The Best Way to Clean and Disinfect MMA & Jiu Jitsu Mats

John Brian Kaup, Owner of Trinity; Robert Helma, Operations Manager; and Todd Lotich, VP of Business Development all train Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai at Pura Vida Martial Arts in Denver NC. They have a vested interest in learning everything they can about keeping the mats in their gym clean and healthy. Robert and Todd also like getting to punch their boss, Brian Kaup in the face on a weekly basis (if you train, you know).
If you own or operate an MMA gym, Jiu Jitsu school, wrestling facility, or martial arts studio, your mats are the most important (and most heavily used) surface in your space. Keeping them clean isn’t just about appearances; it’s about protecting your athletes’ health and extending the life of your investment.
Unfortunately, a lot of facilities rely on bleach for mat disinfection. While bleach can kill germs, it’s far from the best choice for cleaning vinyl-covered martial arts mats and it can actually cause more problems than it solves.

Why Bleach Isn’t the Best Choice for MMA & Jiu Jitsu Mats
Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is a strong disinfectant, but in a gym environment, it has some serious drawbacks:
- It creates a slippery film
- When bleach reacts with body oils and sweat left behind on mats, it creates a mild form of soap, (a mild saponification reaction). This soap-like residue (called a biofilm) can make mats slippery, increasing the risk of injuries during training.
- It damages mat surfaces
- Bleach is corrosive to vinyl and stitching. Over time, it can cause cracking, fading, and premature wear — meaning you’ll be replacing mats sooner than you should.
- It’s harsh on skin and lungs
- Even after rinsing, bleach fumes can irritate athletes’ skin, eyes, and respiratory systems, especially during close-contact sports like Jiu Jitsu and wrestling.
Why Quat-Based Disinfectants Are Superior
Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) are widely used in gyms, hospitals, and athletic facilities because they:
- Kill a broad spectrum of germs — including MRSA, staph, ringworm fungi (T. tonsurans), hepatitis, and HIV.
- Don’t leave slippery soap residues when mixed with sweat or oils.
- Are non-corrosive to vinyl and safe for use on wrestling, MMA, and Jiu Jitsu mats.
- Have a neutral pH, meaning they’re gentler on skin and won’t degrade your equipment.
A properly diluted quat-based disinfectant, applied with the correct dwell time (usually 10 minutes), will fully disinfect your mats without the hazards of bleach.
How to Keep Your Gym Mats Clean Daily
- Pre-clean the mats to remove dirt, dust, and sweat before disinfecting.
- Apply a quat-based disinfectant using a pump sprayer or microfiber mop.
- Allow full dwell time — rewetting as needed to keep the surface wet for the recommended period.
- Let mats air dry completely before the next training session.
For a Deeper Clean, Call Trinity Commercial Cleaning
Even with a strong daily cleaning routine, biofilms, embedded dirt, and stubborn bacteria can build up over time. That’s where professional deep cleaning makes the difference.
At Trinity Commercial Cleaning, we:
- Use hospital-grade, EPA-registered quat disinfectants designed for athletic facilities.
- Employ specialized low-moisture extraction to deep clean mats without oversaturating them.
- Provide flexible scheduling so your classes aren’t disrupted.
If you run an MMA gym, Jiu Jitsu academy, or wrestling facility in Mooresville, Charlotte, or the surrounding North Carolina area, we can help you keep your mats sanitary, safe, and competition-ready.
📞 Contact Trinity Commercial Cleaning today for a quote on professional wrestling and MMA mat cleaning services. Protect your athletes, extend the life of your mats, and keep your facility smelling fresh. Serving Mooresville, Troutman, Statesville, Denver, Davidson, Cornelius, Huntersville & Surrounding NC Areas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning MMA, Jiu Jitsu, and Wrestling Mats
1. What’s the safest way to clean MMA or Jiu Jitsu mats?
The safest method is to use a quat-based disinfectant specifically approved for athletic mats. Pre-clean the surface to remove dirt and sweat, apply the disinfectant evenly, let it sit for the full dwell time (usually 10 minutes), and allow the mats to air dry before use. This method kills harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi without damaging vinyl or leaving a slippery residue.
2. Can you use bleach on wrestling mats?
You can, but it’s not recommended. Bleach can react with body oils left on the mats to create a mild soap film, making them slippery and unsafe for athletes. It also breaks down vinyl surfaces over time, causing cracking and discoloration. A quat-based disinfectant is safer, more effective, and gentler on mats.
3. Why do my mats still feel slippery after cleaning?
Slipperiness usually comes from a soap-like biofilm formed when cleaners (especially bleach) mix with sweat, oils, or residue. To prevent this, use a neutral pH quat disinfectant and ensure mats are fully rinsed or allowed to dry completely after cleaning.
4. How often should MMA or wrestling mats be disinfected?
Mats should be disinfected before and after every training session to prevent the spread of skin infections like ringworm, staph, and MRSA. A deep professional cleaning should be scheduled at least once a month for high-traffic gyms.
5. Who provides professional wrestling and MMA mat cleaning in Mooresville, NC?
Trinity Commercial Cleaning offers professional wrestling mat cleaning services in Mooresville, Charlotte, and surrounding North Carolina areas. We use hospital-grade quat disinfectants and specialized deep-cleaning equipment to keep your mats sanitary, safe, and competition-ready.
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