Regardless of whether you have an epoxy garage floor, living area or industrial space, regular cleaning and care is vital for long-lasting shine.
Clean up any spills immediately to avoid staining or etching the epoxy surface. Some chemicals – like antifreeze, oil and gasoline – can permanently damage the flooring if left to sit for long.
Sweep Daily
While epoxy floors are very durable, they do need to be properly cared for in order to preserve their luster. This includes regular cleaning and periodic deep cleans. Proper maintenance also involves taking precautions to prevent scratches and other damage from occurring.
Sweeping the floor regularly keeps dust, sand and grit from scratching or etching the epoxy surface. This is especially important in high-traffic areas where equipment and heavy objects are regularly moved across the floor. It’s a good idea to sweep the floor daily in these areas, and weekly in less-trafficked areas.
A good quality mop can help keep the surface clean, and it’s important to choose a mop that won’t leave any residual cleaning solution or water on the epoxy coatings. A microfiber or a synthetic brush is best for the job.
It’s important to wipe up spills immediately on an epoxy floor, as the longer they sit, the more difficult they are to remove. Always use a pH-neutral cleaner, and avoid acidic cleaners like citrus or vinegar, which can dull the shine of the epoxy flooring.
When the weather is changing, it’s a good idea to do an in-depth cleaning of the entire epoxy floor every three to four months. This can include a deep clean using a commercial or industrial degreaser, as well as a thorough rinse with water.
It’s also a good idea to place mats in all entryways and use furniture pads underneath heavy machinery or appliances to minimize the risk of scratches or other damage. Proper handling of vehicles and other equipment can also reduce the risk of scuffing or scratching an epoxy floor.
A professional can handle many types of routine maintenance, from removing oily spills to resealing the epoxy. They can also address more serious issues, such as abrasions and light scratches, which may require scrubbing or refinishing. By working with a professional, Charlotte, Matthews, Pineville, Fort Mill, Davidson, Huntersville and Concord business owners can be sure that their epoxy floors are maintained in a way that will preserve their appearance, durability and value for years to come.
Mop Regularly
Epoxy flooring is a beautiful thing, adheres easily to surfaces, especially concrete, but it’s also susceptible to damage. Dirt and grit can scratch, etch or wear the surface, so regular sweeping is essential to keeping them at bay. Sweep your epoxy floor daily in high traffic areas or at least weekly in less-traveled zones. You’ll need a dust mop rather than a string one, which can leave streak marks and not adequately clean your floor.
Use a pH-neutral cleaner and a soft cloth or mop to keep your floors squeaky clean. Avoid cleaners that contain citrus or acidic compounds as they may erode and discolor your floor. When a spot or spill occurs, respond promptly by wiping it up with a paper towel or mop and then washing the area. If the spill involves tenacious materials like paint, ink or battery acid, you might need a plastic scraper and a bit of isopropyl alcohol to break down the substance and prevent permanent discoloration.
If you notice a sticky residue on your epoxy floor, rinse the surface thoroughly to remove soap and detergent buildup. Rinsing also helps to ensure the cleaning solution is effectively carried away by water to the drain and doesn’t leave a residual film on your floor. Be sure to dry your floors completely after rinsing them, as too much moisture can lead to mold and mildew.
As with sweeping, mopping your epoxy floor regularly helps to maintain its beauty and extend its lifespan. Every three or four months, wash your floors using a bucket of water and a floor squeegee. A vigorous scrub every other month might be required in heavily-traveled zones.
Aside from regular cleaning and mopping, there are several other precautions you can take to protect your epoxy flooring. Place rugs at entryways to trap dirt before it gets on the floor, and encourage a no-shoes policy in high-traffic areas. If you have to move heavy equipment or furniture, lay down plywood or other protective pads to prevent scratches. Mindful tool handling can also reduce the risk of damaging your floor.
Aside from the obvious benefits of a shiny, durable epoxy floor, a properly maintained one is healthier for people and equipment as well. By following the tips in this blog, you can preserve your epoxy floor for the long haul and keep it looking its best.
Apply a Polisher
A regular floor polish will prevent scuffing and dullness on your epoxy floors. This can be done once or twice per month and helps to keep the surface looking glossy and new. This is especially important if you have heavy machinery or cars regularly moving across the floor, as these can create abrasive dirt and grit that can embed into the epoxy.
A non-abrasive mop, deck brush or kitchen sponge and a diluted solution of clear ammonia will typically clean the floor effectively. Avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive scrubbing pads and citrus or vinegar-based cleaners on the epoxy as these can damage the flooring.
In addition to the aforementioned steps, it is critical that you promptly clean up any spills, wet or tracked-in dirt or debris. This will not only help to keep the luster of the epoxy intact but can also minimize damage to the concrete underneath.
Large gouges, cuts and scratches in the epoxy should also be addressed as soon as possible to ensure that moisture doesn’t seep into these damaged areas. The same goes for any cracks or divots in the floor coating, as these can lead to delamination and compromise the functionality of the flooring.
Walk-off mats at all entrances can help to keep the dust, sand and other particles from being tracked onto your epoxy floor. This can save you time and money in the long run since these messes are much more difficult to clean up once they have been tracked into your space. Consider putting mats under bicycle and motorcycle kickstands as well to reduce the pressure exerted on the floor from these items.
Conduct quarterly evaluations of the epoxy floor to check for signs of wear and tear. Watch out for the development of fine cracks and any evidence that the epoxy is lifting from the concrete, which can indicate a need for reapplication. During these inspections, look for the presence of moisture as well, as this can cause serious damage to your epoxy floor coating and may necessitate a full restoration project. By following these simple steps, you can extend the lifespan and maintain the beautiful appearance of your epoxy floor coating for years to come.
Reapply the Sealer
In a home garage, industrial factory or commercial showroom, an epoxy floor adds a glossy, professional look to any space. Regular maintenance will preserve that aesthetic, preventing the scratches, stains and general wear and tear that degrades flooring over time. Simple actions like daily sweeping and mopping will keep your floors free of dirt and debris that could scratch the surface, while prompt clean-up of spills will prevent chemical damage to epoxy.
The frequency with which you scrub your epoxy floor depends on how frequently it is used, and the type of soilage typically present. For example, high-traffic areas should be scrubbed at least once a week with the appropriate brush and detergent, while oily areas will require more frequent attention (daily in some cases).
If your facility uses chemicals that can stain or weaken epoxy, it’s important to wipe up these substances as soon as they occur. For instance, automotive fluids like antifreeze, oil and gasoline will discolor epoxy flooring if allowed to sit for extended periods of time. You can avoid this by wiping up these spills immediately, removing any solid debris and then using a mild cleaner or isopropyl alcohol to remove any lingering marks.
Likewise, paint and household cleaners may stain epoxy flooring if they’re left to sit on the surface for too long. These can also be removed by soaking the affected area in a concrete degreaser for about 10 minutes, then scrubbing it with a nylon brush. Be sure to rinse the floor thoroughly afterwards to remove any residual cleaning materials and water.
Another way to minimize floor damage is to use walk-off mats at all entrances, especially those with cleats and other sharp footwear that can scratch the surface. You should also consider banning these types of shoes or providing workers and customers with shoe covers, as this will significantly reduce the number of scratches and other marks on your epoxy floors.
Other factors that can diminish the shine of your epoxy flooring include sun exposure, which can cause the color to fade over time. To protect against this, you should apply a UV-resistant topcoat to the floor.
