Cleaning Tips
Key Points
- You can steam clean rubber floors
- Use white vinegar for the first six weeks of damp mopping
- If pressure washing, remove all dust with a broom or leaf-blower, and squeegee the floor beforehand
Here at Therubberman.com, we produce products meant to last you for years to come. Our rubber flooring and mats aren’t just mere supplies for your barn or gym; they are investments, protecting you and your horses both now and in the future.
When you invest so heavily in a product, you want to treat it well, ensuring it remains at its best to better serve you in its purpose. One of the best ways to take care of the products is by cleaning your rubber floor mats regularly.
Getting started
Whether you are looking to refresh outdoor rubber pavers, polish gym flooring, or reduce your horse stall mat smell, all require deep cleaning options. Before employing any of them, though, you need to conduct an initial general clean.
Always start by removing loose dust, dirt, and debris. Do this easily by sweeping, vacuuming, or blasting it with a leaf blower (if outside).
Top three deep cleaning options
While everyone may have their own preferences for cleaning rubber floor mats and products, we have three methods to be the most tried-and-true. These cleaning methods take into account the chemical makeup of the rubber, time constraints, ease, and the durability of the rubber.
Your preferred method may vary depending on the area you’re planning to clean and how heavy the regular foot traffic is.
Steam Cleaning
A common question we hear is, “Can you steam clean rubber floors?” Know that steam cleaning is one of the best approaches to cleaning rubber floor mats. Use a high-powered commercial-grade steamer or residential steam mop, depending on the surface area you need to clean, and slowly work your way across the flooring.
Steam cleaning only uses water, reducing the need for harsh chemicals, which can break down the rubber’s composition. Steam cleaning also leads to a quicker drying time, which, in turn, reduces water spots that can appear when moisture sits on a surface for too long.
Damp Mopping / Scrubbing
Another great option for cleaning rubber floor mats is to use a damp mop or scrubbing brush. This can be done more regularly and even used as a spot-cleaning tactic when needed. We recommend a stiff-bristle scrub brush that can withstand the rubber without being abrasive.
Use distilled white vinegar for the first six weeks to disinfect and reduce the rubber smell. After initial cleanings, switch to an all-natural citrus-based cleaner. Don’t use any products that contain petroleum or bleach (which eat at the rubber) or wax-based products (which make the rubber slippery).
Pressure Washing
Per our earlier advice on how to clean horse stall mats., pressure washing is ideal. It can quickly clean large areas of caked-on dirt, mud, and other barn debris. Cleaning rubber floor mats with a pressure washer gets into every groove and corner, reducing the horse stall mat smell.
While pressure washing is a great option for how to clean rubber stall mats, it can lead to standing water, which in turn creates water spots. Cut down on those spots by squeegeeing the floor immediately and setting up fans to dry the area quickly.
Summary and takeaways
Maintaining your barn doesn’t have to be daunting. It should be done at regular intervals to help your flooring and mats keep their shape. Always start by clearing the area of dirt and debris, then testing a small section of the rubber with your preferred cleaning method when you do your first cleaning.
Contact our team with any questions or concerns!