From the outside looking in, dance studio floors may look like any other floors. And, if for some reason you’re not only on the outside of a dance studio looking in at its floors and you’re concerned with the cleaning of those floors, you may think their maintenance is the same as the “any other floor” you assumed them to be like. This is definitely a weird way to let you know that this isn’t the case. Dance studio flooring, while appearing similar to common flooring, is different, and so is its maintenance.
Of course, if you’re reading this, you’re probably in the world of dance. You’re already in the know about dance studio flooring, from how it differs from common flooring, to its importance to dancers and its function for the art of dance. If you’re a dance studio owner, dance instructor, dancer, or member of a dance studio’s maintenance staff, then it’s in your best interest, be it professional or performative, to know how to maintain the floors. Here are the key factors to maintaining dance studio floors:
Permanent & Portable: Know the Difference
As a general tip when creating your dance studio floor maintenance plan, know that portable dance studio floor maintenance is (and should be) fundamentally different from permanent dance studio floor maintenance. Your maintenance policies, guide, methods, schedule, checklists, and supplies should reflect this basic difference.
The Importance of Wet-Mopping
Except for dance studio floors made out of Marley flooring (see next section), wet-mopping is a very important part of maintenance. While wet-mopping is important for keeping your dance studio floors sanitized and free of germs, bacteria, viruses and other contaminants, it should only be performed every two or three days. Any more and you’ll damage your floors while also compromising their slip-resistant finish.
“Marley” Floors & Maintenance
Marley floors are the most common dance studio floors. Considered portable, Marley flooring is durable and slip-resistant sheet vinyl, making it very safe for dancers. Of course, Marley flooring requires less effort to maintain, but is unique in its own right as dance studio flooring. While not in use, it should be covered and stored upright. After use, common practice suggests sweeping and then dry-mopping the vinyl, and washing (or degreasing) your Marley floors once a week with an appropriate detergent.
Wood Floors
Not all dance studio floors are “Marley” floors, and those that aren’t are almost certainly wooden. Wood is, apart from Marley floors, very common in dance studios and banquet halls. Their maintenance is unique, though. They need to be maintained well to reduce the risk of dancers slipping, but not so much that they get worn out and damaged.
As such, wet mopping should be done with mild detergent. Once dried, you should lightly apply dance floor wax, evenly spreading it all over the dance floor with a soft-bristled push broom. This will help keep your wood dance studio floor looking wonderful while also keeping dancers safe.
