Caring for rubber gym flooring

A good rubber floor will last for many years, but the wrong cleaning products can shorten its life fast. The good news is that looking after it is simple. Most of the damage we see comes from using the same harsh cleaner on the gym floor as on the bathroom tiles.

This guide follows the manufacturer's cleaning guidelines for the rubber flooring we install. Always check the current guidelines for your specific product.

Daily

• Vacuum to remove grit, chalk and dust. Grit acts like sandpaper under shoes and equipment.
• Damp mop or auto-scrub with a pH-neutral cleaner.
• Wipe up spills as they happen, especially oils, lotions and sports drinks.

Use the right cleaner

The manufacturer's guidance is clear: use only pH-neutral cleaners, meaning a pH of 7 to 8.

Never use:

• chlorinated cleaners or bleach
• alkaline cleaners
• oil-based cleaners
• thinners or solvents
• waxes or sealers that aren't approved for the floor.

These can break down the rubber and the binder that holds it together, leaving the floor dull, sticky or crumbling over time.

Don't flood it

Use a damp mop, not a wet one. Standing water can work its way into seams and affect the adhesive underneath. Auto-scrubbers should pick up water as they go.

Small problems

• Chewing gum: freeze it with ice or a freeze spray, then scrape it off.
• Scuffs and marks: most lift with a pH-neutral cleaner and a soft brush.
• Chalk: vacuum it before mopping, or it turns to paste.

Sealed floors

Some of the rubber floors we install are available pre-sealed. A sealed surface makes cleaning faster and easier, which suits hotels, apartments and premium studios where the floor needs to look perfect every day.

The first week after installation

A new glued-down rubber floor needs time for the adhesive to cure. The manufacturer's installation guide recommends:

• No foot traffic for 48 hours
• No heavy loads for 72 hours. That means equipment goes in after that.
• No wet cleaning for 7 days.

We plan the equipment install around this, so the floor isn't compromised from day one.

Protect it in use

• Put heavy weights down in the drop zones and on platforms, not in walkways.
• Use rubber-lined dumbbell racks.
• Put felt or rubber pads under equipment feet where recommended.
• Use door mats at entries to stop grit coming in.

Turf too

If your facility has a turf track, brush it regularly and spot clean with a suitable cleaner. See Sports turf for sleds, sprints and functional training.

Need a cleaning guide for your floor? LUXGYM gives every client the care instructions for the products we install. See flooring and turf or get in touch.