Why New Rubber Floors Show Footprints — and What to Do About It

Robinson Ortiz
5 days ago
3 min read

If you’ve recently installed rubber flooring and noticed footprints appearing immediately, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions we receive, and the good news is this: it’s normal, temporary, and manageable.

Understanding why it happens—and how to properly care for your floor during the early stages—will help your rubber flooring look better, last longer, and perform the way it was designed to.

Why Do Footprints Show on New Rubber Flooring?

Most modern rubber floors are bound together using a polyurethane (PU) binder. When the floor is brand new, the surface is still settling in.

Several things contribute to visible footprints early on:

Surface sheen from the polyurethane binder reflects light differently under pressure
Residual manufacturing oils can remain on the surface after installation
Static attraction in new rubber pulls in dust and oils
Dark colors (especially solid black) show marks more easily

None of this indicates a defect. It simply means the floor hasn’t had time to break in yet.

The Break-In Period: What to Expect

Rubber flooring improves with use.

During the first 30 to 90 days, normal foot traffic naturally:

Wears down excess surface sheen
Removes residual oils
Creates a more uniform surface texture

As this happens, footprints become less noticeable, fade faster, or stop appearing altogether. This is why older gym floors rarely show the same footprint issues as new installations.

In most environments, once the floor is broken in, footprints are no longer a concern.

First 30 Days: The Most Important Time for Maintenance

Proper care during the first month makes a significant difference.

What You Should Do

Perform a thorough initial cleaning after installation
Use clean water or a neutral, water-based cleaner
Clean using microfiber mops only
Allow the floor to fully dry after cleaning

This removes factory residue and helps the floor transition smoothly into regular use.

Routine Cleaning: Keep It Simple

Rubber flooring does not require aggressive cleaning.

Best Practices

Dry microfiber mop or vacuum regularly
Damp mop as needed with minimal water
Use neutral pH, water-based cleaners only
Keep the mop moving—no heavy scrubbing

What to Avoid

Solvent-based cleaners
Degreasers
Bleach or ammonia
Wax or polish
Oil-based products
Abrasive pads or brushes
Flooding the floor with water

Over-cleaning or using harsh chemicals does more harm than good.

What About Steam Cleaning?

Microfiber steam mops can remove footprints quickly, but they should be used sparingly.

If you choose to use steam:

Use low heat only
Keep the mop moving at all times
Use occasionally—not daily
Stop immediately if you notice a rubber odor

Steam is optional. It is not required for proper maintenance and should never replace regular microfiber cleaning.

Should You Seal Rubber Flooring?

In most cases, sealing is not necessary.

Rubber flooring is designed to perform without additional coatings. However, in high-visibility spaces—such as studios, showrooms, or premium installations—some customers choose to apply a sealer for appearance reasons.

If sealing is desired:

Use a water-based polyurethane specifically designed for rubber floors
Choose matte or satin finishes only
Apply thin coats and follow manufacturer's instructions exactly

Sealing is a personal preference, not a requirement.

The Bottom Line

Footprints on new rubber flooring are normal and temporary.

With proper initial cleaning and routine maintenance:

The floor will break in naturally
Footprints will become far less noticeable
Long-term appearance and performance will improve

Rubber flooring is one of the most durable, forgiving surfaces available—when cared for correctly.

If you have questions about maintenance, cleaning products, or sealing options, Florida Rubber is always here to help you make informed decisions that protect your investment.

Download our care guide below.