platform can be utilized in spaces where there will be heavy impacts and high intensity workouts.  It's waffle-pattern impact zones can handle whatever weights are thrown its way, protecting the floor underneath. 

How Often Should You Clean Rubber Flooring?

The frequency of cleaning depends on the level of traffic and the specific area in which the rubber flooring is installed. As a general guideline:

• Residential Areas: Clean rubber flooring in homes once a week or as needed. Areas with less traffic, like bedrooms or living rooms, may require less frequent cleaning.
• Commercial Areas: For gyms, commercial kitchens, or daycare centers, it’s best to clean the floors more frequently—at least 2-3 times a week—to keep them free from dirt, grease, and other debris.

Regular cleaning will help maintain the integrity and appearance of your rubber floors, ensuring they stay safe and functional for years to come.

Conclusion

Cleaning rubber flooring is a simple and effective task that doesn’t require special equipment or harsh chemicals. By following the steps outlined above, you can keep your rubber floors looking new while maintaining their slip-resistant and durable qualities. Whether you're dealing with everyday dirt or more stubborn stains, with a little time and care, your rubber flooring will continue to perform well and enhance the overall aesthetic of your space.