How to Clean Your AK Athletics Wrestling Mat
At AK Athletics, we understand the importance of keeping your wrestling mats clean and well-maintained. Not only does it help enhance performance, but it’s also a critical part of ensuring safety and hygiene in your training space. A clean mat reduces the risk of infections such as ringworm and Hepatitis B and C, while maintaining optimal grip and smooth movement during practice.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the essential steps of mat maintenance, including why it’s necessary, how often to clean, and a simple, effective cleaning process using GymCide Cleaner — available for purchase through our website.
How to Clean Your Wrestling Mats with GymCide Cleaner
Step 1: Inspect and Remove Loose Debris
Before applying GymCide Cleaner, inspect your mats for any visible damage like tears or exposed foam. Damaged mats should be repaired to ensure a proper cleaning process. Use a dry mop or broom to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris from the mat surface. This helps prevent scratching and ensures the cleaner can work effectively.
Step 2: Prepare and Apply the Cleaning Solution
For Ready-to-Use GymCide Disinfectant & Cleaner:
- Hold the bottle 6 to 8 inches away from the mat surface.
- Spray the cleaner directly onto the mat, ensuring that it completely wets the surface. Focus on high-traffic areas or spots that may need extra attention.
- Allow the surface to remain wet for 3 minutes to effectively kill germs (for Bloodborne Pathogens like HIV-1, HBV, and HCV, let it sit for 1 minute).
- No scrubbing is necessary. Simply wipe off the surface with a clean mop, cloth, or sponge. The cleaner won’t leave any soap scum or grit behind.
For GymCide Disinfectant & Cleaner Concentrate:
- Mix the cleaner with water at a ratio of 0.5 oz of concentrate per gallon of water.
- Apply the solution using a mop, sponge, or spray bottle. For spray applications, hold the sprayer 6-8 inches from the mat surface.
- Ensure that the mat remains wet with the solution for 10 minutes to allow effective disinfection.
- After the recommended time, allow the mat to air dry completely. There is no need to rinse the mat unless it will be waxed or polished.
Step 3: Dry the Mat
Allow the mat to air dry thoroughly before use. This is crucial to prevent slipping and ensure that the mat is properly sanitized. A well-ventilated area will help speed up the drying process.
Additional Tips
Walk Backwards While Cleaning: To avoid tracking dirt onto your freshly cleaned mat, always walk backwards in straight lines when applying cleaner and mopping.
Wear Clean Shoes or Booties: Protect the surface of your mat by ensuring your shoes are clean or wearing disposable booties before stepping on it.
Re-Clean Rolled Mats: If your mat has been rolled up and stored, make sure to re-clean it before using it again. Rolling the mat can transfer dirt from the underside to the top, so a second cleaning is important for maintaining a hygienic surface.
Why GymCide Cleaner?
GymCide Cleaner is a reliable, gym-specific cleaning solution that kills 99.9% of germs, including harmful pathogens. It’s designed to disinfect and sanitize wrestling mats without damaging the material, helping you preserve your investment while keeping athletes safe. Its versatility and cost-effectiveness make it the ideal choice for maintaining your mats on a regular basis.
Maintaining clean mats isn’t just about appearances — it’s about safety, performance, and extending the life of your equipment. At AK Athletics, we offer custom-sized mats, printing options, and a variety of accessories like mat tape and cleaning supplies to meet your unique training needs.
Ready to keep your wrestling mats in top condition? Get GymCide Cleaner and other wrestling mat maintenance products at AK Athletics and elevate your wrestling program to the next level!
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