3 Key Factors That Affect Epoxy Flooring Longevity

Epoxy is a strong, rigid plastic material and durable floor coating that’s perfect for homes, garages, and commercial spaces. But, like anything else, it can deteriorate without the proper care and cleaning protocols.

Dirt and grit can embed in the epoxy and scratch it. This is why it’s important to sweep and mop regularly.

Sweep Daily

Epoxy floors are a durable, versatile flooring option for homes, warehouses, and a wide range of other facilities. They are known for being extremely hardy and easy to clean, but like anything else, they require a bit of upkeep in order to continue looking good.

To keep your epoxy flooring in top shape, follow these simple tips.

Sweep the floor regularly to remove any loose dirt or debris. You can use a dust mop or even a vacuum cleaner that has a soft brush attachment. This will help keep the surface free from dirt and dust that can easily scratch or damage the epoxy coating over time.

A gentle cleaning solution that is pH-neutral and free from abrasives will work best for your epoxy flooring. You can combine warm water and the cleaning solution in a bucket, and then just dip your mop into it to begin cleaning. If the floor is particularly dirty, you may want to scrub it with a deck or nylon brush. However, you should always avoid using any hard bristle brushes, as they will scratch and damage the floor.

Keeping up with regular sweeping and occasional mopping will help to ensure that your flooring remains in pristine condition. The most important thing is to make sure that any spills or stains are dealt with immediately. For example, if you have a large chemical spill, you will need to clean it up as soon as possible to prevent the chemicals from etching into the epoxy surface and causing long-term damage.

Aside from these specific types of cleaning, there are a few other steps you can take to help your floors stay in great condition. Some of these include placing mats at all entrances to trap dirt, and implementing furniture pads to prevent any scratches or dings in the floor. Keeping up with these maintenance steps will help to extend the life of your epoxy flooring and keep it looking pristine for years to come. This will save you a lot of money in repairs and replacement costs in the future.

Mop Weekly

An epoxy floor that’s properly cleaned will help prevent stains and keep your workplace clean. Sweeping your floors regularly and mopping them weekly will remove dirt, dust, and debris that can scratch the surface. It’s also important to rinse and squeegee your floors dry after cleaning, especially in high-traffic areas like warehouses or service centers. This will reduce the risk of pooled water which can damage or dull the epoxy.

When mopping, choose a hard foam or microfiber mop that’s gentle on the floor and highly absorbent. Combine warm water and a non-ammonia-based cleaner, following the manufacturer’s recommendations for dilution. Mop in overlapping sections to ensure each part of the floor is thoroughly cleaned. When rinsing, be sure to wipe down the edges of the mop as well to avoid redistributing the dirt you’ve just removed from the surface.

Even though epoxy floors are durable and stain resistant, spills, chemicals and grime can still damage the coating. If a liquid or oil-based chemical is spilled on the floor, it must be cleaned up immediately to prevent staining and potential corrosion of metal equipment. For minor scuffs and scratches, a bit of soap and rinsing can do the trick, although some people recommend avoiding soaps that contain harsh chemicals or vinegar on epoxy because they may degloss the floor.

For larger stains, such as rust or paint, scrub lightly with a kitchen sponge or soft deck brush and warm water. Avoid using steel wool or abrasive chemicals like Comet.

In addition to regular sweeping, it’s important to place mats or plywood at entrances to limit the amount of dirt that gets tracked into your facility. This will minimize the wear and tear on your epoxy flooring, as well as protect your employees from splinters or cuts from sharp objects. For service areas, mats or plywood should also be placed beneath jack stands and kickstands to reduce the risk of scuff marks and gouges on the floor. These simple maintenance tips are easy to follow and will help your epoxy floors look their best for a long time.

Scrub Bi-Weekly

Epoxy floors are a great choice for garages and workspaces because they are durable, attractive, and can handle heavy loads. However, they do require a certain level of care and maintenance to look their best. This is especially important for those who use their spaces as work areas or showrooms, because these surfaces are exposed to the elements and a variety of contaminants that may stain or damage them. Fortunately, it is not hard to keep epoxy floors looking their best with the help of some simple cleaning and maintenance tips.

Sweeping your epoxy floor daily is essential to keeping it clean and free of dirt, dust, and debris that can scratch or damage the coating. This is particularly important because if left to build up, these particles can get embedded in the epoxy coating and create abrasions every time someone walks or moves machinery across the floor. This can shorten the lifespan of your epoxy flooring and leave it with a dull, grey appearance that detracts from its beauty and functionality.

Additionally, sweeping your epoxy floor helps prevent the accumulation of grease and other liquids that can cause stains on the surface. Those who use their workspaces for automotive-related work should be on the lookout for spilled fuel, paint, solvents, and other chemicals that can both stain and eat through the epoxy coating. These substances should be wiped up as soon as they occur, and any contaminated equipment or materials should be cleaned and disposed of immediately to prevent contamination from other areas of your workspace.

To avoid damaging your epoxy floor, you should only use non-abrasive cleaners when scrubbing your floor. A mild, pH-neutral detergent mixed with warm water is ideal for this purpose, as abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals can mar the floor’s surface. Once you’ve mixed the detergent and water, you can use a nylon brush or deck brush to scrub your floors gently. Make sure to scrub in the direction of the grain, and avoid using too much pressure or force as this can wear through the epoxy.

Deal With Spots and Stains Properly

The main reasons epoxy floors are so popular with garages, commercial facilities, and a wide variety of other venues is because they’re durable and attractive. However, these floors are not indestructible and require proper care to ensure they look their best.

It’s essential that dirt and grit be removed from the floor regularly. This will prevent it from becoming embedded in the epoxy coating and eventually scratching it. You can use a shop vac with a brush attachment or sweep the floors daily to remove this type of dirt. It’s also a good idea to use walk-off mats at the entrance of your facility, as this will help to collect much of this dirt before it even makes its way into the floor.

Once a week, you should mop your floors using a cleaning solution that is compatible with epoxy flooring. It should be a pH-neutral solution that will not leave a film coating or dull the finish of your epoxy flooring. This type of cleaner can be found in most hardware stores or online. You should avoid soap-based cleaners, as these can leave a haze or streaks on the surface that will detract from its appearance.

Scrubbing frequency will depend on how many stains your floors typically get. It’s recommended that high-traffic areas be scrubbed weekly with the appropriate brush and cleaner, while low-traffic areas be cleaned once or twice a month.

In the event of a spill, you should clean it immediately to avoid staining and damage to your epoxy floor. This is especially true if the spill contains erosive or acidic chemicals. These types of chemicals can eat away at the epoxy coating and cause permanent damage.

For minor stains, you can try spot scrubbing with a kitchen sponge or soft deck brush and warm water. If the stains don’t lift, you can try more powerful cleaning solutions or a chemical stripper, such as acetone, that can be purchased at most hardware and paint stores. Be sure to wear rubber gloves and eye protection when working with any chemicals.