How to Properly Maintain Your Century Mats

Century mats are built for durability and daily use—but like any high-quality training equipment, they perform best when properly maintained. Regular cleaning not only extends the life of your mats, it also creates a safer and more hygienic space for everyone who trains on them.

To help you get the most out of your investment—and protect your warranty—we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about mat care and cleaning.

What Kind of Cleaner Should I Use?

We recommend using a neutral disinfectant cleaner that’s safe for vinyl training surfaces. To ensure the longevity and appearance of your Century mats, we suggest using cleaning products we trust and offer through our store:

● Mat Pro Premium Mat Cleaner – Gallon: A powerful one-step, no-rinse disinfectant designed specifically for use on martial arts and fitness mats.

● Mat Pro Mat Cleaning Kit: Includes the Mat Pro disinfectant, a commercial sprayer, and a microfiber mop—everything you need to clean your mats quickly and effectively.

Using the wrong cleaning products—or anything that causes the vinyl to dry out or crack—can void your Century warranty. Stick with recommended solutions to keep your mats performing their best.

Can I Use Floor Cleaners Like Pine-Sol?

No. Many general-purpose floor cleaners are too acidic for vinyl mats. Using them can lead to cracking, peeling, and long-term surface damage. This type of damage is not covered under Century’s warranty.

Is Bleach Safe for Cleaning Mats?

We do not recommend using bleach. It can discolor the mat surface and cause it to dry out and crack. This type of damage may also void your warranty, as bleach is not an approved cleaning agent for Century mats.

How Do I Remove Stubborn Stains?

For small, isolated stains, 100% isopropyl alcohol can be effective.

For full mat surfaces or deep cleaning, a gym floor scrubber is ideal. It deep-cleans and sanitizes large areas, restoring your mats with consistent use.

What’s the Best Way to Clean Tatami-Style Mats?

Tatami-textured mats require a bit more effort due to their surface pattern. If you don’t have access to a floor scrubber:

Lightly mist the mat with disinfectant cleaner.
Scrub with a soft-bristle deck brush to reach into the texture.
Dry the surface thoroughly with a clean, dry mop.

How Often Should Mats Be Cleaned?

After every class or training session to maintain hygiene.

Deep clean at least once per week to keep the surface in peak condition and extend its lifespan.

Can I Use a Steam Cleaner?

No. Steam cleaners generate heat that can cause the vinyl to separate from the foam core, leading to bubbling or warping. This type of damage is not covered under warranty.

What If My Mats Were Soaked in a Flood or Leak?

If mats have absorbed a large amount of water due to flooding or a plumbing issue, they likely won’t dry completely. Trapped moisture can lead to mold, bacteria growth, and odors. In these cases, replacement is recommended for safety and hygiene.

Can I Just Clean with Water?

Water alone doesn’t sanitize the surface. To protect the health of your students and instructors, always clean with a disinfectant specifically designed for use on vinyl mats.

Is It Okay to Mop with a Bucket?

Traditional mopping methods can do more harm than good. Buckets filled with water or cleaner can cause excess liquid to seep between mat seams, which may lead to long-term damage. Instead, use a spray bottle to mist the surface with cleaner, then wipe down with a dry mop to clean effectively without oversaturating the mats.

Understanding the Moisture Barrier

Century mats are built with an integrated moisture barrier to help prevent water and cleaning solutions from penetrating the surface. While this barrier adds an important layer of protection, it is not waterproof. Excessive moisture—from flooding, over-saturation during cleaning, or improper storage—can still seep into seams or edges and compromise the foam core. To protect the integrity of your mats, always use a spray-and-wipe method when cleaning and avoid exposing mats to standing water or prolonged damp conditions.

Moisture Barrier Notice

Century has not tested or approved any third-party external moisture barriers, and we cannot guarantee how they may impact the condition of your mats. The use of unapproved barriers may unintentionally draw moisture from the mats, potentially leading to damage such as drying or cracking. If damage occurs as a result, it will void the warranty.

If you have questions about proper mat care or approved cleaning practices, please contact your Century sales representative for more information.

A Note on Warranty Coverage

To maintain your warranty, always follow Century’s recommended care guidelines. Use only approved cleaning methods and products. Any damage caused by harsh chemicals, steam, or improper cleaning practices—especially those that dry out or crack the vinyl—may result in the warranty being voided.

How to Properly Maintain Your Century Mats