How to Clean a Gymnastics Mat and Other Gym Mats By Cari | Published on June 24, 2023February 16, 2024 Keeping your gymnastics mat clean is essential for maintaining hygiene and ensuring optimal performance. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of how to clean a gymnastics mat (and many other gym mats). From removing dirt and sweat to disinfecting and deodorizing, our comprehensive instructions and handy tips will help you keep your mat in pristine condition, allowing you to focus on your training with confidence and peace of mind. Get ready to discover the secrets to a spotless and fresh-smelling gymnastics mat! How to Clean a Gymnastics Mat and Other Gym Mats Follow these simple directions for gym mats that smell fresh, are safe to use, and last longer than uncared for mats. Removing Debris from Gymnastics Mats When it comes to cleaning gymnastics mats, the first step is to remove loose debris. No matter what type of gym mat you are cleaning, this is always the first step. Either use a broom or a vacuum to get rid of gravel, dust, dirt, or anything else that might be tracked onto the mat. Disinfect There are many options to disinfect your gymnastic mats, such as: Wipes: There are many brands of disinfectant wipes on the market. So, choose whatever brand you are comfortable with and use the wipe(s) directly on your mat(s). Peroxide or Rubbing Alcohol: Fill a spray bottle with a mixture of 1/2 peroxide OR rubbing alcohol and the other 1/2 water. Simply spray down the mat with your mixture and then wipe it dry with a towel. If you have many people coming and going in your gym, it may be helpful to have these pre-made mixtures available around the gym so the athletes can wipe down mats/equipment as they go. Dish Soap: Another option is to scrub your gym mat(s) with a mild dish detergent, water, and a towel. Either a cloth or microfibre towel is recommended. Deep Cleaning If you are using a personal mat, you can often skip this step as long as you keep up with the basic cleaning/disinfecting steps above. However, if you use communal mats or own a gym with multiple or large mats that need cleaning, deep cleaning is important. We typically recommend deep cleaning every six months. As with disinfecting, there are many options when it comes to deep cleaning a gymnastics mat, such as: Carpet Shampoo: If the mats are cloth, carpet shampoo provides a deep clean. Follow the instructions on the carpet shampoo, which should advise to apply the shampoo, wait for about 20 minutes, and then vacuum. Hire Professionals: For larger gyms, the best advice is to hire professionals to deep clean all of the mats once every six months or so. Important Tips Clean both sides! Dirt and sweat end up on both sides of your mat, so be sure to clean and disinfect each side. Air dry your mat. If possible, allow your mat(s) to air dry in a well-ventilated space. Otherwise, simply wipe your mats with towels to dry them. Set a cleaning schedule and stick to it. The better care you provide your mats, the longer they will last. For personal mats, clean them about once a month; For larger gyms with more traffic, it is best to clean your mats weekly. Now that you know how to clean a gymnastics mat, be sure to set a schedule and stick to it. When you take care of your mats, they’ll smell fresh and last longer. They’ll also be free of bacteria, fungi, and other undesirable germs and dirt. Follow the steps and tips above so that you can stay focused on your training with confidence!
