The summer is over and gym floors have been sanded and recoated. They’re looking great…for now. Now that the kids are back in school, the next step, which is arguably the most important, is to maintain the gym floors properly not just to keep that stunning shine, but to keep up the floor’s performance for the upcoming basketball season. 

When it comes to maintaining gym floors properly, it’s about more than just appearances. You also have to take their intended use and performance into account. After all, it’s built for sport.

So let’s take a look at the best way to clean and maintain your gym floors for the heavy use they’re going to sustain: creating a gym floor maintenance program.

Why is a gym floor maintenance schedule important? 

When a gym floor is not cleaned regularly, it not only looks bad and lackluster but it also does not perform well during competitive play due to players not being able to stop and start as quickly as intended.

Keeping up with regular maintenance also prevents injuries to the players. It can help to keep athletes from slipping during play.

It also helps the finish last as long as possible. When dirt and grime are given a chance to build up on the floor, it will get tracked across the floor (especially with the heavy use you find on a gym floor) and cause scratches and damage to the finish.

Your best defense against floor damage is to sweep the floor after each class and/or activity, and make sure to mop up any messes or excessive moisture that occurs immediately in order to prevent finish adhesion issues. Making sure to tack clean the floor at the end of each day will give you the best results. 

For tack cleaning, we recommend using Squeaky Clean to help you get the job done. This is a commercial grade product specifically designed for high traffic floors with urethane-based finishes. This cleaner will help you bring the floor back to its satisfying, like-new sheen and keep it as clean as possible. 

Using Basic Coatings Squeaky Clean for gym floor maintenance

Here’s how to use Squeaky Clean: 

1. Remove loose dirt and debris from the floor using a microfiber mop.
2. Mix one part Squeaky concentrate to four parts water. Soak several large bath towels in the solution. Wring them out until damp.
3. Wrap a damp towel around the head of a push broom and push across the floor. To prevent redeposit of dirt and oil, refold the towel using clean sides.
   
4. Repeat this process for the rest of the floor. The floor should dry rather quickly, but make sure it dries completely before putting it back into use. 

Squeaky will cut through dirt, grime, grease, sweat, and anything else that might build up on a gym floor without leaving a residue. 

Periodically (we recommend weekly) you’ll also want to use an autoscrubber like the NaceCare TT 1120 if you have access to one. 

Always dust mop before autoscrubbing to prevent grinding dirt into the floor. Use a clean microfiber buffing pad with a light head pressure to scrub the floor with Squeaky solution. Let the floor fully dry before putting it back into use.

Following a regular gym floor maintenance schedule will keep your floor looking new and performing great for as long as possible in between your annual recoat! Click here to learn more about Squeaky Clean or call us at (800) 737-1786 for more information.