Maintenance of Studded Rubber Floors

Initial Care

• Over time, rubber floors harden in a process known as curing. Curing takes place over about six months from the time of installation, and during this period, rubber-studded floors should be treated with a protective coating to prevent scratching, ground-in dirt, and other damage. Very porous floors should also be sealed. Coating and sealing a new studded rubber floor will help protect the material and allow for easier cleaning after the curing process is complete. After coating and sealing, apply a single layer of finish to the floor for a glossy appearance.

Day-to-day Cleaning

• For day-to-day cleaning and maintenance, studded rubber floors should be vacuumed and then cleaned with a non-alkaline cleaner and water. Using a cotton mop is fine, but avoid rayon mops because the material can stick to the floor and cause small scratches in it. For heavy-duty cleaning, vacuum and then scrub with an auto-scrubber using microfiber pads. The vacuum will pick up large debris, and the microfiber pads will pick up smaller particles around the studs on the floor. Change the microfiber pads as soon as they begin to show signs of wear. Once a year, strip all finishes from the floor and apply a new coat of finish.

Spot Cleaning

• For spot cleaning, use an all-purpose cleaner such as Windex or 409. Spray the area to be cleaned and wipe with a soft cloth. Remove any lingering liquid with the cloth and polish with a dry cloth. Gum and sticky materials can be removed with mineral spirits.

Other Tips

• Avoid wearing shoes with hard, small heels on studded rubber floors, as they can damage the surface. Scrape mud and water off of shoes before walking on rubber floors, and clean up spills right away. Do not use floor finishes not designed for rubber on the floor, and do not use high-speed burnishers on rubber because they can cause the material to burn and melt.