Pro Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Epoxy Floors
Epoxy flooring is one of the most durable and easy-to-maintain floor surfaces currently on the market. Fluid-applied floor coatings are ideal for application in various commercial settings, such as warehouses, hospitals, hair salons, fitness centers, restaurants, hotels, commercial kitchens, cafeterias, schools, and more.
There are many reasons why residential and commercial property owners love epoxy floors. Seamless and nonporous, epoxy floor coatings provide aesthetic appeal and are easy to clean, maintain, and keep hygienic. The cured material is highly resistant to degradation because it forms a strong adhesive bond to concrete. Resinous floor coatings can be installed anywhere there is concrete to ensure a more durable, longer-lasting surface.
Check out these tips on cleaning and maintaining an epoxy floor and keeping it in good condition for years to come.
Regular Sweeping or Vacuuming
Dirt and debris get tracked across commercial floors, especially in busy facilities with high foot traffic and machinery moved about. Dirt and grit will scratch an epoxy floor if allowed to remain on the surface. Regularly sweep or vacuum using a soft brush attachment to remove grit, sand, and dirt. This will help keep your epoxy floor looking good for longer.
Avoid Soap-based Cleaners
A simple dust mop will work fine for regularly cleaning your epoxy floor. Please don’t use soap-based floor cleaners, as they can leave a haze that builds up over time. As for epoxy floor cleaning products, using an 8:1 ratio of Simple Green in a spray bottle mixed with hot water is highly recommended. Another option is adding one-half cup of ammonia to a gallon of hot water.
Spot Cleaning
When something spills or gets tracked onto the flooring, you usually only need to vacuum or sweep a small area. You can use a shop vac to vacuum up the spilled liquid and any dirt and grime, and then a mop and warm water should be used to clean the area. Water-resistant epoxy floors are easy to clean when liquid spills occur.
Removing Stains
Because epoxy coatings are designed to resist damage, most stains can be lifted with a simple mixture of hot water and ammonia. The measurements don’t have to be exact, but it’s recommended to work with about 4 to 5 ounces of ammonia per gallon of water. Mopping should be enough to get rid of most stains. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the stain with the same water and ammonia mixture for tougher stains. Ensure the bristles are not too stiff to avoid scratching the epoxy.
To remove tough stains like rust, take a soft deck brush or a kitchen scrubbing sponge, and with some warm water, softly scrub the area. Never use steel wool or harsh cleaners like Comet on epoxy, as they are too abrasive. Also, avoid using all cleaners that contain acid or citrus, as they can break down the chemical compound of epoxy and introduce wear and tear.
Cleaning Up Chemical Spills
Depending on your facility, you may have to contend with chemical spills, a significant issue for most floors, causing irreparable and costly damage. Epoxy flooring is nonporous and resistant to harsh chemicals, acids, fats, and oils, which can be easily wiped away without damaging the surface finish or substrate. Spills involving antifreeze, oil, paint, harsh cleaners, or other abrasive liquids should be wiped immediately to avoid surface damage. Afterward, rinse with clean water to ensure no chemical residue is left on the surface.
Cleaning Heavily Soiled Floors
When cleaning a heavily soiled epoxy-coated floor, sweep and vacuum it first. Once all the dirt and grit are removed, use a hard foam mop and warm/hot water to eliminate the build-up of dirt and grime. Your commercial epoxy floor may require a more vigorous scrub every three or four months to maintain its finish, especially with heavy traffic from vehicles or machinery. If your flooring is subject to outdoor elements getting inside, such as rain, sleet, or snow, it should be cleaned at least once a month.
The Takeaway
Epoxy floor coatings are an excellent choice for a low-maintenance and durable floor surface. They are designed to be hassle-free, fast to clean, good-looking, and functional for many years after installation. To keep your epoxy floor clean longer and looking great, install walk-off mats near the entrances to trap dirt, leaves, and other debris tracked inside. You’ll also want to sweep or vacuum regularly so that dirt and small particles don’t get ground into the floor coating over time.
Cleanstart Concrete & Coatings
Resinous floor coatings are the preferred choice for commercial settings that accommodate high foot traffic and a range of harsh conditions. At Cleanstart Concrete & Coatings, we can provide a coated concrete foundation that resists fading, stains, chipping, scratches, and dents, no matter how hard you are on your floor. We specialize in professional-grade epoxy, urethane, cementitious coatings, polishing, surface restoration, and more.
Our long-lasting commercial, industrial, and residential floor solutions are durable, easy to clean, and require minimal maintenance. Choose from our many coating colors and finishes to suit your home or commercial facility’s needs and budget. You can count on a high-quality finish and complete satisfaction with our work. Our fast installation process allows you to get back to business quickly.
Don’t hesitate to contact our team at (253) 921-2593 today for a FREE consultation, inspection, and cost estimate. We proudly service the following areas in greater Puget Sound:
Auburn, Bellevue, Bellingham, Bonney Lake, Bremerton, Factoria, Fife, Gig Harbor, Kent, Lakewood, Olympia, Puyallup, Renton, Seattle, Tacoma, Tukwila, University Place, King County, Kitsap County, Pierce County, Thurston County.
