Is Rubber Flooring Easy to Clean?

If you have thought about creating a dedicated gym space in your home or perhaps want to add the comfort of rubber flooring to your cold basement floor, you may not have given much thought about cleaning the rubber after it has been installed. This article will provide some insight into cleaning rubber flooring. Hint: It’s really easy! 

How Is Rubber Flooring Different from Other Surfaces?

Rubber flooring from RFS is available in both rubber rolls and rubber tiles. Both flooring types are made from recycled tire rubber. This material, called SBR (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber), combined with a polyurethane binding agent, creates the resiliency that recycled rubber flooring is known for. It is softer and more forgiving than tile or laminate flooring; it has high impact resistance to absorb energy from items like dropped dumbbells; and, rubber flooring has a high coefficient of friction (COF). In other words, it is extremely “grippy.”

The more friction a surface has, the greater result of more traction and lower chance of slipping. In contrast, laminate flooring and LVT (luxury vinyl tile) are generally smooth and less grippy – especially when wet. If you look closely at the surface of recycled rubber flooring, you will find that it contains many tiny pockets, or air gaps, between the rubber granules. These air gaps create the comfort, squish and grip unique to recycled rubber flooring. It is this exclusive surface that makes rubber flooring so desirable!  

Does More Grip and Squish Mean More Cleaning?

Not necessarily. Rubber flooring is one of the most durable and low-maintenance floor coverings available. Rubber does not absorb dirt, debris or liquids unlike organic flooring made from wood or ceramics. Since SBR rubber is synthetic, it is also resistant to mold and mildew. These properties make it a popular choice for use in educational, healthcare and fitness environments. 

Like any flooring surface, dust, hair and debris can accumulate without regular cleaning. No flooring is immune from the dreaded “dust bunnies.”  However, debris and liquids are easily cleaned from the surface of rubber flooring.  Let’s look at the best practice for cleaning rubber flooring.

Three Simple Steps for Cleaning Your Rubber Flooring

Cleaning rubber flooring in your home gym doesn’t require any more elbow grease than your laminate flooring in your living room. It’s as simple as pushing a vacuum and using a mop.

Step 1: Remove Loose Debris

Before introducing a cleaning liquid to your rubber floor, always use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush head to remove dust, dirt and loose debris from the rubber surface. The suction from a vacuum will lift debris from the tiny pockets in the rubber and it is preferred over an ordinary broom and dust pan. 

Use your best judgement on the vacuum brush height setting so it does not visibly scratch or mar the rubber surface. For most cleanings, a light to medium setting should be enough to dislodge and capture the debris buildup. 

Step 2: Wash the Floor

Washing your rubber floor is as simple as using a mop, but with one exception. The extra grip surface texture will pull a cotton string mop apart and leave fibers across the floor. This can also happen with some low-quality sponge mops. A microfiber mop head is recommended for use on rubber flooring. 

Next, mix a pH-neutral cleaner with warm water according to the dilution instructions. Some cleaners, such as Zep Concentrated Neutral pH Floor Cleaner, do not leave a residue after washing. Use a damp (not soaking wet) mop to clean the entire floor.

If you use a cleaner that generates a lot of foam, such as mild dish soap, you may find that your rubber flooring will benefit from a rinse of clean water. Otherwise, a film or residue will make your rubber floor look dull or milky and can attract more dirt. 

Step 3: Dry the Floor

The last step is the easiest. Allow your rubber floor to air dry completely. If your space has windows that can be opened, this will help air flow in the room. Alternatively, a box fan can circulate air more rapidly over the rubber surface. Excess water can be absorbed using a dry microfiber cloth or mop. 

Spot Cleaning Tough Stains

Inevitably, you will have a spot on your rubber floor that requires more attention. Use a soft nylon scrub brush with mild dish soap and water to work the stain or debris free from the rubber. Use a microfiber cloth to remove the debris and liquid. Wipe the area with a damp microfiber cloth as a final rinse.  

Cleaning Large Rooms

If your rubber flooring is installed in a large space that is impractical for cleaning with a mop, a walk-behind automatic floor scrubber can be used. Use a neutral pH floor cleaner and be sure the brushes/contact pads are soft and non-abrasive. Remove excess water from the floor with the auto scrubber’s vacuum or use a wet vacuum. Allow the floor to air dry.

Important Cleaning Tips

Depending how much use your space will receive will determine how often your rubber floor should be cleaned. For a home gym, you may need to clean it weekly. If your rubber flooring has daily foot traffic and more wear and tear (commercial gym or business), a daily cleaning may be needed to keep your flooring looking fresh.

In either scenario, follow these important cleaning tips for an optimal cleaning routine: 

• NEVER use bleach, ammonia, acetone, solvents, oil-based products (Pine-Sol, Murphy’s Oil Soap, WD40), or harsh acidic/alkaline ingredients like vinegar. Only use a neutral pH cleaner or diluted mild dish soap.

• NEVER use abrasive tools like steel wool or scouring pads. Use soft-bristle brushes and microfiber mops to protect the surface of your rubber floor. 

• NEVER use excessive water and cleaning solution on your floor. Large amounts of liquid could migrate through seams in the rubber flooring (especially rubber tiles) and potentially damage the subfloor. Subfloors made of wood can swell or buckle and could rot and create mold. 

• NEVER use a steam mop on your floor. The high heat and moisture can cause damage (warping or curling) and will void your flooring warranty. 

• ALWAYS spot clean spills immediately to prevent staining and damage to your rubber floor. 

• ALWAYS change your cleaning solution and/or rinse water frequently to ensure your floor gets clean. This important step prevents the use of contaminated water that will reintroduce dirt to your floor.

• ALWAYS follow a routine cleaning schedule to keep your rubber floor in top shape. Spot clean and vacuum daily as needed. Mop and dry weekly.

Recycled rubber flooring is easy to clean and maintain. The trick is to stay diligent about keeping your space in tip top shape. Use recommended cleaning supplies and avoid harmful chemicals and cleaners. Like any floor surface, the more you care for it, the longer it will last!   

RFS is committed to supplying the highest-quality, American-made rubber flooring at affordable prices.

Review the product pages on this site for additional information and contact us if you have any specific questions.