How to Clean and Maintain Your Rubber Floor

Rubber flooring offers a supple, anti-static surface which is ideal for home offices, fitness facilities, outdoor areas, playrooms, and computer rooms. One of rubber’s leading features is its ease of cleaning and maintenance. Regular cleaning of your floor will keep it in pristine condition for long periods of time. Still, if you’re using your rubber flooring in areas where extreme traffic or wear and tear occurs, then proper maintenance of your floors is essential. While a rubber floor can endure heavy traffic and frequent spills, it can be damaged by abrasives or harsh cleaning agents, so approach maintenance and cleaning carefully, notes eHow.com.

Regular Cleaning

• Sweep your floor to remove all debris. Most rubber floors can also be vacuumed.
• Do NOT use treated dust mops on your rubber floor. Using a wet mop, clean your rubber flooring with a solution of mild all-purpose cleaner and warm water.
• Oil, grease, and solvents should not be left on mats for extended periods of time. Wipe immediately after the spill occurs and clean remaining residue with a soapy cloth. Dry with a dry cloth or wet vac.

Deep Cleaning

• Sweep your floor to remove debris. Then, use a scrub brush and mild soap to clean the floor. Use a wet vac or towel to absorb the excess liquid.
• Avoid using scouring pads, strong soaps, harsh chemical cleaners, and hot water on rubber tile. Acids (bleach, vinegar, bathroom cleaners), Alkalis (butyl cleaners and high pH strippers), or Petro Chemicals (cleaners containing oil, grease, solvents or abrasives) are also a no-no.
• When polishing rubber, use a water-soluble wax to protect the flooring from damage and discoloration.
• Remove heel marks from rubber tile by dipping fine-grade steel wool in liquid floor wax. Rub the spot gently, and wipe with a damp cloth.

Maintenance

• After cleaning your floor, apply a manufacturer-approved rubber sealer to seal in the color and to prevent scratching. This can be reapplied one to two times per year. Follow stripping with two thin coats of self-polishing wax.
• Repair scratches, or replace areas where scratches have occurred Install your rubber floor on a clean, dry, and even surface.
• Wait at least 72 hours after installation of a rubber floor to clean it: This will allow time for the adhesive to cure.
• Avoid any type of metal scraper as it may scratch the flooring surface.

More Resources:

"Floor Cleaning Tips - Rubber Flooring", TLC