Care & cleaning of rubber mats

Rubber mats are versatile in industry, trades, households, horticulture and leisure. They serve as anti-slip floor coverings, protective mats, insulating materials or ergonomic workstation mats. Their robustness and functional properties make them a preferred material in numerous applications. Whether in the workshop or on the balcony – rubber mats have to withstand a great deal.

Proper care and cleaning are essential to ensure rubber mats retain their full properties over many years. In this article, you will learn how to properly clean, maintain and store rubber mats and significantly extend their service life.

Why is proper maintenance important?

Rubber is a resilient, yet not indestructible material. Particularly under continuous stress or unfavourable environmental conditions, signs of ageing can occur.

Dirt, oil, chemicals, UV radiation or standing moisture can damage the surface of rubber mats, causing them to harden or become porous. Mechanical stresses, such as damage from harsh cleaning equipment or improper storage, can also impair the structure.

Regular maintenance preserves not only functionality such as slip resistance and shock absorption, but also the hygienic properties of the mats.

Daily and weekly cleaning

The frequency of cleaning depends on the location and the type of use. Daily cleaning is recommended in high-traffic areas such as workshops, storage zones, entrances or commercial kitchens. In less heavily used areas, such as private basements or hobby workshops, weekly care is often sufficient.

Lukewarm water in combination with a mild detergent is suitable for surface cleaning. pH-neutral or slightly alkaline all-purpose cleaners are generally sufficient. Use soft brushes, microfibre cloths or sponges.

Ensure you do not use solvent-containing cleaners or alcohol-based products, as these can attack the plasticisers in the rubber. After cleaning, the mats should dry completely to prevent mould formation and unpleasant odours.

Deep cleaning for stubborn dirt

In industrial areas or if cleaning has been neglected for a long period, stubborn dirt can accumulate on the mats. This includes grease films, traces of oil, dust residues or chemical residues.

Deep cleaning should be carried out here. Use special rubber mat cleaners formulated for the material that act to dissolve oil and grease. Allow the cleaning agent to work for several minutes, then use a soft-bristled scrubbing brush or a floor cleaning machine with a rubber mat attachment.

Larger areas can be easily cleaned using a wet vacuum cleaner or a single-disc machine. Ensure thorough rinsing with clean water so that no detergent residue remains on the mat. Residues could impair slip resistance or cause foaming when exposed to moisture.

Protection against UV radiation and heat

An often underestimated factor in the ageing of rubber is UV radiation. In outdoor areas or light-filled workshops, UV rays can break down the molecular structure of the rubber. The result: embrittlement, cracking and discolouration.

Where possible, rubber mats should not be permanently exposed to the sun. For permanent outdoor use, UV-resistant rubber compounds such as EPDM are preferred. In addition, hot environments should be avoided, such as direct proximity to boilers or machine exhaust fumes.

Storage of rubber mats

Proper storage is crucial for longevity. Rubber mats that are temporarily not required should be stored in a dry, dust-free and, where possible, dark place.

Roll up the mat loosely to avoid kinks. Sharp edges, heavy loads or direct sunlight should be avoided. Where possible, store the mats horizontally on a clean surface. Alternatively, they can be stored vertically standing on a roll, provided they are not compressed.

Cleaning special rubber mats

Workstation mats

Workstation mats have special ergonomic and hygienic requirements. In industrial environments, they must remain not only clean, but also slip-resistant. In sensitive sectors such as the food industry or healthcare, disinfectant cleaning is required.

Only certified cleaning agents and disinfectants that do not impair the rubber material should be used. Check compatibility in advance using the product description or by testing on an inconspicuous area.

Outdoor rubber mats

These mats are particularly exposed to the elements: rain, frost, leaves, mud or de-icing salt.

High-pressure washers can be used, but should be applied with caution: low pressure, large distance, no focused water jets. Ensure the mats are subsequently dried thoroughly or stood up so that water can drain off.

Rubber granule mats

These consist of recycled rubber granules pressed together with binding agents. The open-pored structure provides good drainage, but can also become clogged with fine dust and moisture.

Regular beating out, rinsing with a garden hose and occasional vacuuming are recommended here. In cases of excessive growth of algae or moss, a specialist cleaner for stone or rubber surfaces can be used.

Maintenance products for rubber surfaces

In addition to cleaning, there are special maintenance products that keep the material supple and protect the surface. These so-called rubber conditioners or emulsions are applied after cleaning and form a protective film.

They preserve elasticity, prevent cracking and can compensate for minor discolouration. It is important not to apply these products to non-slip functional areas such as walkways or stairs, as this can impair slip resistance.

Which tools facilitate maintenance?

For large-surface rubber mats, cleaning machines with suitable rubber attachments are ideal. Smaller mats can be cleaned efficiently with a hand broom, a microfibre mop or a soft brush.

Specialist cleaners with an anti-static effect help to delay re-accumulation of dust. A wet vacuum cleaner can also be helpful during drying.

Overview of cleaning intervals

Area of application	Cleaning interval	Special features
Workshop	Daily	Removal of grease & oil required
Private basement	Weekly	Store in a dry place
Outdoor area	As required	Consider UV protection & weathering effects
Food production	Daily	Certified cleaning agents & disinfectants

Table: Do’s & Don’ts in rubber mat maintenance

Recommended (Do’s)	Avoid (Don’ts)
Use mild cleaners with water	Cleaners containing solvents or acids
Cleaning with soft cloths or brushes	Abrasive pads or wire brushes
Regular, thorough cleaning	Neglecting over long periods
Dry storage at room temperature	Damp storage in sun or near heat sources
Maintenance emulsion for non-critical surfaces	Maintenance products on non-slip areas

In conclusion

Rubber mats are a durable, robust and flexible material that, with proper maintenance, serves its purpose for many years. Proper cleaning and storage, as well as conscious handling of environmental influences such as UV radiation, heat or chemical substances, contribute significantly to value retention.

By following these guidelines and relying on our rubber mats where appropriate, you will benefit from hygienic, safe and functional products over the long term.

Frequently asked questions

How often should rubber mats be cleaned? Daily to weekly, depending on usage. Multiple times a day if necessary in hygienically sensitive areas.

Which cleaning agents are suitable for rubber mats? Mild, pH-neutral cleaners without alcohol or solvents. Special rubber mat cleaners for specific requirements.

Can rubber mats be cleaned with a high-pressure washer? Yes, using low pressure and a sufficient distance. Do not work on single spots with high nozzle force.

How do you protect rubber mats from UV damage? By storing them in the shade, using UV-resistant material or protective covers.

What should be done about oil stains on the mat? Treat with degreasing, rubber-compatible specialist cleaners and rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Can maintenance emulsions be used on every rubber mat? Only on non-walkable surfaces. In walkable areas, slip resistance could be adversely affected.

How can mould formation on rubber mats be avoided? Through complete drying after cleaning and dry storage without waterlogging.

Our rubber sheets

We offer a wide variety of rubber sheets for industry and trade.

SBR rubber sheet

Our high-quality SBR rubber sheet (styrene-butadiene rubber) is the solution for numerous industrial and commercial applications. This rubber sheet is manufactured from premium-grade styrene-butadiene rubber and is characterised by its excellent physical properties.

EPDM rubber sheet

Discover the versatility and reliability of our EPDM rubber sheet, manufactured from ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). This high-quality elastomer solution has been specially developed to meet the most demanding industrial and commercial applications.

NBR rubber sheet

The NBR rubber sheet is a high-quality industrial product specially developed for applications where excellent resistance to oils, greases and various chemicals is required.

Viton rubber sheet

The Viton rubber sheet is a high-quality engineering product used for a wide range of industrial applications. Manufactured from fluororubber (FKM), it offers outstanding properties that make it the ideal choice for extreme conditions.

FKM rubber sheet

The FKM rubber sheet is a high-quality engineering product ideally suited for use in demanding industrial applications. Manufactured from fluororubber (FKM), it features a multitude of outstanding properties that make it the optimal choice for extreme operating conditions.

Silicone rubber sheet

The silicone rubber sheet is a first-class engineering product specially developed for applications with high demands on temperature resistance and flexibility.

PUR rubber sheet

The PUR rubber sheet, manufactured from high-quality polyurethane, is a technically advanced product developed for applications demanding the highest levels of abrasion resistance and mechanical strength.

Neoprene rubber sheet

The neoprene rubber sheet, manufactured from high-quality chloroprene rubber (CR), is a versatile engineering product ideally suited for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications.