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February 06, 2025 7 min read
Whether you run a fitness center or work in the food service industry, you’re probably all too familiar with the need for commercial mat cleaning. These attract all sorts of dirt and grime since they’re most commonly positioned in high-traffic areas.
You can imagine just how ineffective - or in some cases, dangerous - these mats become without regular, proper cleaning. They can harbor bacteria and even create slip hazards. Your business can’t afford any of these risks. You need to invest in regular commercial mat cleaning.
Don’t worry, it’s fairly simple. We’ll walk you through how to clean commercial floor mats below so you can enhance functionality and prolong their lifespan. From choosing the right equipment and detergents to coming up with a schedule, you’ll feel confident in how to clean mats after reading along.
But before we get into the nitty-gritty details of how to wash a floor mat, just know that your search for everything you need in your cleaning arsenal ends here at SweepScrub. Set yourself up for success with a commercial floor scrubber for sale or commercial floor sweeper for sale!
Commercial floor mats are the first line of defense against dirt, grime, and moisture entering your building. Keeping them hygienic and aesthetic is important whether you’re overseeing a gym, school, kitchen, or any other facility for that matter.
Remember, first impressions matter, and worn, dirty mats send the wrong message about your business. While learning how to clean commercial floor mats may sound like a hassle, it can actually move the needle for your business.
That being said, the main concern comes down to safety and health. Dirty floor mats can accumulate debris and moisture that pose slip hazards. The irony here is that commercial floor mats are supposed to prevent slips. They can’t do this when they’re contaminated.
But regular commercial mat cleaning also improves air quality. These mats can trap dirt, dust, and allergens that would otherwise circulate through your building. Those contaminants and particles can make their way back into the air if not cleaned away.
Learning how to wash a floor mat effectively is also an investment in longevity. It will help your mats last longer and protect the flooring underneath from scratches, stains, and moisture damage.
It’s clear this is not something you can afford to overlook, so how are commercial floor mats cleaned? Let’s dive into how to clean mats in commercial settings below!.
The first thing you need to know about how to clean commercial floor mats is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all process. The type of mat, the tools, and the supplies used all have to be taken into account as they influence results.
It’s also important to keep in mind that you need to wear gloves, masks, and protective eyewear when handling cleaning agents. Even mild detergents can cause irritation with prolonged exposure. Proper PPE is just as important as the cleaning equipment and supplies themselves.
All that being said, here’s how to clean mats in commercial settings.
Start by identifying the mat’s material and purpose. Anti-fatigue mats in kitchens or workstations often require different cleaning techniques than entrance mats designed to trap dirt and moisture.
Rubber mats are durable, but that doesn’t mean you can use just any chemicals to clean them. They should be washed carefully with non-corrosive agents. Meanwhile, carpeted mats need tools that can extract dirt deep within the fibers.
So, take your time to research the specifics of your floor mats and come up with the right solution. Regardless, SweepScrub is your trusted provider for commercial floor cleaning.
Whether you need a commercial walk behind floor sweeper or industrial ride-on sweeper, a commercial walk behind floor scrubber or industrial ride on floor scrubber, we’re here to provide the industry’s best!
Get in touch today and we’ll help you round out your commercial mat cleaning regimen. In the meantime, here’s how to clean commercial floor mats.
Begin by removing the mats from their location and shaking them out to dislodge loose debris, dirt, and dust. This is not always feasible, of course, if you have larger mats or there is equipment on top of the mats that cannot be used.
For example, gyms use floor mats to protect against slamming of weights. There might be squat racks or machines on top of the mats. In these situations, you’ll need to remove the dirt and debris some other way - either a sweeper vs vacuum.
Use a heavy-duty commercial vacuum cleaner to thoroughly clean both sides of the mat - again, if possible. Mats that cannot be lifted safely can be left in place, focusing just on the top of the mat where dirt and dust accumulate. Pay special attention to edges and corners, as dirt tends to accumulate there.
A sweeper might be better than a vacuum cleaner in some cases, though. This is true of rubber or vinyl mats, or any expansive mats where a vacuum cleaner wouldn’t be efficient enough. Think about the scale of your facility and consider investing in productivity with a sweeper!
The detergent you use should match the mat material and the level of soiling. Failing to account for either of these variables will compromise the results of your cleaning, or worse, do more harm than good. Here are some quick recommendations for commercial mat cleaning:
Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for both the mat and the cleaning agent to avoid damage. We suggest pre-treating stains by applying the solution (diluted if necessary) and letting it sit for a few minutes to break down grease, dirt, or stains. This will make the scrubbing process much easier.
The specific tool or equipment you’ll use to scrub your mats is material-dependent. You’ll want to use either a floor scrubber, carpet extractor, or hand brush. Even if you pre-treated the mats, you’ll likely want to use more detergent at this step of how to clean mats as well.
Carpet mats may require deep cleaning with a carpet extractor to remove dirt embedded in fibers. This not only cleans but also extends the mat’s lifespan. It also removes harmful allergens!
Rubber mats, on the other hand, can be scrubbed with a floor scrubber for a like-new finish. These machines use rotating brushes and cleaning solutions to lift stubborn grime. They put down a cleaning solution, scrub it in, and suck up the dirty water all in one pass.
Just be careful about doing more harm than good with aggressive scrubbing. This may call for a specialized type of floor scrubber brush or pad. We can help you with this here at SweepScrub.
After you’ve done a good job scrubbing, take your time to rinse the mats with clean water. This will remove any detergent residue and loosened grime, leaving behind a like-new mat. It also prevents slippery surfaces or discoloration from any residual cleaning agents.
Note that this is not a necessary step when you use a quality floor scrubber, as it rinses and sucks up dirty water in one pass. It’s truly one of the best investments you can make in commercial mat cleaning!
Otherwise, you’d likely need to use a hose or pressure washer to expedite the process. Again, avoid using too much pressure as this can damage some types of mats.
There you have it, how to clean commercial floor mats! Not so fast - while the cleaning process is done, you’re not quite finished. You need to take measures to dry the mats completely otherwise you could end up with mold, mildew, and odors.
Smaller mats can be air-dried in a well-ventilated space, while larger mats may require high-speed fans or vacuum dryers for faster results. Make sure the mats are completelydry before returning them to their position.
The final step in how to wash a floor mat is repositioning it. Straighten the edges to avoid trip hazards and inspect the placement to make sure it’s fully functional and covering the entirety of the floor that you want it to. And that’s it, you’re all done!
One of the most common questions we get asked about how to wash a floor mat is how often it should be done. As you can imagine, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on how much foot traffic the mats face and the type of messes that are tracked in.
The answer can range from every few days to just once a week, or in some cases, once a month. Entry mats at your place of business may not need to be cleaned as often as mats in a commercial kitchen, for example.
Whether you’re cleaning commercial kitchen floors or engaging in warehouse floor cleaning, school floor cleaning, or anything in between, SweepScrub is your one-stop shop for commercial mat cleaning.
We make it easy to source everything you need to wash floor mats in your business. You gain access to the top models from the most sought-after brands, all at competitive prices. With world-class customer service from A to Z, what more could you ask for?
From high-powered vacuums and sweepers for quick debris removal to carpet extractors and scrubbers for deep cleaning, we’ve got it all. We also carry a wide range of detergents and cleaning solutions to round out your regimen.
Your mats deserve the best care, and we’re here to help you achieve professional-grade results every time. Get in touch today and we’ll get you taken care of, or explore our catalog and take the next step now!
That does it for our guide on how to wash a floor mat. We hope this overview of how to clean commercial floor mats has left you feeling clear and confident!
While it sounds like a bit of a hassle, it’s a matter of safety, hygiene, and professionalism. Plus, it’s way quicker and easier than you might have initially thought when you set yourself up for success with the right solutions at SweepScrub.
You can find similar resources in our blog like how to clean concrete floors, how to use a commercial floor scrubber, or how to clean a tennis court. But you came specifically to learn how to clean mats in commercial settings, and now that you know how, what’re you waiting for?
Take control of your commercial mat cleaning process at SweepScrub, where you’ll enjoy the industry’s latest and greatest at the lowest prices with friendly, helpful support every step of the way.
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