How to Clean Rubber Kitchen Floor Mats [Step by Step Guide]

The non-slip power of the rubber mat has made it an excellent choice to be used in kitchens. Rubber mats are not only non-slip, but they also tackle fatigue very well that is caused due to standing.

Since kitchen work employs a lot of standing while cooking, we try to use the best anti-fatigue mat for kitchen. But every best thing needs special care.

Cleaning kitchen floor mats at frequent intervals keeps it from wear and tear and prolong its life. It also prevents the build-up of grease and dirt, which can adversely affect the non-slip property of kitchen rubber mats.

But how can we clean kitchen floor mats the mats easily?

Fortunately, we can clean our mats quickly by using the supplies at home and spending only a few minutes. Don’t miss to check our top recommendations for the best kitchen mats for hardwood floor. For more such useful guides and unbiased reviews of kitchen appliances under 100 dollars keep visiting KitchenUnder100.Com.

How to Clean Rubber Kitchen Floor Mats – Step by Step Guide

Here is a list of supplies you will need to clean kitchen mats:

• Dishwashing liquid/ degreaser/ detergent
• Water
• Baking Soda
• Vinegar

Tools You Need

• Vacuum
• Brush for scrubbing
• Bucket or hose
• Microfiber cloth

Daily Cleaning

• For daily cleaning, use a brush or a broom to remove the dirt from the area, where you stand.
• You can also use a cleaning sprayer for daily cleaning; it will prevent dirt from penetrating deep into the nooks and crannies especially if you have textured rubber mat.

Deep Cleaning Kitchen Rubber Floor Mats

It’s best to take your kitchen mat out in an open area for cleaning. After gathering supplies and taking the rubber floor mat out in an open area, follow these steps to clean your kitchen rubber mat.

Step 1: Remove Loose Dirt from the Kitchen Floor Mats

• Shake your mat to remove loose dirt from it. You can hit the mat against the wall to get maximum dirt out.
• You can also use a dustpan and brush to remove the loose dust from it.

Step 2: Pre-Wash the Rubber Mat

• You can either use a spray attachment or a high-pressure hose to remove all the stuck dirt on the rubber mat, which can’t be cleaned just by shaking.
• Pre-washing the rubber mats can make the cleaning process very easy. When you will apply detergent on it, it will react directly with the embedded dirt and grime and help it clean.
• And since rubber mats are sturdy, they can bear high-pressure rinsing too.

Step 3: Scrub the Mat with Detergent

• Mix detergent with warm water to scrub the mat.
• You can also use the dishwasher, degreaser, or dedicated rubber cleaner with warm water.
• Apply the mixture with the help of the brush.
• Choose the cleaning brush according to the texture of the mat. If the texture of the rubber mat is too complex with grooves and designs, a hog bristle brush will be more suitable to reach all the nooks and crannies of it.
• If your rubber floor mat has a simple design and less texture, you can get the dirt off with a large bristle brush too.

Note: Do not use harsh chemicals or bleach to clean the mat. Use detergent with PH less than 10. And do not scrub it vigorously.

Step 4: Rinse

• Use the power hose to rinse the detergent from the kitchen mat.
• Alternatively, you can use bucket too for washing kitchen mats.

Note: Don’t fold the mat during the whole cleaning process, as folding can cause a few rubber mats to crack.

Step 5: Treat the Stains

• Rubber mats have lots of nooks and corners in them which makes them difficult to clean the very first time.
• In case any stain has remained, you can try cleaning it again with the same soapy water.
• If the stains doesn’t go away with soapy water, you can use either vinegar or baking soda.
• Make baking soda paste and apply it on the stain, and after a few minutes, scrub and rinse again.

Step 6: Dry the Kitchen Mat

• Use a microfiber cloth to wipe out the kitchen mat. It will help in drying the mat faster.
• You can also use a car dryer or air compressor to dry it quickly.
• Or you can simply leave the mat outside for air drying.

Note: Do not use any coating or finishing product, it will make the mat slippery.

You can use the same method for cleaning commercial kitchen mats.

If you don’t know the importance of installing kitchen mats, you must read our guide on How to Prevent Slips and Falls in the Kitchen.

Alternative Method to Wash Kitchen Mats for Hardwood Floor

• Sometimes it isn’t feasible to clean the kitchen mat with water due to drainage issues. In that case, you can use a vacuum or a steam cleaner to clean floor and kitchen mats.
• First, shake off all the loose dirt and then vacuum the kitchen mat thoroughly.
• Then wipe it twice or thrice with a damp cloth.
• Treat the stains with vinegar solution. Or you can scrap the embedded dirt with a blunt knife.

Note: Baking soda is a helpful ingredient in removing odors. Sprinkle it over the mat and let it sit on it for 15-20 minutes, then vacuum the kitchen mat.

Don’t Miss to Read – Pros and Cons of Wood Floor in the Kitchen

Clean the Kitchen Floor

• Before placing the clean floor mat in the kitchen, clean the area where it will be placed.
• Scrub, clean and dry the kitchen floor and lay your clean floor mat on it.

NOTE: You can use this guide to clean rubber car mats as well.

Wrapping Up!

Rubber floor mats prevent slipping hazards in the kitchen, which can sometimes prove dangerous. However, using a dirt-laden or greasy kitchen mat for a longer period also reduces the mat’s anti-slip ability, and filthy rubber mats also don’t last longer. It is not advisable by health experts to use any filthy thing in the kitchen, be it only a floor mat. You can use the above mentioned methods to clean your rubber floor mats in the kitchen.