I’ve spent countless hours on grappling mats, and I can’t stress enough how vital it is to keep them clean—not just for the look of your gym but for the health and safety of everyone who trains there.
With so many cleaning products on the market, picking the right one can be overwhelming.
Stick around as I break down the different types of mat cleaners available, delving into their ingredients, advantages, and disadvantages to help you find the perfect fit for your gym.
Understanding Jiu-Jitsu Mat Types
Jiu Jitsu mats are where all the action happens, and they come in several types, like EVA foam, tatami, and vinyl-covered.
Each type has its own cleaning needs.
- Foam mats are cushy but can absorb moisture, making them tricky to keep clean.
- Tatami mats offer a traditional feel but can be mold-resistant if not dried properly.
- Vinyl mats are easier to wipe down but can get slippery if not cleaned with the right product.
Knowing your mat type is the first step in picking the right cleaner.
Types of Mat Cleaners
Natural Cleaners
These cleaners are crafted from ingredients like vinegar and essential oils, known for their gentle impact on the environment and your mats.
Ideal for routine cleaning, natural cleaners can maintain day-to-day hygiene without harsh chemicals.
However, they may not be sufficient for eliminating all types of bacteria and viruses, so they’re best used for regular maintenance rather than deep cleaning.
Chemical Cleaners
Chemical cleaners are the heavyweights in combating pathogens. Designed for their potent antibacterial and antiviral properties, they are highly effective.
While highly effective, their strength comes with caveats—they can be abrasive to both the mats and the environment.
Frequent use might degrade mat materials and release harmful chemicals into the air, so it is essential to use these cleaners judiciously and in well-ventilated areas.
Commercial Mat Cleaners
These products are specifically formulated for gym mats, balancing user safety and effectiveness against germs.
They often come ready to use without mixing, which adds to their convenience.
While these are typically more costly than homemade options, their specialized formulations are designed to extend the life of your mats by cleaning effectively without damaging them.
Choosing the Right Jiu-Jitsu Mat Cleaner
Selecting the appropriate cleaner for your Jiu-Jitsu mats involves several considerations to ensure both effectiveness and safety:
- Frequency of Use: Determine how often your mats are used. High-traffic mats in daily use require a robust cleaner that can handle frequent applications without causing wear and tear.
- Material Composition: Understand the material of your mats. Different materials (like EVA foam, tatami, or vinyl) react differently to various cleaning agents. For instance, natural mats like tatami may need gentler, less abrasive cleaners to prevent damage.
- Safety: Opt for cleaners that are safe for direct skin contact, essential in martial arts, where skin exposure to the mat is frequent. Choose cleaners that do not emit harmful fumes or leave toxic residues.
- Environmental Impact: If sustainability concerns your gym, consider eco-friendly cleaners that offer adequate sanitation without the harsh environmental impact.
Best Jiu Jitsu Mat Cleaner and Neutral Disinfectant
The RMC Enviro Care Neutral Disinfectant emerges as the best contender in Jiu-Jitsu mat cleaners.
Crafted with the rigorous needs of high-traffic training environments, this hospital-grade disinfectant combines efficacy with eco-friendliness.
Here is why this is your best mat cleaner option:
- Versatile and Effective: Suitable for demanding environments like hospitals and schools, this cleaner is equally effective in Jiu-Jitsu dojos, ensuring top-notch cleanliness and hygiene across various settings.
- Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solution: Distinguished by its eco-conscious formulation, this cleaner efficiently deodorizes and cleans multiple surfaces—from metals to plastics—without harsh chemicals, promoting a safer environment.
- Rapid Sanitization: It eliminates 99.9% of allergens, making it essential for areas needing fast and effective sanitization, ideal for Jiu-Jitsu mats used frequently.
- Packaging and Sustainability: The product comes in a one-gallon container, with packaging designed to minimize environmental impact, reflecting the brand’s commitment to sustainability.
Discover the benefits of the RMC Enviro Care Neutral Disinfectant for yourself. Check it out on Amazon today.
Mat Cleaner Application Tips and Best Practices
The following practical tips can help maintain the integrity and cleanliness of your Jiu-Jitsu mats.
This ensures a safe and hygienic environment for all practitioners.
Proper Dilution is Key
For optimal effectiveness and to ensure safety, always adhere to the recommended dilution ratios provided by the manufacturer.
Over-diluting can reduce efficacy, while under-diluting may lead to unnecessary chemical exposure and potential damage to mats.
Methodical Application
Apply your chosen cleaner using a microfiber mop or cloth to ensure even coverage and prevent damage.
Start from one corner of the mat and work systematically to the opposite side to avoid missing spots and ensure complete coverage.
Routine vs. Deep Cleaning
Establish a regular cleaning schedule to maintain basic hygiene.
Light cleaning after each training session is recommended.
Deep cleanings are scheduled periodically (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly) to address any buildup and disinfect thoroughly.
Let It Dry Completely
After cleaning, it’s crucial to let the mats dry completely before rolling them up or using them again.
This prevents the growth of mold and mildew and ensures that the mat surface is safe for use.
Maintain Cleaning Tools
Regularly wash and replace cleaning tools such as mops and cloths to prevent the spread of dirt and bacteria.
Using clean tools is essential to effective mat maintenance.
Conclusion
Selecting the right mat cleaner is more than just a task; it’s crucial to maintaining a safe and welcoming jiu-jitsu gym.
Effective cleaning extends beyond appearances—it safeguards the health of your trainers and practitioners. It preserves the quality and lifespan of your mats.
Take the time to choose a cleaner that balances efficacy, safety, and environmental responsibility to maintain an optimal training environment.
