Epoxy flooring has been gaining popularity in the recent past. It has numerous advantages over other floor types, including that:
- It is water-resistant.
- Cleaning it is easy.
- It looks good.
- It is highly durable.
- It requires minimal maintenance.
This floor type is also incredibly versatile. It will look just as good in a garage as it will in a living room.
Although the floor requires minimal maintenance, neglecting it can shorten its lifespan tremendously. Well, here is how to clean and maintain epoxy flooring.
Keep surfaces clean
One way you can prevent damage to your epoxy floors is by removing dirt and grit as soon as you notice them. Although a few grains of dirt on the floor may seem harmless, they can scratch the epoxy surface, thus damaging it. Click here to read about how much it costs to have epoxy flooring.
Dirt particles can also get embedded on your floor, thus making it difficult to clean and leaving behind unsightly marks. If you move heavy machinery or cars across your floors, the pressure of these items can exacerbate the damaging effects of dirt and grime on epoxy floors.
To avoid accidental damage to your epoxy floors, make a habit of cleaning them regularly. The best way to do this is to use a shop vacuum and a soft brush. You could also wipe surfaces with warm water and a mop.
Beware your cleaning products
There is no denying that epoxy floors are sturdy. They can withstand heavy foot traffic and even vehicle movements. However, abrasive cleaning products can cause untold damage to your precious floors.
When you clean them, ensure that you don’t use any products with citric acid or vinegar in them. These chemicals can break down the epoxy catalyst, thus destroying your floors.
Even everyday soap is not suitable for cleaning your floors. It may not cause noticeable damage to the floors, but it leaves an unsightly haze that minimizes the aesthetic appeal of your floors.
Over time, the haze can build up, and removing it can be quite difficult.
Although cleaning products can cause considerable damage to your floors, using the wrong equipment can be just as bad. Avoid using any stiff brushes, steel wool, or other abrasive equipment when cleaning your floors. Opt instead, for soft brushes and kitchen-grade scrubbing sponges.
So, what is the best way to clean your epoxy floors? Warm water and a mop or a soft brush are all you need to keep your floors looking their best.
If you are dealing with a particularly stubborn stain, you can add a little soft soap to your cleaning water. This should get rid of dirt in a minute.
Spot cleaning is important
Because epoxy floors are impervious to water, you may be tempted to leave spills on them for long periods. However, this can lead to unnecessary damage that you could avoid with a bit of spot cleaning.
As soon as you notice a spill or dirt particles on your floors, use your shop vacuum to eliminate them. Afterward, use warm water to ensure that the surface is spotless.
A prompt response to a chemical spill on your epoxy floors can save you a great deal of trouble. Whether it is some paint from your home renovation project or an anti-freeze spill in your garage, you should speedily wipe the chemicals off to protect your floors.
Thanks to their waterproof nature, wiping spills on epoxy floors is easy. You could even use regular paper towels to wipe the floor, and the stain will be gone.
Cleaning heavily soiled floors
If dirt particles tend to accumulate on your floors, you will need to put a little more effort into maintaining their cleanliness. The best way to do this is to start by sweeping the dirt off the floor and then using a vacuum cleaner to ensure no particles remain.
After that, use your mop and warm water to clean the floors. If you are dealing with particularly tough stains, add a little soft soap and use a hard foam mop to achieve great results. If you are still dissatisfied with the cleaning job, add a little ammonia to some warm water for your final rinse.
Conclusion
Epoxy floors are an excellent flooring option for any property owner. One of the best things about them is just how easy they are to clean and maintain. Click here to find out more about the pros and cons of epoxy flooring.
However, their ease of maintenance is not a carte blanche to do as you please on them. It would be best if you stayed on top of spills to avoid staining your floors and use appropriate cleaning products on delicate floors. Follow the tips on this post to keep your epoxy floors looking spic and span.
Read about ideas on how epoxy is used for warehouse flooring here.
