Spring Cleaning of Your Traverse Wall®

Spring is just around the corner and there is no better time to clean your climbing wall and safety mats. One of the most frequently asked questions we get is how often climbing walls should be cleaned. The answer depends on how often your climbing wall is used; the more frequently it is used, the more frequently it will need to be cleaned. A quick visual inspection will give you your answer. If your hand holds are starting to get smooth, or look dirty to the eye, then it’s time to wash them. If your climbing wall panels are also looking visibly dirty, it’s time to clean them too. Safety mats tend to require the most frequent cleaning and keeping your mats clean will also help to keep your hand holds and climbing panels clean.

Here are step-by-step instructions for cleaning hand holds, climbing panels and mats:

Cleaning Hand Holds

· Remove hand holds from climbing wall.

· Choose one of the methods below to remove dirt from holds:

o Dishwasher - Place holds in a dishwasher with or without detergent. Choose “air dry” and not “heat dry.”

o Hand Wash - Using a soft bristle scrub brush and mild dish soap, scrub the hand holds in warm water. Rinse well. Note: Do not use a metal bristle brush.

o Car Wash - Take holds to a self-service car wash and lay them out on the floor. Spray down holds with the soap mixture and then rinse well with plain water. Note: If you have access to large bakery bread trays, they are a great way to transport and clean holds. Since the trays have openings, holds can be left in them for the cleaning and drying processes.

· Allow hand holds to completely dry for at least 24 hours prior to re-installing on the climbing wall.

Climbing Wall Panels

· Place towels on mats at the base of panels to absorb any soap/water that may drip down on them.

· Starting at the top and working your way down, wipe each panel with a mild soap and water solution.

· Rinse by wiping down with plain water, again working from the top down.

· Allow panels to thoroughly dry before re-installing hand holds or accessories.

· Notes:

o It’s easier to clean the panels with holds removed, so we suggest you complete this step while your holds are drying.

o If you have one, leave the Red-Relief® Line installed on the wall and clean/rinse it along with each panel.

Safety Mats/Mat-Locking System®

· Place mats in the down position on the floor.

· If needed, vacuum mats.

· Wipe mats clean using a soft, non-abrasive cloth or sponge and warm water or mild soap.

· A soft bristle brush can be used for stubborn dirt.

· 303 Brand Product Cleaners, Spot Removers and Protectants can be used following their instructions.

· Avoid harsh cleaning products, solvents and acid-based chemicals including household cleaners, concentrated detergents, concentrated bleaches, dry cleaning fluids, industrial cleaners, waxes, petroleum distillates and silicone oils.

· Avoid steel wool and metal bristle brushes.

· Allow mats to thoroughly dry before closing them up against the climbing wall (which must also be dry).

· Next, clean to outside “closed” side of the mats using the same instructions.

Housekeeping Tips

· Have climbers wash their hands before using the climbing wall to help keep hand holds clean.

· Place doormats at either end of the mats in front of your Traverse Wall® and have climbers wipe their feet before climbing to keep mats and foot holds clean.

· Consider implementing a “no outdoor footwear” / “clean indoor footwear only” policy when using the climbing wall.