Alright folks, today was all about keeping that hard maple floor under our volleyball pads in top shape. You know, that shiny, hard stuff that takes a beating? Saw some spots looking kinda sticky and dull last practice, so decided today’s the day I tackle it proper.

First Up: The Gross Part

Right after practice ended, while everyone was grabbing water, I got down on my hands and knees for a close look. Yeah, definitely some built-up gunk – sweat, maybe spilled sports drink, and dust mixed into this nasty film. Regular sweeping wasn’t cutting it anymore. Needed a deep clean.

Grabbing the Stuff

Rummaged in my supply closet and pulled out:

• A big bucket.
• My jug of pH-neutral cleaner specifically for wood floors (you gotta avoid anything acidic or harsh!).
• A clean mop bucket wringer.
• My trusty microfiber mop head (old one was looking rough, tossed it and snapped on a fresh one).

Mixed the cleaner with water in the bucket, following the bottle’s directions – didn’t go crazy with it, just a good capful.

Getting Down to Business

Soaked the mop head good in the solution, then wrung it out like really well. You want it damp, not dripping wet. Maple and water are not best friends for long periods. Started mopping in sections, moving with the wood grain. Didn’t flood the floor, just kept the mop damp and changed the water when it started looking dirty (which was surprisingly fast near the pads!). Took my time, making sure to cover every inch. Whole area got this treatment.

The Drying Game

This is crucial. Can’t let that moisture sit. Tossed down some big, thirsty bath towels I keep just for this. Walked all over them to soak up every bit of dampness I could find. Popped open all the gym windows and doors we could for maximum airflow. Let it air dry for a good solid hour before even thinking about the next step. No shortcuts here.

Checkup Time

Came back after lunch. Ran my hand over the cleaned spots. Felt smooth, like proper wood again! None of that sticky or slippery residue. Big win.

Keeping It That Way

To wrap it up and make sure it lasts:

• I reminded everyone on the team: Wipe your dang feet properly before stepping on the pads now. We put a new mat outside the door too.
• Sweeping that court floor daily is non-negotiable. Little bits of grit scratch the surface like crazy.
• Added a note in our maintenance log to do this deep cleaning routine every month, whether it looks like it needs it or not. Prevention is way easier than fixing ruined wood!

Honestly, it’s not rocket science. See the problem? Clean it right. Don’t drown it. Dry it fast. Keep up with it. Floor looks sharp, feels safe, and should keep taking those dives and jumps without looking like crap. Job done!