Gym floors bear the brunt of sweat, spills, and countless footsteps. So many gym facilities must ensure they’re kept clean and well-maintained for the staff and guest’s safety.
Unsurprisingly, many struggle with cleaning gym floors the right way without damaging the material, as some do not yet have the budget to invest in gym cleaning services.
We’ve crafted this guide to help you understand the most effective methods for each gym floor type.
Just as various gym equipment needs specific cleaners, so do gym floors. The technique, material, and cleaning equipment used can all make or break the floor’s performance or longevity.
Here’s a quick guide based on flooring type to help you out:
1. Rubber
- Daily cleaning: Sweep or vacuum loose debris and mop with a cleaner that’s pH-neutral and diluted as per the cleaning solution’s instructions.
- Deep cleaning: Use a deck brush and appropriate cleaning solution to scrub. Rinse and thoroughly dry once done.
Special considerations for rubber flooring: Do not use harsh chemicals like ammonia or abrasive cleaners like steel wool as these can damage the material and surface. Use a squeegee instead to eliminate excess water.
2. Interlocking Rubber Tiles
- Daily cleaning: Sweep or vacuum to loosen debris, dust, and particulates like hair, soil from outdoor footwear, etc. Pay extra attention to the seams in between tiles, as these can easily trap dirt. Mop with a pH-neutral floor cleaner and warm water mixture using microfiber material. Be sure to squeeze out excess water to prevent saturation.
- Deep cleaning: Periodically lift a few of the tiles to clean the floor beneath them, then clean as per the flooring material. Clean the underside and subfloor with a well-wrung-out mop and appropriate cleaning solution.
Special considerations for interlocking rubber tiles: Rubber is water-resistant but excessive dampness can seep into the seams and damage the floor beneath. Wring out the floors constantly to avoid flooding.
3. Artificial Turf
- Daily cleaning: Brush or use a turf rake to remove debris. Spills should be spot-cleaned using a mild cleaning mixture of detergent and water.
- Deep cleaning: Professional cleaning services are recommended for deep cleaning and sanitization of gym turf floors.
Special considerations for turf flooring: Regularly brush and use a turf rake to ensure the material retains its texture. Do not let debris accumulate— clean during non-peak hours to prevent staining and odor buildup.
4. Vinyl/Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT)
- Daily cleaning: Sweep/vacuum and then use a microfiber mop head that’s been applied with a pH-neutral cleaning solution (dilute as per instructions on the product label).
- Deep cleaning: Hire professional floor cleaning services to strip and wax the flooring every 6-12 months, depending on the level of foot traffic endured by the floors. This is done to restore the shine.
Special considerations for vinyl and LVT: Avoid using abrasive cleaners and excessive water to avoid damaging the finish. When mopping, wring out excess water to prevent it from seeping into the floor’s seams.
5. Wood
- Daily cleaning: Dusting and light mopping. Immediately spot clean spills with a clean, damp microfiber cloth.
- Deep cleaning: Invest in a commercial floor buffer to shine the floor and maintain its finish. Recoating is also recommended.
Special considerations for wood: Do not excessively wet the floor to avoid damage and mold growth. Wood-specific floor cleaning solutions are recommended and you must take great care to follow the instructions.
6. Concrete
- Daily cleaning: Use a vacuum built to effectively siphon dust. Or, you can use a mop with a microfiber head, dipped into a mild detergent and warm water solution.
- Deep cleaning: Use a commercial-grade pressure washer or a degreaser to clean heavy soils and stains.
Special considerations for concrete: The material is highly porous so it stains easily. It is recommended to seal it for easy cleaning and maintenance. Use concrete-specific cleaners like Simple Green Concrete and Driveway Cleaner or all-purpose Castile soap.
Common Questions When Cleaning Gym Flooring
We debunk 3 common questions when it comes to cleaning gym floors:
Can you wet mop a gym floor?
The short answer is yes but with a caveat. Not all gym floors are made of the same material, so whether or not it is possible to wet mop them depends on the type of flooring. Rubber, vinyl, and LVT floors can typically handle damp mopping (as long as it’s well-rung) and a pH-neutral cleaner.
However, wood floors need a specialized cleaner and a mop that’s barely damp to prevent damage. Turf generally should not be wet mopped as it can lead to drainage and mold growth— the same is true for concrete floors. When in doubt, seek consultation or advice from your floor manufacturer.
How can I make my gym floor shine?
Again, check the type of flooring material and see if it’s possible to achieve a mirror-like finish. Obviously, for turf or artificial grass, it’s not possible to have a literal “shine”, but the guide above should be adequate to help you clean it.
For example, vinyl/linoleum benefits from regular stripping and waxing. Rubber floors will benefit from an industrial-grade buffer to achieve an almost-reflective, high-gloss.
Sealed wood floors can be occasionally buffed with wood-specific polish (and will also benefit from occasional dust mopping).
Finally, for concrete, a high-quality sealer and regular polishing can give it a beautiful sheen.
What should I avoid when cleaning rubber gym floors?
Avoid the following when cleaning rubber gym floors:
- Harsh solutions like bleach, ammonia-based cleaners (Pine-Sol), and other acidic or solvent-based solutions. Avoid chlorine bleach, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide as well.
- Abrasive cleaners like scouring pads, steel wool, or harsh brushes to avoid dulling and scratching the surface.
- Excessive moisture (always be sure to completely wring out the mop before making each pass)
- Oil-based cleaners and polishes, as these can leave a slippery residue and pose safety hazards. They can also stain concrete.
Can you use bleach on gym floor mats?
No, as it can damage certain types of rubber flooring. The chlorine present in bleach is a powerful oxidizer, meaning it breaks down organic matter like bacteria and viruses.
However, it can also break down rubber polymers that make up a typical gym mat, leading to discoloration, brittleness, and cracking as time passes.
Key Takeaway
There’s no cut-and-dry answer on the best way to clean gym floors as it ultimately depends on the type of material. This guide offers cleaning tips for various types of gym flooring and should help give you a baseline on what equipment and solutions to use.
When in doubt, you can always hire a professional floor cleaning company, as they often offer packaged services that include cleaning, stripping, waxing, and sanitization.