Maintenance
Indoor Court Tile Cleaning Guide
Indoor tiles need a different cleaning approach than outdoor tiles. Follow this guide to protect the finish, preserve traction, and keep your court looking new.
Daily Cleaning
- Dry-mop or vacuum (soft brush attachment) to remove dust, grit, and hair.
- Spot-clean spills immediately with a dry microfiber cloth.
- Use entry mats at all doors to reduce grit tracked onto the court.
Weekly Cleaning
- Damp-mop with a microfiber mop and a neutral pH (pH 7) floor cleaner.
- Wring the mop thoroughly - damp, not wet.
- Clean in the direction of the tile grain.
- Dry the floor with a clean microfiber pad after cleaning.
Monthly Deep Clean
- Move portable equipment off the court.
- Apply a neutral pH cleaner with a microfiber pad and let it dwell 2–3 minutes.
- Damp-mop in sections; rinse the mop frequently.
- Dry-buff with a clean pad to restore sheen.
Approved Cleaners
- Neutral pH (pH 7) commercial floor cleaners
- Bona Stone, Tile & Laminate Cleaner
- Murphy Oil Soap (diluted per label) for wood-look tiles
- Mild dish soap solution (1 tsp per gallon of warm water)
What to Avoid
- No bleach, ammonia, vinegar, or acidic/alkaline cleaners.
- No wet string mops or buckets of standing water.
- No wax, polish, oil soap on non-wood tiles, or floor sealants.
- No abrasive pads, steel wool, or melamine sponges on wood-look tiles.
- No steam cleaners - heat and saturation can damage seams.
Stain & Scuff Quick Reference
- Black sole marks: Tennis ball on a stick, or damp microfiber + neutral cleaner.
- Sticky residue (gum, tape): Ice cube to harden, then plastic scraper.
- Sports drink spills: Damp microfiber + neutral cleaner immediately.
- Tape adhesive: Mineral spirits on a cloth, then neutral cleaner rinse - test in a hidden area first.
Equipment & Footwear
- Use non-marking athletic shoes only.
- Place protective floor caps on tables, chairs, and fitness equipment.
- Never drag heavy equipment - lift or use furniture sliders rated for sport flooring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean an indoor sport tile court?
For daily cleaning, dry-mop or vacuum to remove dust and grit. For weekly cleaning, damp-mop with a neutral pH cleaner. Avoid soaking the tiles - modular indoor tiles are not waterproof at the seams the way outdoor tiles are.
What cleaner is safe for indoor sport tiles?
Use a neutral pH (pH 7) floor cleaner diluted per the manufacturer's instructions. Common safe options include Bona, Murphy Oil Soap (for wood-look tiles), or a mild dish-soap solution. Avoid bleach, ammonia, vinegar, and any abrasive cleaners.
Can I damp-mop indoor tiles?
Yes - use a well-wrung microfiber mop, not a wet string mop. Damp is fine; saturated is not. Dry the floor immediately after cleaning.
How often should I deep-clean an indoor court?
Daily dry-mop, weekly damp-mop, monthly deep-clean with a neutral pH cleaner, and an annual professional deep clean for high-traffic facilities.
How do I remove scuffs and shoe marks from indoor tiles?
Use a clean damp microfiber cloth with a small amount of neutral pH cleaner, or a tennis ball on a stick for black sole marks. Avoid melamine sponges (Magic Eraser) on indoor wood-look tiles - they can dull the finish.
Are indoor sport tiles slip-resistant?
Yes, indoor sport tiles are engineered with a controlled coefficient of friction for safe athletic play. Keep the surface free of dust, water, and cleaning residue to maintain that traction.