Epoxy floor care is easy—if you stay on top of it
Choosing flooring for your home is a big decision, but if you’re planning for your basement or garage, you can’t go wrong with epoxy. Epoxy floors are versatile and durable thanks to their protective coating. Another bonus: The floor’s smooth surface makes cleaning and maintaining them simple, especially if you follow some go-to maintenance tips to make the cleaning routine even smoother.
1. Clean Regularly
Just like other areas of the home, regularly cleaning your epoxy floor is one of the best ways to keep it in good condition. If dirt or grit build up, they can easily get embedded in the floor, which can scratch the epoxy covering and damage the surface.
Use a vacuum or broom to sweep up any debris or dirt to keep the floor clean. If you clean regularly—daily to once a week—caring and maintaining your epoxy floor won’t take much time.
2. Do a Deep Clean
In addition to regular cleaning, you’ll want to do a deep clean twice a month. Sweep or vacuum the dirt and debris first, just as you would with a regular cleaning, then bust out a microfiber mop to clean the floor with ammonia diluted with hot water. (Typically, you’ll want to combine two to three ounces of ammonia per gallon of water.)
3. Be Selective With Products
Cleaning your epoxy floor is simple—as long as you read the labels on your cleaning products. Solutions that contain acids, including citrus or vinegar, can strip the epoxy of its glossy coating.
You’ll also want to avoid using soap-based cleaners; the residue can leave a film coating, haze, or streaks that will reduce the epoxy’s shine. The residue left by soap-based or acidic-based cleaners can also make the floor slippery, which is a danger for everyone but especially quick-moving kiddos or people with mobility issues.
The best epoxy floor cleaner is mixing 2 or 3 ounces of ammonia with 1 gallon of water.
4. Remove Any Stains
One of the best ways to remove a stain or spot on your epoxy floor is by using a soft scrubbing brush, pad, or even kitchen sponge to gently scrub with warm water. Always avoid steel wool, scrubbing harshly, or even using abrasive cleaners, such as Comet, as they can damage the floor’s surface. Rust stains can usually be gently scrubbed away with a kitchen pad or sponge, too.
5. Protect the Floor With Mats
Placing welcome mats at all entrances can help keep dirt and grime from tracking into your room. And if you have epoxy flooring in your garage, you might want to place mats for an extra protective cushion, especially if there is heavy equipment or furniture that could cause damage or scratches.
