Whether in a school gymnasium or other environments related to physical activity, the quality of gym flooring is a factor that affects your safety and enjoyment. The materials utilised in the hardwood gym floor have the capacity to withstand the most aggressive of sports plus the wear and tear that accompany them.

Daily use will eventually take its toll on the strength and appearance of your gym floor. When given proper care and maintenance, your gym floor will remain at its best for the longest possible time.

1. Use a microfiber dust mop at least once a day

Dust can collect rapidly on hardwood gym flooring causing it to become slippery, or rough like sandpaper.

This is why gym flooring must be regularly cleaned.

You can either use a microfibre dust mop that effectively traps dust without the need for additional cleaning products or a traditional V shaped scissor mop.

Many sporting facilities will also dust mop between games to ensure longevity and the best possible playing surface.

2. Use the correct dilution rate when scrubbing

Scrubbing using an auto scrubber should ideally be completed a minimum of once per week. Dirt, dust and sweat must not be allowed to accumulate on the floor surface.

When scrubbing use the correct dilution rate; too much can leave a residue of detergent causing the floor to become sticky and dirty quickly. As dirt builds up it will also become slippery.

3. Use cleaning materials designed for sporting areas

Use products designed to clean soils created in sporting areas such as sweat and body fats without damaging the flooring surfaces.

The cheapest cleaning products do not always achieve the above. This is important especially if you are trying to solve a particular flooring issue. Compromising on the quality of your cleaning products can potentially damage the wood and finish of your flooring.

4. Use a wet cleaning process

Any physical exercise produces perspiration or sweat, with body oils having high protein and salt content accumulating over time.

Wet cleaning, such as mopping or automatic scrubbing combined with an established hardwood gym flooring cleaner will effectively and safely remove these types of dirt.

5. If you have a function protect your floor

Protection of your hardwood gym flooring is a crucial part of your maintenance program. Although it is sturdy enough for a wide variety of activities, objects such as chairs and certain gym equipment or plastic/metal casters can damage your flooring.

There are various types of covering and mats that not only offer protection, but also make cleaning of your hardwood gym flooring easier and more cost effective.

6. Clean the floor first thing in the morning

Keep in mind that dirt is abrasive. Therefore, the ideal time for cleaning your hardwood gym flooring is first thing in the morning. By this time, the dust and dirt have had the opportunity to settle on the floor during the night.

If you don’t clean at this time, then the sandpaper effect of the settled debris will be activated by the first person walking onto the floor every morning and in effect, scratching it.

7. Observe proper preventive measures

Although reducing the amount of dust collected in a facility can be difficult, preventive measures can be taken to reduce the amount of dust and dirt, tracked into the gym and onto the hardwood flooring by users.

While asking users not to wear street shoes onto the court may seem like a great idea, enforcing this ruling is not easily accomplished. Therefore, your answer is to install walk-off mats, an investment that will help in the cleaning and protection of your flooring.

8. Set a regular maintenance schedule

Regular maintenance will help enhance the appearance and the safety of your hardwood gym flooring, although scuffs and scratches are inevitable.

In comparison to professional gyms, a school gym floor suffers a far greater degree of wear and tear and abuse. Accordingly, the degree of maintenance must match the circumstances.

9. Observe annual recoating

Most hardwood gym flooring manufacturers recommend an annual recoating. For those facilities that do not recoat on a yearly basis, it’s important to maintain daily cleaning.

Primarily, it involves applying two coats of finish. This will not only save your floor but also money long term.

10. Use tested products

There are international standards as to the slip resistance requirements of sports floors, this is different to normal commercial or domestic flooring situations. Ask your contractor for a certificate ensuring the product used has these attributes.