5 Tips For Maintaining Rubber Flooring

Rubber is an excellent choice for many flooring applications. It’s a natural product that provides exceptional durability, comfort under foot, and slip resistance. Installing rubber flooring is a big investment, but when taken care of properly, it will last a long time. 

Understanding how to clean and maintain your rubber flooring may seem like a small task, but it’s a very important one. If you spend time on the frontend learning about the unique properties of rubber and making custom care procedures, you will avoid damaging the rubber, and you will make the whole process easier as well as cost effective in the long run. 

1. Entryway

One of the first things to think about when installing rubber flooring is soil and debris that will be tracked inside the facility creating an unsightly looking floor. We recommend custom made entry way systems that reduce the amount of soil and debris tracked onto the floor. The best option is Mannington Commercial’s custom entry way system, which is made of fiber that scrapes off debris from shoes, wheels, or other surfaces.

2. Rubber Has its Own Natural Wax

One of rubber’s many benefits is its self migrating wax. It slowly and continuously goes to the surface of the rubber over time. This means you don’t have to add wax to rubber floors rather with proper care, maintain the look of the floor throughout its service in your facility. 

3. Cleaning Agents

First, let’s address disinfectants. Disinfectants are commonly used on rubber floors, especially in recent years due to COVID-19. Disinfectants are made to leave a residue on the floor so that bacteria and microorganisms continue to die when they come in contact with the substance. These residues, while useful in keeping people healthy, can leave a haze on the floor and compromise its look and feel over time. It is important to routinely clean off disinfectant residue. This can be done with water alone or with a neutral cleaner. 

4. Cleaning Pads 

Cleaning pads are used on auto scrubbers, mops, and other cleaning tools. They come into direct contact with the floor. The type of cleaning pad we recommend depends on the type of rubber flooring and degree of cleaning needed. There are alternative pads that are occasionally recommended for corrective or deep cleaning. But in general, microfiber pads work best. A flat traditional pad may work well on a smooth surface but does not work well on embossed or textured rubber or flooring with prominent seams and transitions.

5. Feltpads and Chair Glides 

Lastly, we recommend felt pads to cover any surface that meets the rubber flooring. Using felt pads on the feet of tables and chairs avoids unsightly marking or tears that can occur when furniture is moved on the rubber. These are always a part of successful care and maintenance programs. Be sure to order and apply these felt pads before your rubber floor is installed.  

Take Away

In summary, rubber is a high-quality product, it’s an investment to purchase and install and with proper care, it can service your facility for a long time. Take the time, prior to purchasing, to evaluate the area, consider the proper entryway system for soil removal and have in place a holistic plan for maintaining the rubber as well as surrounding areas that will achieve expectations.