Keeping epoxy floors shiny and sleek doesn’t have to be a hassle. In fact, epoxy flooring is so highly prized precisely because it’s so easy to clean! It also tends to keep its brilliance much better than other flooring options in “rugged” conditions where vehicles, pallets and heavy machinery are being used. The key to keeping the epoxy floor in top condition is to focus on consistent maintenance. This approach will allow you to preserve your floors without the need for grueling cleaning sessions. Let’s take a look at how to clean epoxy floor for beauty and longevity!
How to Clean Epoxy Floor: The Key Is Maintenance
Any sort of gritty, grainy substance is the enemy of epoxy flooring. This is because grit will dig into your epoxy floors to settle in under the surface. As a result, your floor will take on a dull, stained look. While epoxy flooring is known to be highly resistant to scratches and wear, this type of floor isn’t impervious to damage over time. That means that dirt and sand can very easily begin to settle into existing scratches and pock marks.
How do you maintain an epoxy floor in an environment where scratches and dirt are both factors? The easiest approach is simply to vacuum your floors regularly. This “dry” cleaning method is very easy to do because you won’t necessarily need to clear out the room to do it. Try to use a soft-brush attachment for added gentleness if you’ll be vacuuming daily. You can also use vacuuming as part of preventative floor maintenance by vacuuming before carrying heavy items across the room to prevent dirt from being pushed into your epoxy garage floor.
Don’t Let Spills Sit
It may not be realistic to give your epoxy floor a “deep clean” all the time. However, it is important to spot clean to ensure that any spills or “dirt tracks” are addressed immediately. If you’ve tracked in dirt, follow the entire trail with a vacuum to prevent the debris from spreading to the rest of the floor. If liquid is spilled, make sure that all of the liquid is removed with a heavy-duty shop vacuum. It is especially important to clean up liquids like gas or paint immediately because they will “ruin” your epoxy floors if you allow them to sit. However, even wiping spills clean may not be enough because stains can sometimes seep into the small pores of epoxy flooring. Take the next step to preserve your floors by going over the area of the spill with a wet mop after vacuuming.
What Cleaning Products Can You Use With Epoxy Floor?
It will be important to give your epoxy floor a deep clean from time to time. If your floor is highly soiled, don’t allow the dirt to continue to build up. Here’s a look at the deep-cleaning process for epoxy flooring:
- Start by vacuuming your entire floor.
- Use a broom or angled nozzle to remove all dirt, dust and debris from the borders and corners of the space.
- Next, use a new hard-foam mop dipped in hot water to go over the entire surface of your floors.
- Using a mix of 3 ounces of ammonia for each gallon of water, create a cleaning mixture.
- Go over your floors with the hard mop the second time using the mixture.
- Make sure your space is properly aired out and ventilated as you clean. This might mean opening all doors and windows.
You may find that some stains can still be seen on your epoxy floors once you’ve finished the second stage of mopping. Deeply embedded dirt and rust can be stubborn on epoxy floors if they’ve been left to sit for some time. You can usually make these stains disappear by applying a degreaser before using a mildly abrasive cloth or bristle brush to work on the stain by hand.
Don’t Use These Cleaning Tools on Epoxy Flooring
Many people make the mistake of thinking that the ruggedness of epoxy flooring means that it’s fine to use ultra-harsh or abrasive cleaning products. However, you can erase the luster of your epoxy flooring pretty quickly if you use the wrong products. Here’s a list of what to avoid when cleaning epoxy floors:
- Harsh cleaning chemicals and products.
- Steel wool.
- Cleaning products that have citrus.
- Cleaning products that are highly acidic.
- Vinegar.
- Cleaners with soaps.
You may be wondering why natural, gentle cleaning products like citrus and vinegar can be harmful to something as tough as an epoxy flooring. The answer is that the acid can break down the coating on your floors. Soaps are not compatible with epoxy flooring because they tend to leave a film on the floor’s surface. This is bad for several reasons. First, you’re likely to have unattractive streaks if you use soap on epoxy floors. Next, the entire floor may actually end up looking like it’s wrapped in a film that erases that beautiful shine epoxy is known for. Lastly, the film and residue left behind by soap can actually make your epoxy floors slippery and dangerous!
Generally, ammonia is the default recommended cleaning product to use on epoxy floors. Many people who own epoxy floors are more than happy to use this solution due to the fact that it’s so inexpensive, convenient and easy to find. Windex is another option that can also be safely used on epoxy flooring. Generally, making a Windex solution for epoxy floors simply requires a 1:3 ratio of Windex to water. Windex may be a good option if you find that your epoxy flooring has more grime than ammonia is able to cut through. When making your ammonia or Windex solutions, never add any other ingredients into the mix!
Final Thoughts on Keeping Your Epoxy Floor Beautiful
Epoxy is simply one of the easiest flooring options when it comes to cleaning. However, this isn’t a maintenance-free option. The best way to keep your epoxy floors in good condition is consistency. Be consistent about cleaning up debris and stains each day to avoid the need for time-consuming, frustrating deep cleans on a frequent basis.
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