How to Clean Rubber Flooring: Practical Guide for Beginners

Having clean rubber flooring is what makes the place a real go-through. There is nothing better than having a floor that withstands heavy foot traffic and lasts long.

But the problem is homeowners usually don’t know how to clean rubber flooring. Rubber floors are durable as they are naturally resistant and provide good grip.

They are popular for their easy-to-clean properties for business and private. This guide covers the whole process of cleaning rubber floors in simple steps. Stay tuned.

 

Is Rubber Flooring Suitable for Commercial Use?

Rubber floors are ideal for commercial use such as train stations, shopping centers, or airports.

Since they don’t absorb liquid or dirt, they are ideal for places where hygiene is important such as hospitals, schools, or gyms. They are used in homes such as in kitchens, playrooms, or home gyms.

The floors’ material is made out of natural tree rubber or from a synthetic source such as old car tires.

Rubber Floor Coverings

They are durable and have low-maintenance floor coverings. They resist mold, mildew, and stains.

Flooring comes in different sizes, large sheets to cover large or open areas, and interlocking styles to adjust in small spaces.

There are studded varieties available too, which will provide extra grip in critical places. Some new rubber floors have that sharp rubber smell, which is caused by off-gassing.

That will be reduced faster using simple steps to clean rubber flooring. Cleaning a rubber floor is simple but, it’s always good to be prepared when you go for deep cleaning of the rubber floor.

Tools and Materials to Clean Rubber Floor

Tools Used for Cleaning

As mentioned rubber flooring is strong and durable, but still needs attention and care to maintain its’ condition.

Best Rubber Floor Cleansing Agent

The best rubber floor cleaner is pH-neutral, which is often mixed with warm water. This will help you to deep clean and sanitize the floor, without causing damage to any harsh chemicals.

You have two options when choosing a floor cleaner one store-bought another homemade.

Mopping

Once a week, the cork flooring must be cleaned with water and a mop. Keep in mind that minimal water should be used to mop the floor. Do not use strong solutions in water.

Always try to use a good quality mop for cork or hardwood floor cleaning.

Vinegar is the best cork floor cleaner instead of the chemical agents bought from the store. To make a solution for a mop, add four cups of vinegar to a gallon of water.

Depending on the traffic in the area, you may use the mop twice a week. The spills must be wiped by any dry cloth otherwise the moisture will damage the flooring.

Store-Bought Cleaner

You don’t have to think a lot while buying a cleaner from a store as they have got what you need. Some cleaners you have to dilute in water.

If you are still unsure about using chemicals then there is always a homemade option.

Homemade Cleaner

If you still have doubts about the store-bought cleaners, you can make one for yourself. It is not only safe, and environment-friendly, but also cheaper to make with the ingredients in your pantry.

Things Needed to Make Cleaner for Rubber Floor

1. 1 gallon of warm water
2. 1cup of detergent (pH-neutral, free of acid, moisturizers, and bleach)
3. 5-10 drops of essential or citric fragrance(optional)

It is the best cleaner for rubber floors. If you want to focus on disinfecting the floor, mild alcohol is your best option.

Avoid using any solvent or oil style cleaner such as Lysol, Murphys’ oil soap, Pine-Sol, or paint thinner, since, this type of cleaner will break the flooring over time.

How To Care For Your Flooring?

Keep the following things in mind when maintaining your rubber flooring:

Care for Newly Installed Rubber Floor

When you just had your flooring installed you might want to clean it as soon as possible to get rid of the dust and dirt from the installation.

If the flooring is click-together or static-weight rubber matting, then you are good to go. But if your floor is secure using adhesive then you have to at least wait for 72hrs for the glue to dry.

Just to be sure that the floor will not move while cleaning.

Reduce Dirt

The most common task you will face with your rubber floor is small dust particles that come along the sole of people or come with air when doors are open.

A common problem with the place with heavy foot traffic, though you can reduce it by placing dust mats near the entrance or the place where people stand most.

The dust control mat will pick onto any particles tracked on it through their specialized fiber. Thus, the mat can be washed or vacuumed to get rid of dirt.

Know the Subfloor Underneath the Flooring

Even though rubber flooring is durable and resists mold and stain. It’s better to know what type of subfloor is underneath the rubber flooring.

The floor won’t absorb any amount of spilled liquid, there is a potential problem if you have rubber floor tiles or a prominent seam between the rolls of the floor.

A plywood floor can cause a problem if it is directly placed under the rubber floor. Especially when liquid manages to seep through it, there is a high chance that plywood will rot or mold.

To avoid such circumstances have moisture barrier underlayment installed underneath.

Methods to Clean Rubber Flooring

Following are some of the amazing methods to clean rubber flooring that you must try:

Sweep the Floor

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Before doing any sort of cleaning it is important to dust or sweep the floor. Get rid of dirt if not it will give off a dirty look no matter how much you clean the floor.

It is good for daily routine as well to keep the rubber flooring dirt free.

You can also use a vacuum cleaner without a beater brush to avoid scratching on the floor, or you can use one with a soft beater brush.

Spot Cleaning

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Before moving to deep cleaning take care of any visible spots. You can clean the spot by brushing firmly with a gentle bristle brush.

If you have a commercial area to clean such as a gym then you might face difficulties, such as stuck-on gum you might have to use a scraper. Avoid using a metal scraper as it will scratch the surface.

Mop the Floor

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Mop the floor with warm water and a mild detergent (dish-soap) with pH-neutral. Start from the corner of your floor and work your way to the exit to avoid stepping on your newly mopped floor.

Make sure to wring your mop periodically to get rid of any dirt residue. To reduce the rubber smell from your new floor you need to mop 2-3 times.

Allow the Floor to Air Dry

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You don’t have to dry the floor with a cloth just simply allow it to air dry, if your place is poorly ventilated then open a window or door to let the fresh air in.

How to Seal Rubber Flooring?

Sometimes it’s a good idea to seal your rubber flooring to add more shine and protection. If you have a new rubber flooring or recycled rubber floor with a high percentage of new rubber in it.

The seal creates a protective wax layer that gives the floor a wet look.

Here is How to Finish and Seal Rubber Flooring

• Dip a clean sponge in the floor cleaner.
• Apply a thin coat of finish and allow it to air dry.
• Reapply it to the max of 3-4 times or until the desired level of sheen is achieved.
• It’s important to apply the floor finish in thin films otherwise, it will cause haze.
• Avoid machine buffing cause it will leave marks on the finish.
• After the floor is dried for a whole day you can continue to continue your daily routine.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning Rubber Floors

Now that you know how to clean rubber flooring, here are some helpful tips to clean and maintain the rubber flooring to remember when cleaning rubber floors.

Do’s

• Do Clean up the floor once a week or daily basis in the area with high foot traffic
• Do Use a microfiber or nylon mop instead of cotton that will leave behind lint and make your floor look dirty.
• Do Clean up the floor once a week or daily basis in the area with high foot traffic
• Do Use a microfiber or nylon mop instead of cotton that will leave behind lint and make your floor look dirty.

Don’ts

• Don’t use rough pads or steel wire or scraper it will damage the surface
• Don’t use an acidic cleaner, especially bleach, vinegar, or another solvent.
• Don’t Completely soak the floor as it reaches the subfloor through seams, and the case will be bad if the flooring is of plywood.

Conclusion

Follow the tips explained above to keep your rubber floor clean. Maintain a regular cleaning routine, and clean the spills right away.

Treat your floor with care for 6-12 months as the rubber hardens over time which makes them more resilient to dust and dirt.