How To Clean Rubber Gym Floor (4 Quick & Easy Steps)

Things To Consider Before Cleaning Rubber Gym Floors

Once you have rubber installed in your workout space, there’s not much you have to do to maintain it - except for regular cleanings. Even though rubber is notorious for being resistant to mold and mildew, sweat from your body and dirt from your shoes (and only God knows what else) can quickly stick to the floor.  

Luckily, regular floor cleanings can help prevent this, and you only need a few tools to get the job done.

What You'll Need 

Before you get started with the cleaning steps below on how to clean a gym floor, the first step is to gather the necessary materials. Here’s what you’ll need:  

How To Clean Rubber Gym Floors (4 Quick & Easy Steps)

Once you’ve gathered all of your tools and materials, it’s time to start cleaning that floor. For an effective and easy method, here’s the best way to clean a gym floor that’s made from rubber: 

Step 1: Sweep And/Or Vacuum The Floor Surface 

Before putting too much elbow grease into the cleaning process, start by giving the floor a quick sweep or vacuum. This will allow you to clean off surface-level dirt and debris that has built up on the floor over time.  

A broom and dustpan are perfectly adequate for getting this step done, but a powerful vacuum will be more effective. If you do choose a vacuum, make sure to use one that doesn’t have rough bristles to avoid scratching the rubber. 

Step 2: Spot Clean 

Next, it’s time to do some spot cleaning. Now that you’ve swept (or vacuumed) away all of the dust, dirt, and debris, you can focus on any stains or scuff marks that have set into the rubber. You can use a soft-bristle brush and a mild cleanser for spot cleaning. 

It's a good idea to spot clean before tackling the deeper clean of the entire floor in the next step. This may seem like an unnecessary step (and it might be if your floor is in relatively good shape), but it can save you time in the long run.  

Step 3: Mop The Floor With A Mild, Non-Acidic Cleaner 

Cleaning the entire surface of your gym floor is best done with a mop. Large commercial gyms typically use some type of automatic floor scrubber or buffing machine, but this shouldn’t be necessary for a small to midsize home gym. 

In this step, it's best to use a mop that's made from a soft, non-abrasive material, like nylon or microfiber. Then, with a bucket and solution made from water and a gentle cleaning agent, start mopping the rubber gently. Avoid using too much water; this can cause water to seep beneath the rubber, which can eventually damage the flooring below. 

Step 4: Allow The Floor To Dry Before Working Out Again 

This is the easiest part of the process, but it’s still a necessary step. Working out on a wet rubber floor can be slippery, which can lead to falls and injuries. To reduce the risk of injury, ensure that the floor is completely dry before setting foot on it.  

If you want a streak-free finish, it’s best to allow your floor to air-dry after mopping. But if you’re in a hurry, feel free to wipe it down with a towel or cloth. 

What To Avoid When Cleaning Rubber Gym Floors 

So far, there are a few things we’ve already mentioned that should be avoided when cleaning rubber. Let’s do a quick recap:  

How To Clean Rubber Gym Floor Mats 

Rubber gym mats are a great addition to any gym space. Not only do they help to soften the impact on our joints and muscles, but they can act as another protective layer to your flooring. To top it off, they can easily be rolled up for easy storage or even hung on wall hooks. 

To prevent the spread of bacteria that will likely thrive on a dirty, sweaty gym mat, the best way to clean gym floor mats is to use a disinfectant regularly. The easiest thing to do is to keep a pack of disinfectant wipes handy, so when you’re done with your mat, just give it a thorough wipe down. 

How Often Should You Deep Clean A Rubber Gym Floor?

A dirty gym floor isn’t just aesthetically unpleasing; it can also be dangerous. Dust, dirt, debris, and sweat can create a slippery floor, and the build-up of bacteria can be even more harmful. Many studies even prove that gym surfaces are teeming with bacteria that can cause infectious diseases, but daily wipe downs paired with deep cleanings can minimize this risk.  

The question still remains, how often should you deep clean your gym floor? In addition to wiping down the floor and equipment every time you use it, it’s recommended that you do a weekly deep clean of your home gym - floor included. Just be sure to follow the steps listed above, and it shouldn’t take up too much of your time.  

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Can rubber gym mats get wet? 

Yep. Rubber is naturally water-resistant and provides traction in wet conditions. This is a big reason why rubber is a go-to option for gym floors and mats. Just remember, there’s a difference between “wet” and “too wet” - too much moisture can seep into the seams of the rubber and cause damage to the floor below.  

Why do gym floors get so slippery? 

Most gyms are naturally humid, and sweat tends to build up on the floor surface. To prevent this, it’s a good idea to always have towels handy so that you can wipe down any excess moisture on the gym floor. 

What are the steps for how to clean gym floor tiles? 

If you have a gym floor made from rubber tiles or squares, you can follow the same 4 cleaning steps listed above. However, try to use very little water; the water can travel through the seams between the tiles and cause the subfloor to warp or buckle. 

How do I make my rubber gym floor shine? 

There are a few different products on the market that are specifically designed to give rubber a nice sheen. The best option is to use a rubber finish and sealer. All you have to do is clean the floor, allow it to dry, then use a sponge mop to apply the product.  

Can you steam clean rubber gym floors? Can you buff a gym floor? 

Yes! Steam cleaning, in particular, is actually a great way to clean rubber. Steam cleaning works to naturally disinfect the rubber without the need for harsh chemicals. It also allows the floor to dry quickly, preventing unpleasant water spots or streaks. 

While it’s also possible to use a buffing machine on rubber, this method is generally only used by large commercial gyms. If you do choose to buff your gym floor, make sure that the buffing machine is set to rotate fewer than 350 times per minute (350 RPM) to avoid damage to the material.  

Conclusion

Now that you know the best way to clean a gym floor made from rubber, you have no excuse for having a dirty gym floor! Just remember, give your floor a quick wipe down after each workout session, and perform a deep clean 1x per week. 

Avoid using abrasive cleaning tools or acidic cleaning agents as these can damage the rubber. If you want to keep your gym floor in tip-top shape, it’s best to use soft mops, cloths, and sponges with mild cleaners and disinfectants.