Chalk buildup was ruining this climbing gym’s rubber floors. Learn how we cleaned, restored, and protected them for long-term performance.

Client Profile

Facility Type: Climbing Gym 
Floor Types: Rubber Gym Floor
Location: Chicago
Service Provider: New Standard Cleaning

The Challenge

The facility struggled with three ongoing problems.

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• 1.  Cleaning rubber floors is difficult due to the chalk impregnated into the pores of the rubber.
• 2.  The rubber floors are left with streaks post cleaning.
• 3.  Floor color is dull and discolored.
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Chalk is used by climbers for grip. This chalk covers the entire gym daily like freshly fallen snow. Improper cleaning processes lead to chalk build up.

The Solution

New Standard Cleaning installed a Rubber Seal system to protect the gym’s rubber flooring from chalk contamination and daily wear.

Rather than relying on aggressive chemical or repeated deep scrubbing, the floor was professionally deep cleaned and sealed with a micron-thin, coating designed specifically for rubber surfaces.

This created a protective barrier that:

• 1.  Prevents chalk from embedding into the pores of the rubber
• 2.  Makes daily cleaning significantly easier
• 3.  Restores color and uniform appearance
• 4.  Maintains proper traction for athlete safety

Equipment Updates

To ensure the rubber flooring could be properly restored and protected before sealing, New Standard Cleaning invested in a specialized compact commercial floor scrubber designed for rubber and high-traction surfaces commonly found in climbing gyms.

Unlike traditional flat scrubbers, this machine uses dual counter-rotating cylindrical brushes to agitate chalk and fine dust out of the pores of the rubber while simultaneously extracting the dirty solution in a single pass. This was critical for removing the deeply embedded chalk that standard mopping and manual scrubbing could not reach.

Its narrow 12-inch cleaning path allowed technicians to clean between climbing lanes, training zones, and congested areas without disrupting equipment layouts or wall features. The scrubber also leaves the floor nearly dry, minimizing downtime and allowing gym operations to resume quickly.

By upgrading the cleaning process with this equipment, NSC achieved a dramatically cleaner, more uniform rubber surface—creating the proper foundation for the NeverStrip Rubber Seal system to bond correctly and deliver long-term protection against chalk buildup and discoloration.

Process

1. 1.  Deep cleaning of rubber flooring using a low-speed floor machine and extraction to remove embedded chalk and soil.

2. 2.  Neutral rinse and drying to prepare the surface for sealing.

3.  Application of NeverStrip Rubber Seal (multiple thin coats for proper bonding and durability).

All work was completed after hours to avoid disruption to gym operations.

The Results

Operational Improvements

•  – No need for aggressive scrubbing or harsh chemicals

•  – Chalk buildup no longer penetrates the floor surface

•  – Less labor required for ongoing maintenance

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Visual Improvements

•  – Restored deep black color to rubber flooring

•  – Eliminated streaking and blotchy appearance

•  – Uniform, professional finish throughout the gym

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Performance & Safety

•  – Traction maintained for climbing and training areas

•  – Surface remains slip-resistant even during heavy use

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Long-Term Impact

By sealing the rubber flooring instead of repeatedly trying to “clean through” the chalk, the facility:

• 1. Extended the usable life of their flooring

• 2. Reduced annual cleaning and labor costs

• 3. Improved member experience and perception of cleanliness

• 4. Established a predictable, low-maintenance floor care program

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Client Feedback

“Before sealing the floors, chalk was something we just accepted as impossible to fully clean. Now the floors actually stay black, cleaning is faster, and the gym looks better every day.”

Visual & Safety Improvements

• Natural satin gloss (no plastic “high-build” look)

• Enhanced color depth

• Improved traction

• UV resistance (won’t yellow)

• More resistant to disinfectants and harsh cleaners

  NeverStrip_Micron_Overview

Maintenance Program

Daily cleaning:

• Dust mop or vacuum

• Auto scrub using NeverStrip Micron Clean (1–2 oz / gallon)

Every ~30 cleanings:

• Micron Restore Cleaner + restoration pad

Re-application:

• 1–2 coats as needed

• No stripping required

• Coverage: ~6,000 sq ft / gallon per coat

  NeverStrip_Cleaning_Maintenance

Financial Impact (Estimated)

Most facilities see:

• 30–60% reduction in annual floor care labor

• Major chemical cost savings

• Increased floor life (especially LVT & VCT)

Why New Standard Cleaning Uses NeverStrip

NeverStrip allows NSC to:

• Offer premium floor restoration instead of commodity janitorial work

• Lock in long-term maintenance contracts

• Reduce technician training complexity

• Deliver consistent, repeatable results across locations

Client Feedback

“Our floors look better than they did with traditional wax, and we haven’t had to shut down for stripping once. Maintenance is simpler and more predictable.”

Key Takeaway

NeverStrip Micron Sealers replace outdated strip-and-wax systems with a:

• Thinner

• Stronger

• Easier-to-maintain

• More sustainable floor protection solution

For high-traffic commercial facilities, the result is lower costs, better appearance, and fewer operational disruptions.