Rubber flooring offers the perfect combination of style and function. It’s not only beautiful and comfortable underfoot, but also incredibly durable and slip-resistant. While installing rubber floors is a smart investment, proper care is essential to maximize their lifespan.
This guide unveils the secrets to maintaining your rubber floors. By understanding its unique properties, you can create a custom care routine that keeps your floors looking their best for years to come. This not only saves you money in the long run, but also makes the cleaning process a breeze.
As a Maintenance Manager at Dex Flooring, I’ve helped countless clients achieve their flooring goals. In this article, I’m sharing some of our expert tips to ensure your rubber floors stay stunning and functional for years to come.
Building a Custom Cleaning Plan for Your Rubber Floors
Before your beautiful new rubber floors arrive, it’s wise to create a customized care plan. Here’s why:
- Rubber Needs Specific Care: Different rubber types and traffic levels require unique cleaning approaches.
- Seasonal Shifts Matter: Winter’s snow, salt, and sand call for adjustments compared to summer’s dust.
- Budget Plays a Role: Tailoring your plan to your budget ensures optimal care without overspending.
Think of your cleaning protocol as a flexible guide that adapts with the seasons. For instance, winter’s harsh elements require more frequent cleaning to remove damaging salt and grit.
We Make it Easy:
Dex Flooring provides detailed maintenance manuals to help you craft your cleaning plan. These guides include:
- Choosing the right cleaning products and tools
- Initial cleaning procedures
- Ongoing maintenance routines
- Stain and damage removal solutions
Expert Help Available:
Have questions? Our local Dex Flooring representatives are happy to assist you. We even offer team meetings with experts like myself who can help create custom cleaning procedures for your specific environment and seasonality.
By taking a proactive approach, you can avoid damaging your investment. This means skipping abrasive cleaning pads and harsh chemicals often used by those unaware of proper rubber floor care.
Basic Maintenance Steps
- Dust Mop Often: Regularly remove dirt and loose particles with a microfiber dust mop.
- Deep Clean with Microfiber Pads: Utilize an auto scrubber with microfiber pads for a deeper clean.
- Neutral Cleaners are Key: Always follow the manufacturer’s dilution ratio for a pH-neutral floor cleaner. Remember, less is often more when it comes to chemicals on rubber flooring.
Things To Consider
1. Entryway
When it comes to rubber flooring, the enemy at the door isn’t metaphorical – it’s tracked-in dirt and debris! Here’s why a custom entryway system is your secret weapon:
- Reduced Dirt = Beautiful Floors: Minimize unsightly dirt buildup and maintain the elegance of your rubber floors.
- Customizable Defense: We tailor entryway systems to your specific needs. High traffic areas or locations with heavy sand and salt (think Florida!) require a longer system (30-40 feet) compared to moderate areas (20-25 feet) like the Midwest.
- Dex Flooring to the Rescue: Our top-of-the-line entryway systems are crafted with specialized fibers that effectively scrape debris off shoes, wheels, and other surfaces.
Why Skip the Generic Mat?
While walk-off mats seem like a quick solution, they come with hidden drawbacks:
- Trip Hazards: Loose mats pose a safety risk for employees and visitors.
- Wandering Mats: Mats that shift out of place defeat the purpose of trapping dirt.
- Uneven Cleaning: Foot traffic might bypass the mats entirely, leaving dirt on your beautiful floors.
- Discoloration Danger: Some mats can stain the underlying rubber flooring.
Beware of Budget Busters:
We’ve seen cases where cheap entryway mats with low-quality fibers actually cause more harm than good. These mats fail to trap debris, allowing it to spread further into your facility and making cleaning more difficult.
The Choice is Yours:
Dex Flooring offers superior entryway systems designed to protect your investment. However, if you choose to use your own mats, we strongly advise against budget-friendly options with questionable backing materials.
2. Rubber Has its Own Natural Wax
Rubber flooring boasts a unique built-in benefit – a self-migrating wax! This natural wax continuously rises to the surface, eliminating the need for external waxing products. Proper care ensures this natural shine persists throughout the floor’s lifespan.
The key to maintaining this wax layer lies in using microfiber pads with an auto scrubber. This gentle cleaning method keeps all types of rubber floors (smooth, textured, or raised profile) clean while preserving the migrating wax.
Beware of Wax-Stripping Cleaners:
Some cleaning agents can disrupt this natural defense. For instance, degreasers used to remove grease or oil might break down the wax layer. This highlights the importance of choosing cleaning products wisely. Consult a professional for guidance on selecting the right cleaners for your specific rubber floor and cleaning needs.
3. Cleaning Agents
Disinfectants: A Double-Edged Sword
Disinfectants are a mainstay, especially with heightened hygiene concerns. However, they leave a residue designed to kill bacteria over time. While this residue is great for health, it can create a hazy film on your floor, diminishing its appearance.
The Power of Neutrality:
The good news? You don’t need harsh chemicals to keep your rubber floors clean! We recommend periodic cleaning with a neutral cleaner (pH around 7 or 8) diluted with warm water. Sometimes, simply dampening the surface is enough to reactivate any disinfectant residue and loosen dirt for easy removal.
4. Cleaning Pads
When it comes to cleaning rubber floors, the right cleaning pad makes all the difference. These pads, used on auto scrubbers, mops, and other tools, directly impact the cleaning process and floor health.
Matching the Pad to the Floor:
We recommend tailoring your cleaning pad selection to the specific type of rubber flooring and the level of clean required. Microfiber pads are generally the champions for rubber floors.
- Microfiber Marvels: These gentle yet effective pads excel at cleaning all types of rubber surfaces – smooth, textured, or raised profile. Their fine fibers reach into grooves and seams, ensuring a thorough clean without harming the floor.
- Flat Pads: A Limited Role: While traditional flat pads might work on smooth rubber floors, they struggle with textured surfaces and prominent seams, leaving dirt behind.
Considering Deep Cleaning Needs:
There may be instances where alternative pads are recommended for specialized cleaning tasks like deep cleaning or removing tough stains. However, for regular maintenance, microfiber pads reign supreme.
5. Feltpads and Chair Glides
The final piece of the puzzle? Prevention! We highly recommend using felt pads on the legs of furniture that will come into contact with your rubber floors.
These felt pads act as a barrier, preventing unsightly scuff marks, scratches, or even tears that can occur when furniture is moved across the floor. Equipping your furniture with felt pads before installation is a simple yet crucial step towards ensuring the long-term beauty and functionality of your rubber floors.
The Bottom Line: Invest in Beauty, Invest in Longevity
Rubber flooring offers a perfect blend of style and practicality. It’s a high-quality investment that can grace your facility for years to come – but only with proper care.
Here’s how to ensure your rubber floors stay stunning and functional:
- Plan Before You Purchase: Before you buy, evaluate the space and choose the right entryway system to minimize tracked-in dirt.
- Embrace the Power of Prevention: Utilize felt pads on furniture legs to prevent scratches and scuff marks.
- Craft a Customized Care Plan: Develop a holistic plan that considers factors like traffic patterns, seasonal changes, and budget. Our detailed maintenance guides can help!
- Microfiber Pads are Your Ally: Use microfiber pads for regular cleaning to maintain the floor’s natural shine and avoid harsh chemicals.
- Seek Expert Guidance: Don’t hesitate to reach out to Dex Flooring’s experts. We’re here to help you create customized cleaning procedures and answer any questions you may have.
By taking a proactive approach, you can ensure your rubber floors become a beautiful and long-lasting addition to your facility. Let us help you keep your investment looking its best!
FAQs
What are the biggest threats to my rubber floors?
Tracked-in dirt and debris are the main culprits! A high-quality entryway system specifically designed for your traffic level and climate is your first line of defense. Harsh chemicals can also damage the natural wax layer, so using gentle microfiber pads and neutral cleaners is key.
Do I need to wax my rubber floors?
The beauty of rubber flooring is its self-migrating wax layer! This natural wax rises to the surface, eliminating the need for external waxing products. Proper cleaning with microfiber pads helps maintain this wax layer for a long-lasting shine.
How can I prevent scratches and scuff marks?
Using felt pads on the legs of chairs, tables, and other furniture is essential. These pads create a barrier that protects your floor from scratches and unsightly marks caused by furniture movement.
What type of cleaning pad should I use?
Microfiber pads are your best bet for regular maintenance. Their gentle fibers effectively clean all types of rubber surfaces (smooth, textured, or raised profile) without harming the floor.
What if I need to deep clean my rubber floors?
While microfiber pads are ideal for regular cleaning, there may be times when a more intensive clean is required. In these cases, consult with a professional to discuss alternative cleaning pad options suitable for your specific needs.
I’m overwhelmed by cleaning product options. What should I use?
Skip the harsh chemicals! Rubber floors do best with a neutral pH cleaner (around 7 or 8) diluted with warm water. In some cases, simply dampening the surface with water is enough to reactivate any disinfectant residue and remove dirt.
Can Dex Flooring help me create a custom cleaning plan?
Absolutely! We offer detailed maintenance guides and expert consultations to help you create a cleaning plan that factors in your specific rubber floor type, traffic patterns, and budget. Don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re here to help you get the most out of your rubber floors!
