Gym floors require regular attention in the form of daily, weekly, monthly, and annual maintenance.

Daily care typically involves dust mopping. Damp mopping or auto scrubbing can be performed as needed, depending on traffic and use. Frequent dust mopping is important because it helps remove loose dirt and soil, which is the biggest cause of floor wear. By removing the grit and grime that students and teachers track in each day, cleaning crews can make a dramatic difference in extending the life of a floor finish. Depending on traffic, it may be necessary to dust mop multiple times a day.

Weekly care typically involves the floor to be chemically cleaned to maintain their appearance and slip-resistance. An auto scrubber and/or mop-bucket with a neutral cleaner is perfect for those desiring a water-based cleaning method. For those that prefer a waterless method, a tacking cleaner is available.

Monthly care for gym floors finished with a water-based product, typically involves burnishing using a 1,500-rpm or faster burnisher. Burnishing will remove scuff marks and restore gloss. After burnishing dust mop with a microfiber dust mop head to remove any particles that may have gathered.

Annual care for gym floor consists of scrubbing or stripping and recoating the floor surface. The term “annual” can mean several times a year or once every two or three years, depending on the amount of finish wear. Most schools and universities choose the summer to perform this task as classes are not in session and traffic is at its lowest. Winter and spring break, in some parts of the United States, may be the optimal time since many finishes should not be used when the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit or humidity is greater than 80%. Dry times for a gym floor recoat on wood flooring will take one to three days for water-based coatings and up to seven days for oil-based coatings. (Actual dry time will be determined by weather conditions.) Make sure the floor is thoroughly dry before resuming regular activities

When it comes to floor care, the choice of products appears limitless. A first step is to select a quality brand with a full range of products. Using the same manufacturer’s brand of daily cleaners, strippers and finishes will enhance the results you get. Chemicals manufactured by the same company are usually formulated to work together, maximizing the life of the shine, and minimizing the need for interim maintenance.

The appearance and characteristics of maple wood make it an ideal playing surface, scoring high in such areas as shock absorption, vertical deflection, ball bounce and surface friction. Wood’s natural enemy is moisture, and this must be kept in mind whenever maintenance is performed. When damp mopping, always thoroughly wring out the mop before applying it to the floor and remove excess water promptly. After mopping, wipe up all puddles and streaks immediately with a dry cloth. Spills on the floor should be removed immediately as well, and when cleaning spills, do not use products that leave a residue, as this will make the floor slippery. To extend the gloss life of the finish, use a floor cleaner that removes particulate soil and has a neutral impact on floor finishes.

A myriad of products is available for gym floor recoats and wood floor maintenance. Choose either water or oil-based products, but do not mix these together without consulting the manufacturer. Blue Ribbon Cleaning will help you choose the correct products for your gym floor.