Epoxy floors are a fantastic choice for durability and style, but like any investment in your home, they need proper care to stay in top shape. Whether in your garage, basement, or even your kitchen, knowing how to clean and maintain your epoxy flooring will keep it looking as good as new for years to come.
Cleaning epoxy floors isn’t complicated, but there are a few important tips that can make all the difference. From routine sweeping to spot-treating spills, the right approach will help extend the life of your floors and maintain their sleek, glossy finish. If you’re thinking about installing epoxy flooring for your home, this guide is for you.
How often should you clean your epoxy flooring?
A regular cleaning schedule is the secret to maintaining the pristine look of epoxy flooring. For most homes, a weekly scrub will ensure the surface remains clean and smooth. However, if your floors experience heavy foot traffic or are located in high-use areas like a garage or workshop, you might want to step up your cleaning routine to a bi-weekly scrub.
Here’s a great rule-of-thumb for both general cleanliness and to support your epoxy’s health:
- Sweep daily,
- Scrub weekly, and
- Always clean up spills promptly.
How to keep your epoxy flooring clean
Maintaining the cleanliness of your epoxy floor doesn’t take much effort, but consistency is key. Epoxy flooring can last for decades when kept in good condition, so here’s how you can keep your epoxy flooring looking great:
Keep the dirt & grit off
Dirt and grit can scratch the surface of your epoxy floor, so it’s important to sweep regularly. Use a soft-bristled broom or a dust mop to remove debris and keep your floors scratch-free. This should happen at least every couple days for high foot-traffic areas like businesses, and in your home you’ll want to just upkeep your typical sweeping schedule.
Spot-clean liquid spills
Accidents happen, but it’s best to clean up liquid spills immediately. Epoxy is nonporous and doesn’t absorb liquid, so a chemical might sit until the water evaporates out of it, leaving sticky residue behind. Make sure to wipe up anything that isn’t water as much as possible to prevent staining and ensure your epoxy floor stays looking spotless.
Use Windex for chemical spills
If any chemicals spill on your epoxy floor, Windex (or any similar glass cleaner) is a quick and effective way to neutralize and clean them. Epoxy functions a lot like glass once cured, so most everyday cleaners should be find. Simply spray and wipe with a soft cloth to avoid damage.
Warm water and a sponge can remove spots
For light spots or grime, warm water and a soft sponge can do the trick. It’s a gentle way to clean your floors without causing any harm to the epoxy coating. We don’t recommend using rough bristles on epoxy to avoid scratching them.
What is the best cleaner for epoxy floors?
As we mentioned earlier, mild glass cleaners work just fine for quick cleanup on epoxy flooring. When it’s time for a deeper clean, though, using the right cleaner is essential. For a streak-free shine, mix five ounces of clear ammonia per gallon of water and mop the floor. A bucket of warm water with a squirt of mild dish soap is another great option for general cleaning, while a diluted degreaser solution can help with more stubborn stains.
You’ll want to avoid using harsh chemicals like acetone, since it can soften your epoxy, and hydrochloric acid cleaners can cause tiny pits or holes in your flooring. We don’t recommend using citrus or acidic cleaners like vinegar, either, since the acidity can harm your epoxy.
How to maintain your epoxy flooring
To avoid moisture damage, make sure to prevent water from pooling on the surface. Repair any gouges or scratches quickly to maintain the protective layer, and consider adding floor mats in high-traffic areas for extra protection.
You can get your epoxy flooring re-finished if there’s significant damage like discoloration, pitting, or other visible damage to your epoxy. Some companies even offer a warranty on their flooring – like our team at Cape Epoxy, which offers a 10-year quality guarantee.
Install your new epoxy flooring with Cape Epoxy today
Keeping your epoxy floors clean is simple when you follow a few easy steps. By making regular maintenance a habit and tackling spills immediately, you’ll protect your investment and enjoy flawless, long-lasting floors.
If you’re thinking about adding epoxy flooring to your home, there’s no better time to get started. Our team at Cape Epoxy specializes in durable, stunning epoxy floors that can transform any space. Contact us today to start your installation and enjoy the long-lasting benefits of epoxy flooring!
