How to Clean Rubber Flooring

Co-authored by Erik Bakirov

Last Updated: April 18, 2024 References

Rubber flooring is a durable choice for high-traffic areas in your home or business. To keep your rubber floor looking its best though, regular cleaning is paramount. By doing routine cleaning, removing tough stains and establishing a regular maintenance routine, you can keep your rubber floor in good condition for years to come.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Doing Routine Cleaning

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To begin cleaning, dry vacuum the rubber floor thoroughly to remove all grit and dirt. Work from one side of the room to the other so you don’t miss any spots. Dirt can cause rubber floors to wear unevenly and lose their shine.
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Erik Bakirov
Cleaning Specialist

Expert Interview. 7 January 2021.} Pour ¼ cup (60 ml) of mild dish soap into a bucket and then fill with warm water. Do not be tempted to use more soap, which can cause a filmy residue on your floor. The level of soap indicated is dilute enough to clean without leaving a film.

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Erik Bakirov
Cleaning Specialist

Expert Interview. 7 January 2021.} Mop your floor with the soapy water, starting at the area farthest from the door of the room and working your way toward the exit. Wring your mop periodically. By doing the exit to the room last, you can leave without stepping on the newly mopped floor.
There is no need to towel your newly washed rubber floor. Simply let it air dry. If your rubber floor is in a poorly ventilated area of your house, open a window so the mopped floor will dry more quickly.
Some solvents and acids can soften or erode rubber flooring if used regularly. While rubber is very durable with normal wear and tear, using harsh chemicals for routine cleaning can crack and deteriorate your rubber. Stick to plain soap and water whenever possible.^{[3]
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Rubber flooring is softest immediately after installation. It cures, becoming harder and more durable over time. Manufacturers typically recommend not cleaning it for the first 72 hours after installation. Attempting to do so earlier could cause permanent damage to your floor.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Removing Tough Stains

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1
Use a vinegar solution for water-based stains. For occasional water-based stains, for example beverages or sweat, treat your rubber floor with a white vinegar solution. Mix a solution that is 50% water and 50% white vinegar. Use a towel to rub the mixture on the stained area in small circles to lift as much staining as possible.
- When finished, mop the area with mild dish soap and water just as you would when performing routine cleaning.
- Allow the area to air dry.
2
Use turpentine on oil-based stains. Turpentine is highly toxic and should be handled with care. Wear rubber gloves, ventilate the area well, and secure all pets and children elsewhere before handling. Pour up to 3 teaspoons of turpentine on a clean, dry cloth, and blot the area to lift staining.^{[4]
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- When finished, mop with soap and warm water as normal, allowing the area to air dry.
- Turpentine is a last resort for severe, oil-based staining. Used to excess, it can even stain your rubber floors.
3
Lift paint stains with paint thinner. If you get some paint on your rubber floor, use a small amount of paint thinner to clean the drips. Wear rubber gloves, ventilate the area well, and secure all pets and children elsewhere before beginning work. Pour a small amount of paint thinner on a clean, dry cloth and wipe the dripped areas in a short sweeping motion, using a new part of the cloth each time. The bits of paint will begin to peel and lift.
- Sweep paint flecks up into a dustpan and discard.
- When finished, mop with soap and warm water as normal, allowing the area to air dry.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Maintaining Your Clean Floor

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Standing water can damage the underlying adhesive that secures the rubber to your floor. Be diligent about wiping up any spills or standing water right away to keep your rubber crack-free and in good condition.
2
Establish a regular cleaning routine. Vacuuming your rubber floor every other day will help minimize surface dirt and keep your floor looking bright and new. Less grit on your floors means fewer surface scratches. Mop with soap and water as directed once a week.
- Creating a calendar reminder can help you remember to clean your floor regularly.
Rubber floors harden over time, which actually makes them more resistant to dirt and wear as they age. To extend the life of your rubber floor, try to take particularly diligent care of it during the first 6-12 months by vacuuming and mopping as scheduled.^{[5]
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Things You'll Need

Mild dish soap
Water
White vinegar
Towel
Mop
Bucket
Turpentine
Paint thinner
Clean cloths
Dustpan

Tips

Rubber floors can be polished with wax to make them more resistant to damage and discoloration. Contact your rubber-floor installation company for details.^{[6]
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Avoid wearing cleats or high heels on rubber floors as they may damage the finish.

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If you have rubber tiles, periodically move tiles in higher traffic areas to lower traffic areas and vice versa. This will keep areas of high traffic from becoming excessively worn.

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