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A dirty wrestling mat can become a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and viruses, increasing the risk of ringworm and other contagious skin conditions. A well-maintained wrestling mat doesn’t just make your wrestling room cleaner. It also extends the lifespan of your mat because debris and dirt can compromise its durability and performance.
In this guide, we will share how to clean wrestling mats properly to ensure a safe and optimal wrestling environment.
Compile everything you need for the cleaning process. By having everything ready and within reach, you make the process more efficient and smooth. It also helps ensure you do not skip any of the crucial steps for cleaning wrestling mats. Here are the cleaning supplies you need:
Broom or Vacuum Cleaner: To remove debris and loose dirt.
Bucket: To mix and hold the diluted cleaning solution.
Disinfectant: To clean the wrestling mat.
Hose with Water Access: To remove all the cleaning solution and loosened dirt.
Soft-Bristled Brush: To scrub the wrestling mat without damaging its surface.
Towel(s): To dry the wrestling mats.
Before washing your wrestling mat, it’s important to remove debris and loose dirt first. By doing this first, you prevent loose particles from getting in the way of a thorough cleaning process.
Use a broom or vacuum cleaner to clean the entire wrestling mat surface. Pay special attention to the corners and edges where dirt and dust accumulate.
Wrestling Mat Color: The color of your mat can affect cleaning visibility. Lighter mats are easier to clean because you can easily spot stains. Darker mats are more difficult because they hide dirt better.
Dilute your disinfectant according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pour the resulting cleaning solution into a bucket and distribute it evenly across the entire wrestling mat surface, covering every inch.
Allow the solution to sit for the recommended time to ensure it penetrates the mat thoroughly and kills microbes effectively.
Scrubbing helps lift and remove the contaminants the cleaning solution has loosened. Use a soft-bristled brush or a mop with a non-abrasive pad to scrub the entire wrestling mat surface. Apply consistent pressure to remove dirt, grime, and sweat.
Work in small sections to ensure deep cleaning. Pay extra attention to areas with stains, scrubbing them with more pressure and time than usual.
It’s crucial to rinse away all the cleaning solution and loosened dirt. If you don’t, your wrestling mat will retain harmful chemicals that can cause skin irritation to athletes and degrade your wrestling mat over time.
Use a hose to rinse the mat’s surface thoroughly, ensuring all areas are covered by the water. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear. This indicates that all the cleaning solution and dirt have been washed away.
Use a towel to dry your wrestling mat, but it won’t dry completely with this method alone. After towel drying, let your mat air dry fully by leaving it in a well-ventilated area. You can use a fan to speed up the drying process. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can compromise the wrestling mat material.
A completely dry wrestling mat maintains a hygienic environment for athletes, prevents slips and falls during practice and live matches, and avoids the growth of mold and mildew.
Drying Period: Generally, wrestling mats should dry completely after 24 hours. However, the drying period can vary because of the mat’s material composition, thickness, and the environmental conditions in the drying area.
Clean your wrestling mats regularly so they are always in top condition for any competition or training session. Disinfect them weekly or after each use, depending on the frequency and intensity of your wrestling matches and training routines.
Daily Cleaning: Sweep your wrestling mat with a broom or use a vacuum cleaner to remove every loose debris and dirt after every use. This makes your regular weekly cleaning less extensive.
Immediate Spill Cleanup: Sports drinks, sweat, and other liquids can seep into the wrestling mat, damaging it and creating a slippery surface. Use an absorbent towel to blot the spill immediately.
Proper Storage: Roll your wrestling mat tightly and secure it with straps or ties to stop it from unrolling. Store it in a cool and dry place without direct sunlight. Proper storage avoids material degradation and prolongs wrestling mat life.
Regular Inspections: Always check your wrestling mat for signs of damage, such as cuts, loose edges, tears, and excessive wear. Large tears, loss of cushioning, and persistent odors are strong signals that you need to replace it.
Investing time and effort in maintaining your wrestling mats ensures a hygienic and safe environment for the combat sports you love. It also reflects your commitment to your journey as a wrestler. Impress your wrestling coaches, partners, and opponents with a clean wrestling room.
To optimize your wrestling performance, you need more than clean wrestling mats. You also need high-quality wrestling apparel to improve your wrestling experience. At Sports Gear Swag, we have a huge collection of wrestling apparel, from short-sleeve wrestling shirts for maximum mobility to wrestling sweatpants for optimal coverage. Get your wrestling gear today and see the difference in your training sessions and competitions.