Maintaining your gym mats

FREMONT, OH — Many indoor sporting activities, including wrestling and gymnastics, require the use of gym mats to promote safety and prevent injuries, according to a press release.

However, compared to other types of matting, gym mats have very specific placement, cleaning, care and storage requirements; following these guidelines closely will help keep matting in tip-top condition, providing years of quality service, the release stated.

According to the release, Crown Mats and Matting offers the following suggestions on how to care for gym mats:

• Upon receiving: If a gym mat is delivered during the cold winter months, do not unroll it until it has been stored at normal room temperature for at least 24 hours
• Cleaning the mat: Clean mats by first sweeping them to remove grit and dirt. Next, clean them with a neutral pH cleaner and then a disinfectant before each use — or, better yet, before and after.
• Chemical disinfectants: Experts recommend using disinfectants specifically designed for gym mats, which will disinfectant effectively without leaving a chemical residue on the mat.
• Clean underneath mats: While it is not necessary to clean under mats after each use, moisture and mildew can build up in these areas over time, which can eventually damage the mat, as well as the floor below.

"Properly storing gym mats is also critical. If it cannot be stored flat, roll the mat up, not too tightly or too loosely, and secure it so it does not unravel. This should keep it in good condition," said JoAnne Boston, business development manager for Crown Mats and Matting.

Click here to read the release in its entirety.