The epoxy floor coating is durable, but it’s important to sweep and vacuum on a daily basis to keep your floors clean. Also, make sure to wipe up antifreeze, engine oil and other chemicals as soon as they occur – if left to sit too long these liquids can erode the surface of the epoxy coating.
Sweep
Epoxy floors are durable and long-lasting, but they can still be subject to damage and wear. Regular cleaning and maintenance can reduce these problems, so that your floors look as good as new. The first step in maintaining your epoxy floor is to sweep regularly with a soft-bristle broom. This removes any grit, dirt or debris that might scratch the surface or get caught under machinery or other heavy equipment in high-traffic areas. In general, it is best to sweep every three to four days to keep your floor looking its best.
During the sweeping process, it is important to remove any furniture or other items that might stand in the way of your cleaning. You should also sweep up any spills or stains promptly to prevent them from staining the floor or causing other damage. For example, car fluids like brake liquid, antifreeze and gasoline should be wiped up immediately. Household cleaners, paint and other abrasive chemicals should also be wiped up as soon as they are spilled.
Once you have swept the floor thoroughly, it is time to mop. In general, you should mop your floor once a week in high-traffic areas and less frequently in low-traffic areas. Be sure to use a microfiber or synthetic mop and a solution made specifically for epoxy floors. The solution should be a mixture of water and mild cleanser. For example, you can use a mix of one part Simple Green and eight parts hot water or you can use a solution of half a cup of ammonia to a gallon of warm water. Be careful not to use cleaners with citrus or acidic ingredients as these can strip the epoxy coating and cause damage.
It is a good idea to sanitize your mop once a month in addition to regular mops. This helps to reduce the buildup of residue on your floor, which can cause it to become dull over time. For this, you can soak a nylon brush in a solution of warm water and mild soap or detergent. After sanitizing the mop, you can rinse it with clean water.
Vacuum
Getting rid of the loose dirt and debris on your epoxy floor before mopping is a great way to make sure you’re getting the most clean out of the process. Sweep your floor with a soft bristled broom or vacuum it with the soft brush attachment on the vacuum cleaner. This helps to prevent scratching the epoxy surface.
Vacuuming is especially helpful if you have an epoxy coating with anti-slip or high gloss features. These finishes are a bit more delicate and require greater attention to detail. Vacuuming also allows you to avoid over-wetting the epoxy, which can damage and discolor the material.
When it comes to mopping, choose a micro fibre mop for your epoxy floors. These mops are gentle on the material and absorbent, so you can get the most out of your cleaning solution. A mix of 2-3 ounces of clear ammonia per gallon of hot water is ideal for your mopping solution.
Alternatively, you can use a commercially available non-toxic, biodegradable cleaner that’s safe for epoxy. Just make sure to test any new cleaners on a small area of your epoxy before applying it to the entire floor.
For stubborn stains like oil or chemicals, try to pre-treat them before trying to remove them. This will help the cleaner penetrate the stain and break it down, allowing you to scrub it away without damaging your epoxy flooring.
You can also try using a kitchen scrubbing sponge or a soft deck brush to scrub your epoxy floor. Just be careful not to scrub too hard so you don’t de-gloss the floor.
If you don’t want to scrub the floor with a brush or rag, you can use a power washer on a low setting with an approved cleaner. Just make sure to avoid any products with citrus or vinegar, as these can damage or etch the surface of the epoxy.
Properly maintained epoxy floors are not only easy to clean, but they also last longer and protect against major damage. Regular sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping will reduce the build-up of contaminants, which in turn reduces the need for frequent deep cleanings. In addition, addressing spills and other problems promptly can prevent them from damaging the epoxy and reduce your repair costs.
Mop
Epoxy floors are incredibly durable, but they are not indestructible. Regular cleaning is key for maintaining the appearance and extending the lifespan of the floor. For best results, a microfiber mop is recommended as it will gather up dirt and debris with ease without scratching or damaging the surface.
Before you start mopping, you should vaccum your floor to remove any larger particles of dirt or dust that may be stuck in the cracks of the floor. It is important to use a soft brush attachment as this will prevent any potential damage to your vacuum.
After you have removed any large particles, it is time to prepare your cleaning solution. Using a large bucket, combine warm water and a mild, pH-neutral detergent. This will ensure that the cleaning process is gentle on your epoxy flooring, as abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals can cause damage to the coating.
Allow the cleaning product to soak into the floor surface for 10 – 15 minutes to emulsify any foreign materials. This is essential for a thorough clean, as well as to reduce the amount of time required to complete the cleaning process.
Once the cleaning solution has had time to break down the foreign material, you can begin to scrub your epoxy floors. You will need to gently scrub the surface of the floor, concentrating on any areas with stubborn stains or a build-up of grease. It is also important to not scrub too hard, as this can scratch the epoxy coating and leave a dull finish.
Once you have finished scrubbing, it is important to rinse your floor thoroughly with clean water. This will wash away any soapy residue and help to prevent the build-up of grease and dirt that can lead to a slippery surface.
If you have any remaining stains on your floor, it is a good idea to pre-treat them with a chemical specially formulated for epoxy floors. This will help to break down any oil or tar stains and make them much easier to remove. Once you have done this, simply rub the stain down with a nylon brush and scrub it off the floor.
Scrub
For industrial floors and warehouse floors, an occasional vigorous scrub can help to eliminate the build-up of dirt, oil, grease, salt film, and other materials that could damage the epoxy coating. A power scrubber can be used to remove a large amount of material quickly and efficiently, leaving the floor looking fresh and new. Depending on the frequency of use, a floor scrubber can be rented for a few hours or purchased as an investment in your facility’s long-term maintenance program.
It is important to clean up spills and stains as soon as they happen on your epoxy floor, both to protect the coating and avoid hygiene and safety issues. Spills or stains that are allowed to sit for extended periods of time can leave behind a sticky residue, damage the surface, and create slip accidents. Using a shop cloth or paper towel, it is easy to wipe up antifreeze, gasoline, paint, or other chemicals that can stain or dent the epoxy.
When it comes to cleaning the floor itself, the best method is to combine an approved non-enzymatic cleaner and warm water in a bucket and spread the solution across the entire floor. Doing so helps ensure that the chemical and water solution is not too harsh or abrasive on the epoxy surface, and that the cleaning procedure does not cause any additional damage to the flooring materials underneath the epoxy.
If you notice any hard stains, such as oil or grease, on your epoxy floor, it is a good idea to pre-treat the spot with a cleanser designed for use on epoxy floors. This will help to break down and dissolve the stains so that they can be easily mopped away with the cleaning solution.
It is a good idea to rinse the floor thoroughly with clean water after you have finished cleaning it, to make sure that all of the soap and cleaner is completely removed. This will also help to ensure that your epoxy floor is completely dry and ready for use once again. Considering their map listing can provide convenient access to nearby suppliers of epoxy-friendly cleaning products or professional services. This is an essential step because a floor that is not properly rinsed can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, which are both harmful to human health and the longevity of your epoxy coating.