How To Maintain Epoxy Coated Floors

Epoxy coated concrete is an attractive and resilient flooring that can withstand damage for years to come—but only with the right maintenance.

Epoxy is a common option for residential and commercial garages because it doesn’t have a chemical reaction with concrete. This means that it doesn’t cause a permanent change to the concrete, so it can be redone and refinished in future years. Nevertheless, epoxy has an adhesive quality that makes it lasting and durable even up against significant wear. If you’re looking to paint your garage floor with epoxy, learn more here.

Although epoxy is sturdy and tough, it’s not indestructible. Epoxy still needs care and protection in order for it to maintain its gloss, durability, and beauty.

Why Does Epoxy Need Maintenance?

When people walk into a room, the first thing they subconsciously notice is the floor. The floor becomes a representation of your organization or home, so you want it to be stunning and cleaning. People often choose epoxy for its polished, glossy look. But that appearance can quickly fade and wear down in a few short months of foot traffic. Dirt and grime function as an abrasive, wearing down at the protective glossy layer of epoxy. Maintaining epoxy coated concrete will first and foremost help maintain the appearance of the floor.

Moreover, floor maintenance equals safety. Keeping your epoxy coated floors clean and fresh will ensure they remain slip-resistant and waterproof. It can also help protect the floors from dents and scratches, which are more likely to cause trips and falls for individuals walking on the floor.

Ultimately, regular upkeep of your epoxy-coated concrete ensures that your flooring will have a longer lifespan. The better care you show to your floors, the longer they will last, and in turn, the more time and money you’ll save in the long run.  

So how do you maintain your epoxy coated concrete for the longest lasting durability?

What You’ll Need:

• Microfiber dust mop
• Wet mop
• Bucket
• Neutral cleaner
• Hot water

1. Sweep floors with dust mop.

For commercial spaces, you should sweep epoxy floors daily. For moderate-use residential spaces, you can sweep epoxy floors weekly. Sweeping frequently removes foreign objects that can scratch and damage the floor or that pose a safety hazard to walkers. It will also help get rid of dust, which can scratch the polish of the epoxy coat.

Use a microfiber dust mop. Microfiber grabs, traps, and locks dirt instantly. This will allow you to quickly dust the floor in seconds, without spreading dirt from one area to the other.

2. Wash floors with water.

For commercial spaces, the epoxy-coated floors should be washed at least weekly. Often, residential garages can get by with monthly washing. If the area is high-traffic, you might want to impose more frequent washings to ensure the gloss doesn’t fade quickly.

You can use a regular string mop or wet microfiber mop to pick up debris quickly while also cleaning the floors. We recommend an antibacterial mop head to ensure your floors stay sanitary for your employees or family. Be sure to rinse the mop frequently with hot water in a bucket to rinse off the gunk that the mop picks up.

You should also consider investing in a larger device to help you wash your floors quickly, efficiently, and thoroughly. For industrial or commercial spaces, the Onfloor Striker 2840 floor scrubber can quickly scrub your concrete without damaging or scratching the epoxy. For residential spaces, we recommend a mini electric floor scrubber you can use on concrete, tile, and other surfaces.  

For weekly cleanings, hot water and some elbow grease is usually enough to lift and remove dirt.

3. Wash floors with a cleaner.

For a deeper clean, you’ll want to do a monthly or bimonthly cleanse with a pH neutral concrete cleaner. For epoxy surfaces, we recommend the Enviro-Pro EP512 All Natural Neutral Cleaner and Polisher For All Surfaces or the Focus NC111 Neutral Cleaner Deodorant.

Apply the cleaner, following the directions on the bottle. Mop up with warm water and a wet mop. You can let the floor air dry or use a lint-free microfiber towel or dry mop to wipe dry.

Do not use soap-based cleaners, which can leave a hazy residue that diminishes shine and makes the floor slippery. You should also avoid acidic cleaners, like citrus and vinegar, which will eat away at the gloss.

4. Clean spills immediately.

You should clean spills immediately and thoroughly to avoid safety hazards and damage to the floor. Some spills, especially acidic or chemical-based ones, can chemically interact with the epoxy to create permanent, irremovable stains. When you see a spill, use a wet mop to immediately pull up the liquid. Then dry with a microfiber cloth.

If there is still a stain, try using a neutral cleaner with warm water. If there is still a mark, dip a soft cloth in a solution of 8 parts hot water to 1 part Simple Green. You can then gently scrub the stain. Let rest for two to three minutes before mopping up. The stain should lift quickly.

5. Be aware of traffic and objects.

Protecting your floors is more than just cleaning—you need to safeguard them as well. Although epoxy is highly durable, it is still susceptible to scratches and marks. Use floor mats in high traffic areas to protect the polish from wearing down or scratching. When transporting sharp or heavy items across the floor, use a thick barrier or rolling mover to lift the item from the floor.

The Bottom Line

Simple and fast maintenance of your epoxy-coated floors will keep them look glossy, professional, and stunning for years to come. Learn how to paint your garage floor with epoxy here!

Not sure which products and equipment are right for maintaining your concrete floors? Contact Onfloor for a FREE consult about how to maintain the material, look, and finish of your flooring!