Rubber flooring is built for impact, grip, and heavy traffic, which is why it is popular in gyms, play areas, and school multipurpose spaces. It still needs the right care routine. Incorrect cleaning chemicals can leave residue, reduce grip, or damage the finish.
Who this guide is for
This guide is for:
- School facilities teams.
- Gym owners and studio managers.
- Anyone maintaining rubber flooring in high-use environments.
Tools and products you'll need
- Dust mop or vacuum with hard-floor setting.
- Microfibre mop or auto scrubber with soft pad.
- Neutral cleaner approved for rubber floors.
- Targeted disinfectant for hygiene-critical zones.
- Non-abrasive brush for textured surfaces.
Avoid petroleum-based solvents and highly acidic/alkaline cleaners unless manufacturer-approved.
Step-by-step cleaning process
- Remove dry dirt daily. Dust, chalk, and grit cause early surface wear.
- Spot clean spills immediately. Sports drinks and sugary liquids become sticky fast.
- Damp mop with neutral cleaner. Work in manageable sections and avoid over-wetting.
- Use soft machine cleaning for larger areas. Keep pressure and pad aggressiveness low.
- Rinse where chemical load is high. This helps preserve grip.
- Dry before reopening area. Especially important for school safety and gym traffic.
Pro tip
In weight rooms, add a quick end-of-day pass around racks and benches. Rubber floors fail faster where chalk, metal dust, and sweat accumulate.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
- Overusing disinfectant: Leaves slippery film if not rinsed.
- Using aggressive degreasers: Can harden or fade some rubber products.
- Skipping edge cleaning: Dirt lines build up around skirtings and equipment.
- Ignoring drainage/ventilation issues: Moisture can create odour problems.
If the floor feels slick even when dry, perform a neutral rinse cycle and review chemical dilution.
Suggested maintenance schedule
- Daily: Dry soil removal + targeted spot cleaning.
- 2 to 3 times weekly: Damp mop full area.
- Weekly (heavy-use gyms): Machine scrub with soft pad.
- Monthly: Detail clean perimeter and equipment footprints.
- Quarterly: Professional review for wear, seams, and safety performance.
When to call a professional
Call a professional if:
- Seams are opening or tiles are shifting.
- Odour persists despite correct cleaning.
- Surface is polished smooth in high-impact zones.
- You need restoration in a large gym or school hall.
Early intervention helps retain slip resistance and extends floor life.