Dycem mats have been described as a ‘game-changer’ for improving facility’s contamination control at floor-level. Their naturally tacky surface attracts, captures, and retains up to 99.9% of contaminants from shoes and wheels, and up to 75% of airborne contamination. To re-generate this ‘tackiness’, and ensure product performance, regular cleaning is a must.
Why clean your Dycem mat regularly?
Over time, dirt, dust, and other contaminants build-up on the surface of the mat, and it may start to look dirty. This is a good thing as it shows your Dycem mat is working! However, we recommend cleaning at least once per day, or once per shift depending on the volume of traffic passing over the mat. Maintaining the cleanliness of your Dycem mats is vital to ensure product performance and longevity.
How to Clean Dycem Mats
Cleaning Dycem can be easily integrated into your facility’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for floor cleaning. Follow these steps to keep your Dycem working effectively:
- Choose Your Cleaning Solution: Make sure you use a Dycem-approved cleaning solution, either pre-diluted or diluted according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or abrasives, as they can damage the mat.
- Application: Using a spray bottle, flat-mop, or pre-saturated wipe, apply the cleaning solution evenly across the mats surface. Make sure to cover all areas to break down any accumulated debris.
- Agitate and Lift the Dirt: Using a squeegee system or a flat mop, agitate the mat’s surface, lifting the retained particulates. Agitate in both vertical and horizontal motions, ensuring you work starting closest to the controlled area and working backward.
- Removing Excess Liquid: Using the squeegee or flat mop, pull the dirty liquid to the edge of the mat’s surface. Collect with a dry mop or cloth and dispose of it per your facility’s SOPs. For heavily saturated mats, repeat cleaning steps 1-3 until the liquid removed is visibly clear.
- Air Dry: Allow the mat to dry thoroughly before using it again. It is important to ensure no water remains as Dycem mats are slippery when wet.
If you are cleaning Dycem’s floating mats, two extra steps are required prior to step 3.
2a. Clean the Subfloor: Lift the floating mat and clean the subfloor according to facility protocol. Remove any excess liquid and allow the subfloor to dry before laying the floating mat back down.
2b. Clean the Underside of the Floating Mat: Before cleaning the top of the floating mat, clean the underside using an isopropyl alcohol wipe (70/30 IPA recommended) and allow it to dry.
Head to our cleaning page for more information.
