Epoxy floors are highly durable and resilient. They are also straightforward to clean and maintain.
Regular sweeping keeps dust, sand, and grit under control. High-traffic areas should be swept daily, and low-traffic areas weekly.
Nothing grinds away an epoxy floor like a constant stream of grit rubbing against it. A few simple go-to maintenance tips can help you keep your commercial, garage, or industrial flooring looking good.
Sweep Regularly
Epoxy floors are highly resilient and can withstand much damage but require consistent and proper maintenance. Neglecting to sweep or mop your epoxy floor regularly can result in minor issues that can exacerbate over time, resulting in decreased longevity and performance.
Sweeping your epoxy flooring daily in high-traffic areas and weekly in less-frequented areas will keep dust, grit, and debris from scratching or etching the surface. When cleaning, remove rugs and furniture from the area to ensure maximum coverage.
Epoxy is also resistant to shock, so dropping or moving heavy items shouldn’t damage the surface too much. However, it’s important to distribute weight across the floor using mats or placing caster wheels on equipment and furnishings, which can minimize direct impact on the epoxy surface. Also, be sure to clean up any chemicals or spills immediately. Antifreeze, oil, paint, and abrasive cleaners can all cause damage to the concrete underneath if allowed to sit too long.
Deal With Spots and Stains Properly
Using a brush and a mop, act like a superhero and wipe away scratches before they become villains. This will help keep your floor looking its best.
Epoxy floors are resistant to many chemicals, but they’re not impervious. Avoid exposing your epoxy flooring to solid and acidic materials, as these can damage and weaken the coating. Also, mop up spills as soon as possible to avoid ruining your floor.
To prevent abrasion, it’s also recommended that you place rubber mats or protective pads in high-traffic areas and under heavy equipment. This will distribute weight evenly and reduce stress on the floor’s coating. For added protection, you can also use caster wheels for equipment and machinery to further reduce the stress on the surface. This will help to extend the life of your epoxy floor. Using these tricks and the guidance of an epoxy installer, you can keep your new floor for years.
Mop Regularly
While epoxy floors are known for their attractive, seamless appearance in many commercial settings, they can still experience abrasion and discoloration over time. It’s essential to have a consistent cleaning schedule and to repair any abrasions or stains that occur promptly.
Sweeping the floor regularly with a soft-bristle broom or microfiber dust mop is essential to remove loose dirt and grit before it can scratch or become embedded in the epoxy surface. Mopping the floor with a mild detergent solution can also help.
It’s recommended to place protective pads or rugs in high-traffic areas and under heavy equipment, machinery, or furniture to distribute the weight evenly and reduce stress on the flooring. This will help the epoxy last longer and reduce the risk of scratches and abrasions. It’s also a good idea to use caster wheels on large, heavy items to facilitate movement without causing damage to the floor coating.
Address Spills Immediately
Epoxy floors are highly water-resistant, but they’re not impervious. It’s essential to immediately address spills, tracked-in dirt, and other substances. This helps prevent the liquids from seeping into the concrete and damaging the epoxy coating. Everyday spills include brake liquid, car chemicals (like antifreeze or gasoline), paint, and abrasive cleaners.
Regular sweeping keeps dust, sand, grit, and other small particles from scratching or wearing the floor surface. Sweep or dust mop daily in high-traffic areas and once weekly in less-trafficked areas. Consider placing walk-off mats near entrances to trap dirt, leaves, and other debris that may be tracked into the space.
A soft scrubbing brush or pad and mild cleaner can eliminate most spots or stains on an epoxy floor. Avoid scrubbing with steel wool or other harsh cleaners, as they can damage the epoxy coating. Rust stains are another common issue that can be addressed with a soak of concrete degreaser.