How to Clean Rubber Matting: Step-by-Step UK Guide 2026

How to Clean Rubber Matting

To clean rubber matting: sweep or vacuum to remove loose dirt, mop with warm water and a small amount of washing-up liquid or neutral floor cleaner, scrub stubborn marks with a stiff brush, rinse with clean water to remove all detergent residue, and allow to dry fully before use. Avoid bleach, solvent-based products, and high-pressure steam — all can degrade rubber and void warranties.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Instructions

Step 1: Remove Loose Debris

Sweep or vacuum the rubber surface to clear loose dirt, grit, and debris. Skipping this step means you'll grind grit into the rubber surface during mopping, causing abrasive damage over time — especially important for textured or studded rubber finishes.

Step 2: Mop with Mild Detergent Solution

Mix warm water with a small amount of neutral pH floor cleaner or washing-up liquid. Standard concentration: 5–10ml detergent per 5 litres of water. Avoid using too much soap — excess detergent leaves a slippery film that attracts dirt.

Suitable cleaners for rubber matting:

• Neutral floor cleaner (pH 6–8)
• Washing-up liquid (small amount)
• Flash All-Purpose Cleaner diluted to instructions
• Dettol concentrate (for disinfection) — rubber-safe at correct dilution

Step 3: Scrub Stubborn Marks

For heavy soiling, oil stains, or ingrained dirt in ribbed textures, use a stiff-bristled scrubbing brush. Work in circular motions. For stable mats with heavy organic soiling, a yard broom or stiff deck scrubber works well. A pressure washer on a low setting (max 50 bar, wide fan nozzle) is acceptable for exterior rubber matting.

Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly

Mop with clean water — this step is critical. Soap residue left on rubber creates a slippery surface when wet and accelerates dirt accumulation. Rinse until the water runs clear.

Step 5: Allow to Dry Fully

Let rubber matting air dry before returning it to use or placing it back on the subfloor. For thick stable mats (17–22mm), stand them on edge to allow both faces to dry. Damp rubber traps moisture beneath, which can lead to mould growth on the subfloor.

What NOT to Use on Rubber Matting

Cleaning Rubber Matting by Application

Gym Flooring

Sweep daily, mop with neutral floor cleaner twice weekly. Spray with diluted disinfectant (pH-neutral, rubber-safe) after particularly heavy sessions. Avoid using sports equipment cleaner sprays directly on the floor — many contain solvents.

Stable Mats

Remove bedding and muck out completely before cleaning. Hose down with a medium-pressure hose (not steam), scrub with yard broom and neutral detergent, rinse fully, and allow to dry before re-bedding. Frequency: minimum weekly, ideally every full muck-out.

Entrance Matting

Sweep or vacuum daily. Lift and clean underneath weekly — debris accumulates under mats and harbours bacteria. Replace or rotate heavy-duty entrance mats regularly to ensure even wear.

Anti-Fatigue Mats

In food environments, sanitise daily with a rubber-compatible QAC disinfectant. In office or retail environments, mop weekly. Inspect for cuts or tears that trap debris — replace damaged mats promptly.

How to Remove the Rubber Smell from New Matting

New SBR rubber matting smells due to residual oils from the recycled rubber manufacturing process. The smell is harmless but can be noticeable for the first 1–2 weeks. To reduce it faster:

1. Clean with warm water and mild detergent immediately after installation
2. Ensure good ventilation in the room
3. Wipe with a diluted white vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 10 parts water)
4. Leave doors and windows open for 48–72 hours after installation

EPDM rubber has a much lower odour than SBR and is the better choice where odour is a concern from the outset.