What is the best way to clean gym mats? How often should you clean them? How do you get smelly smells out? You can clean your gym mats at home easily and quickly. The best way is to wipe them often and deep clean them sometimes. You should wipe them after every time you use them. If they start to smell bad, or you haven’t cleaned them deeply in a while, it’s time for a bigger clean. Getting smells out often needs a little extra work, but it’s simple. This guide will show you how to keep your mats fresh and clean using simple steps and things you likely already have.
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Why Cleaning Your Gym Mats Is Important
Gym mats are great for workouts. They make the floor soft. They stop you from slipping. But mats get dirty fast. Sweat drips on them. Dirt from shoes lands on them. Germs from your hands and feet get on them too.
Not cleaning mats lets germs grow. This can make you sick. Dirty mats can also get very smelly. They can look bad. Cleaning them keeps them fresh. It helps them last longer too. A clean mat is a happy mat. It makes your workout space nice. It keeps you safer.
Types of Gym Mats You Might Have
There are a few types of mats used for home gyms.
* Foam Mats: These are often like puzzle pieces. They are soft and light. People use them for floor exercises or under machines. To clean foam floor mats, you need to be gentle. Foam can soak up liquids.
* Rubber Mats: These are thicker and heavier. They might be in rolls or tiles. People use them for weight areas or under big machines. To wash rubber gym flooring, you can use stronger cleaners sometimes, but you still need to be careful.
Both types need cleaning, but the best way can be a little different.
Simple Supplies You Will Need
Gathering your cleaning tools first makes the job faster. You don’t need fancy stuff.
* Clean cloths or sponges (get a few)
* A bucket or spray bottle
* Gentle soap (like dish soap or hand soap)
* Water (warm is often best)
* Maybe white vinegar or baking soda
* A place to let the mat get dry
That’s it! Most people have these things already.
Basic Daily or Weekly Mat Cleaning
This is a quick clean. It’s good for after each workout. Or do it a few times a week. This stops dirt and sweat from sitting on the mat. It helps stop bad smells before they start.
Step 1: Clear the Mat
Take anything off the mat. Weights, towels, water bottles. Get everything out of the way.
Step 2: Wipe Down the Surface
Mix warm water with a little bit of gentle soap in a bucket or spray bottle. Not too much soap! You don’t want lots of bubbles.
* If using a bucket, get a cloth wet in the soapy water. Squeeze it well. You want the cloth wet, not dripping.
* If using a spray bottle, spray the mix lightly over a small area of the mat.
Wipe the mat all over with the wet cloth. Go over all the parts you touch or sweat on.
Step 3: Wipe with Clean Water
Get a second clean cloth wet with just clean water. Wipe the mat again. This gets the soap off. Soap left on the mat can make it sticky. It can also grab more dirt later.
Step 4: Let the Mat Air Dry
This step is very important. You must dry gym mat fully. If you put it away wet, it can grow mold or mildew. This makes bad smells and can hurt the mat.
* If it’s a small mat, hang it up. Put it over a chair or a drying rack.
* If it’s big floor matting, open windows or use a fan. Let air move over the mat. Make sure both sides and the edges get dry. Don’t put things back on it until it is totally dry.
This simple wipe-down helps keep your mat clean day-to-day.
Deeper Cleaning for Germs and Smells
Sometimes a quick wipe is not enough. Mats can hold germs. They can start to smell bad. This is when you need to disinfect exercise mat or sanitize workout mat. You also might need to do extra work for cleaning smelly mats or to remove mat odor.
When to Deep Clean
- If the mat looks dirty even after a wipe.
- If the mat starts to smell bad.
- If someone sick used the mat.
- Every few weeks or once a month, even if it looks clean. Germs are tiny.
Using Simple Cleaners for Disinfecting
You can sanitize workout mat using simple household items.
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Vinegar Mix: White vinegar is great for killing many germs and smells. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray this mix lightly over the mat.
- Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. This gives the vinegar time to work on germs and smells.
- Wipe the mat clean with a damp cloth.
- Wipe again with a clean, wet cloth to get the vinegar off.
dry gym matcompletely in the air.
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Hydrogen Peroxide: The 3% kind you get at the store can kill germs. Put some on a clean cloth. Wipe the mat surface. Be careful, peroxide can sometimes make dark colors lighter if left too long, but usually it is fine for mats. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe with a wet cloth and dry.
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Rubbing Alcohol: Isopropyl alcohol (70% strength is good) can also kill germs. You can mix it with water (about 70% alcohol, 30% water) in a spray bottle. Spray lightly, wipe after a minute or two, then rinse with water and dry. Alcohol dries fast, but still rinse and dry fully.
These simple mixes can be a safe mat cleaner and kill germs without harsh chemicals.
Dealing With Bad Smells
Sweat and germs cause smells. If your mat smells even after cleaning, try these tips for remove mat odor.
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Baking Soda: Baking soda is a great smell absorber.
- Clean the mat first (basic clean).
- Make sure it is mostly dry.
- Sprinkle a thin layer of dry baking soda all over the mat.
- Let it sit for a few hours, or even overnight if the smell is strong.
- Brush or vacuum the baking soda off the mat. Use a brush to get it out of any textures.
- Wipe the mat again with a slightly damp cloth to get any powder left.
dry gym matfully.
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Vinegar Soak/Wipe (for strong smells): The vinegar spray mentioned earlier is good. For a very smelly mat, especially
cleaning smelly matsmade of rubber, you might gently wipe it down with mostly vinegar (like 2 parts vinegar to 1 part water), let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse well with water and dry. Test a small spot first!
Combining cleaning to kill germs with baking soda to soak up smells is often the best cleaner for gym mats that smell bad.
Choosing Your Cleaner
You can buy mat cleaners, or make your own.
Homemade Mat Cleaners
Making your own is often cheaper and you know what is in it. It can be a great safe mat cleaner.
* Pros: Cheap, uses simple things, you control the ingredients, often very gentle.
* Cons: Might not kill all types of germs compared to strong store-bought ones.
Simple homemade options:
* Warm water + a few drops of gentle dish soap.
* Equal parts white vinegar + water.
* 70% Isopropyl alcohol + water (about 70/30 mix).
These are good for clean foam floor mats and most rubber mats. Always test on a small hidden spot first.
Store-Bought Mat Cleaners
There are many cleaners you can buy. Some are just for mats. Others are general cleaners.
* Pros: Made to kill germs, might smell nice, easy to use.
* Cons: Can be more expensive, might have strong chemicals, some might be too harsh for certain mats.
If you buy one, look for words like:
* “Gentle” or “Mild”
* “For fitness equipment” or “For mats”
* “Non-toxic” if that is important to you
* Check if it says it can disinfect exercise mat.
Always read the label! Make sure it says it is safe for your mat type (foam or rubber). Some strong cleaners, like bleach, can hurt mats. They can make them break down faster. They can change the color. Avoid bleach on most gym mats. It’s often too strong and not a safe mat cleaner for mat materials.
How to Wash Different Mat Types
The best way to wash rubber gym flooring or clean foam floor mats can depend on how big they are and where they are.
Cleaning Large Floor Mats (Rubber Rolls or Puzzle Tiles)
These are often too big to move easily.
1. Vacuum or Sweep: Get loose dirt, hair, and dust off first. This makes wiping much easier.
2. Spray and Wipe: Use your chosen cleaner (homemade or store-bought gentle one) in a spray bottle. Work in sections. Spray a part, then wipe with a clean cloth.
3. Rinse: Wipe the section again with a cloth wet with plain water to remove cleaner.
4. Dry: Let the area air dry fully before walking on it or putting things back. Open windows or use fans to help dry gym mat.
For puzzle mats, you can sometimes take them apart to clean edges or spills that went between pieces. Clean edges the same way. Make sure they are fully dry before putting them back together. Water trapped between pieces can cause mold.
Cleaning Smaller Mats (Like Exercise Mats or Single Foam Tiles)
These are easier to move.
1. Take Outside (Optional): If the weather is nice, you can take them outside. This is good for airing them out and drying.
2. Wipe or Gently Hose: For many rubber or closed-cell foam mats, you can simply wipe them down as described in the basic cleaning section. For some durable rubber mats, you might be able to gently spray them with a hose if you have a place they can drain and dry fully. Do not hose down open-cell foam mats (like some yoga mats) as they soak up too much water. Most home gym foam tiles are closed-cell and okay to wipe.
3. Scrub Stains: For tough spots, you might need a soft brush (like a soft scrub brush or even an old toothbrush for small spots) and a little extra cleaner mix. Rub gently.
4. Rinse Well: Make sure all cleaner is off. If you hosed it, hose it well. If you wiped, wipe many times with a clean, wet cloth.
5. Dry Completely: This is crucial. Hang smaller mats up. Make sure air gets to all sides. Don’t fold or store until bone dry. Remember to dry gym mat completely!
| Mat Type | Cleaning Method | Good Cleaners | Things to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foam Floor Mats | Wipe, gentle spray & wipe | Mild soap/water, Vinegar/water | Lots of water, Harsh chemicals |
| Rubber Gym Flooring | Wipe, gentle spray & wipe, sometimes gentle hose (if drainage ok) | Mild soap/water, Vinegar/water, specific rubber cleaners | Bleach, Strong solvents, Oils |
Note: Always check the mat maker’s cleaning advice if you have it.
Making Sure Your Mat Dries Right
We keep saying dry gym mat completely. It is worth talking about more. If a mat stays wet, even a little, bad things happen:
* Mold and Mildew: These are types of fungus. They love wet, dark places. They cause bad smells. They can look like black or green spots. They can be bad for your health to breathe in.
* Bad Smells: Lingering wetness makes smells worse. It’s like wet laundry left too long.
* Mat Damage: Water can break down the stuff the mat is made of over time.
How to Get Your Mat Really Dry
- Airflow is Key: Put the mat where air can move around it.
- Hang smaller mats over a door, chair, or drying rack.
- For large floor mats, open windows and doors. Use fans pointed at the floor.
- Flip and Separate: If cleaning large floor tiles, lift and separate them slightly if possible to let air get between them. If you cleaned both sides of a small mat, flip it over partway through drying.
- Time: Let it take enough time. Don’t rush it. Depending on how wet it got and how much air is moving, it could take several hours.
- Feel It: Touch all parts of the mat. Is it cold? It might still be wet inside. It should feel dry and be room temperature.
- Avoid Direct Strong Sun: A little sun is okay and can help kill some germs, but too much strong sun can make some mats break down or fade. Air drying in a shady or indoor spot with good airflow is usually best.
Getting the mat totally dry is just as important as the cleaning part for stopping smells and mold.
Keeping Your Mats Clean Day-to-Day
Cleaning is work. Less cleaning later means simple steps now. Here are ways to keep your mats cleaner between deep cleans:
- Wipe After Each Use: A quick wipe with a slightly damp cloth (just water or water with a tiny bit of vinegar) takes less than a minute. It gets sweat off right away. This is the number one tip.
- Use a Towel: Put a towel on the mat where you sweat a lot or where your face goes during floor exercises. The towel catches the sweat instead of the mat.
- Wear Clean Shoes or Go Barefoot: If you wear shoes, make sure they are clean indoor shoes used only for your workout space. If you don’t wear shoes, make sure your feet are clean.
- Keep the Area Clean: Sweep or vacuum around the mats often. Less dust and dirt in the air means less lands on your mats.
- Deal with Spills Right Away: Don’t let drinks or sweat puddles sit on the mat. Wipe them up fast.
These small habits make a big difference in how often you’ll need to do a deep clean or remove mat odor.
Troubleshooting Common Mat Problems
Sometimes you have a specific issue.
Sticky Mats
If your mat feels sticky after cleaning, it usually means there is soap left on it.
* Fix: Wipe the mat again, many times, with a clean cloth wet only with plain water. Rinse the cloth often. Keep wiping until the sticky feel is gone. Make sure to dry gym mat well afterwards.
Persistent Smells
You cleaned it, but it still smells?
* Fix: Try the baking soda method again, leaving it on longer. Or use the vinegar spray method again, letting the spray sit for the full 10 minutes before wiping. Make sure the mat is getting totally dry after cleaning – trapped wetness causes smells. Good air flow is key for cleaning smelly mats.
Tough Stains
Did something spill and leave a mark?
* Fix: Try rubbing the stain gently with a cloth and a little bit of your cleaner mix (soap/water or vinegar/water). A soft brush can help if the mat has texture, but be gentle so you don’t damage the surface. For some specific stains, you might need special cleaners, but test them on a hidden spot first!
Mat Surface Looks Damaged
If your mat is cracking, crumbling, or the color is changing badly, it might be getting old, or a cleaner you used was too strong.
* Prevent: Always use gentle cleaners. Test new cleaners on a small area first. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, strong solvents, or oil-based cleaners unless the mat maker says it’s okay. Store mats properly (flat or rolled, not folded tightly).
Using a safe mat cleaner and cleaning gently helps make your mats last.
Final Thoughts on Keeping it Clean
Cleaning your gym mats is not a huge job, but it is an important one. Regular cleaning, like a quick wipe after you work out, stops dirt and sweat build-up. Deeper cleaning using simple things like vinegar or baking soda helps disinfect exercise mat and remove mat odor. Choosing a safe mat cleaner, whether homemade or store-bought, protects your mat. Always, always dry gym mat fully to stop mold and smells. By doing these simple things, you keep your workout space clean, fresh, and healthy. Your mats will last longer, and you will feel better using them.
Frequently Asked Questions
h4 How often should I clean my gym mat?
h5 You should do a quick wipe-down after every time you use it or a few times a week. Do a deeper clean to sanitize workout mat every few weeks or once a month, or any time it looks or smells dirty.
h4 Can I use bleach to clean my gym mat?
h5 No, you should usually avoid bleach. Bleach is often too strong and can damage the material of many gym mats, changing their color or making them break down faster. It is not a safe mat cleaner for most mats. Stick to gentle soap, vinegar, or alcohol mixes.
h4 My foam floor mats smell bad. How can I make them smell better?
h5 First, clean them well with a vinegar and water mix (equal parts). Let the vinegar sit for 10 minutes to help kill germs causing the smell. Rinse and dry fully. If the smell stays, sprinkle baking soda all over the clean foam floor mats. Let it sit for several hours or overnight, then brush or vacuum it up. Make sure the mats are always fully dry after any cleaning. These steps help remove mat odor and are good for cleaning smelly mats.
h4 What is the best cleaner for gym mats?
h5 The “best” cleaner depends on your mat and what you need. Often, simple options are best: a mix of gentle dish soap and warm water for basic cleaning, or equal parts white vinegar and water for disinfecting and smells. These are effective and are usually a safe mat cleaner. Always check the mat maker’s advice if you have it.
h4 How important is it to dry gym mat completely?
h5 It is very important! If you don’t dry your mat fully, it can grow mold and mildew, which cause bad smells, look bad, and can be unhealthy. Wet mats can also be damaged over time. Always let the mat air dry fully before using or storing it.
h4 Can I use a vacuum on my gym mat?
h5 Yes, you can use a vacuum (or sweep) on gym mats, especially large floor mats or wash rubber gym flooring tiles, to get up loose dirt and dust before wet cleaning. This helps make the wet cleaning step more effective.
h4 What kind of homemade mat cleaner can I make?
h5 Easy homemade cleaners include: a few drops of gentle dish soap in warm water, or a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. These are simple, cheap, and usually safe for most mat types if used correctly and rinsed well.
h4 How do I wash rubber gym flooring?
h5 For wash rubber gym flooring, first vacuum or sweep loose dirt. Then, use a spray bottle with a gentle cleaner like soap/water or vinegar/water mix. Spray a section, wipe with a clean cloth, then wipe again with a cloth wet with just water. Let it air dry fully. For very durable rubber in a garage or basement with good drainage, you might be able to gently hose it down and scrub, but make sure it can drain completely and you dry it well with airflow afterwards.
h4 Is it okay to leave my gym mat outside to dry?
h5 Leaving a mat outside to air dry can work, but avoid direct, strong sunlight for too long. Strong sun can damage the mat material or fade the color over time. A shady spot outside with good airflow is better, or drying indoors with fans and open windows. The key is good air movement to dry gym mat quickly and completely.
h4 My mat is not smelly, but I want to kill germs. How do I sanitize workout mat?
h5 To sanitize workout mat and disinfect exercise mat, clean it first to remove dirt. Then use a cleaner that kills germs. A 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water or a 70% isopropyl alcohol diluted with water (about 70/30 alcohol to water) sprayed lightly and left for a few minutes before wiping can work. There are also store-bought mat sanitizers – look for ones specifically for fitness equipment. Always rinse and dry fully afterwards.