How to clean Jigsaw Mats, Gym Tiles & Turf

Whether it's in a commercial dojo, gym or even your own home gym, cleaning and hygiene has never been more top of mind then it is now. One of the most frequent questions we are being asked is how to clean jigsaw mats, rubber gym floor tiles, and turf tracks. Here we discuss some clear guidelines for keeping your flooring in top condition, with a high level of cleanliness and hygiene, all without damaging your floor investment.

How To clean jigsaw mats and RUBBER GYM TILES

If you carefully clean your jigsaw mats, they will serve you well for years to come. Poorly cared for flooring that has been neglected or exposed to harsh chemicals and temperatures will quickly deteriorate, warp, or wear.

1. Sweep floors with a broom and duster to remove dirt and debris. A vacuum may be used, but it must have a soft head. Never use a mechanical or motorised head vacuum, commonly found on some popular home vacuums. A vacuum with hard bristles or a motorised head may tear the surface of the mat, or may catch on jigsaw teeth and tear the teeth edges.  
2. Mix a gentle PH neutral cleaning solution with warm water - consult a cleaning materials supplier as there are many PH neutral detergents that will effectively reduce bacteria and provide a good clean.
3. Dip a mop in the cleaning liquid, and wring out nearly all of the water, leaving just a damp mop. Mop your floor surface being careful not to saturate. *SMAI hack: our tip is to use a mist spray bottle filled with the cleaning solution to spray the mats, and mop dry. This ensures you will never over soak your mats.  
4. Wipe dry with a microfibre cloth for a quick dry

Follow these 4 simple steps to keep your jigsaw mats clean, hygienic and in top condition for a long time.

There are some things you should never do or chemicals you should never apply to your mats

• DON'T Vacuum with a motorised or mechanical head vacuum
• DON'T use bleach
• DON'T use alcohol based cleaning solutions
• DON'T use hand sanitiser
• DON'T use a steam mop. The very hot temperatures used by steam mops to generate steam cleaning will warp and distort the mats.
• DON'T saturate the matts excessively. If water has seeped between the mats or has pooled underneath any mat, lift them up immediately, clean as above, leave out to dry entirely before laying the mats to the floor again.

HOW TO CLEAN ARTIFICIAL TURF TRACKS AND ASTRO TURF

Cleaning artificial turf tracks and astro turf tracks requires slightly different care to gym tiles. While SMAI turf is UV stable and water resistant, and can be used in outdoor applications, it should not be saturated when indoors. Water will drain out below from SMAI turf due to its built in drain holes features, but when used indoors the water under the turf can not evaporate or run off. Read on for our tips on cleaning turf and sled tracks

1. Use a low power, soft brushed vacuum to gently remove dirt and debris. Never use a motorised or mechanical vacuum head - this will tear the turf fibers from the backing.
2. Using a PH neutral, gentle cleaning solution, fill a misting spray bottle and lightly spray the turf surface, and mop dry
3. Spot dry with a microfibre towel any still damp areas

As with jigsaw mats or rubber gym tiles are some things you should never do or chemicals you should never apply to artificial turfs

• DON'T Vacuum with a motorised or mechanical head vacuum
• DON'T use bleach
• DON'T use alcohol based cleaning solutions
• DON'T use hand sanitiser
• DON'T use a steam mop. The very hot temperatures used by steam mops to generate steam cleaning could melt or warp the turf
• DON'T saturate the turf excessively when used indoors. Water will pool and stagnate under the turf.

Simply following our easy cleaning tips will ensure your turf remains in prime condition as long as possible.