14  |  SCHOOL PLANT MANAGER MAGAZINE  |  FALL 2026
A 
hardwood gym floor is one of 
the most visible and valuable 
surfaces in a school. It supports 
athletics, assemblies, concerts, 
Protect the Finish: A Practical Guide to Gym Floor Maintenance
By Dale Krausnick, Hillyard
dances, and community events, often 
with little recovery time between uses. 
Protecting that investment requires a 
consistent program built around soil 
prevention, frequent cleaning, prompt 
spot treatment, and protection during 
non-athletic activities.
Protect the finish so the finish can 
protect the wood. An intact finish makes 
routine care easier, supports consistent 
traction, and reduces costly repairs.
Keep Soil Off the Floor
Abrasive dirt is a leading cause of 
premature finish wear. Grit carried in on 
shoes acts like sandpaper under traffic, 
scratching and dulling the surface.
Begin with effective walk-off matting 
at every entrance. It should contact 
both shoes repeatedly before a person 
reaches the playing surface. Vacuum 
it daily and more often during wet 
weather or large events.
Limit the playing surface to clean 
athletic shoes whenever practical, and 
communicate expectations clearly. 
Before carts, bleachers, tables, chairs, 
or athletic equipment enter the gym, 
inspect wheels and furniture legs. 
Wheels should be clean and roll 
freely, and furniture should have  
non-staining protective glides. Never 
drag equipment across an uncovered 
wood floor.
Make Dust Removal a Daily Priority
Frequent dust mopping removes fine 
particles before they scratch the finish or 
affect traction. At minimum, dust mop 
daily and before any damp-cleaning 
procedure. Heavily used gyms may 
need additional dust mopping between 
activities.
Use a wide cotton dust mop intended 
for finished sports floors. Use a mop 
treatment approved for the finish and 
follow label directions. Excess treatment 
can leave residue, attract soil, or change 
the feel of the surface. Keep gym floor 
tools separate from those used in other 
areas, where they may collect grit, oil, or 
incompatible chemicals.
Control Moisture Carefully
Standing liquid can enter seams 
or damaged finish, causing swelling, 
discoloration, cupping, or finish failure. 
Clean spills immediately with absorbent 
towels or a wet pickup vacuum, then 
dry the area completely. Investigate 
recurring leaks, condensation, or 
entryway moisture before they become 
larger problems.
Clean the Finished Floor with Care
Avoid traditional wet mopping and 
never flood the floor. Use the smallest 
practical amount of cleaning solution 
and remove it promptly. A thorough 
Facility Solutions
For Healthy 
Learning 
Environments 
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