You got an epoxy floor because it’s tough, shiny, and looks incredible. But now you’re wondering, “How do I actually clean this thing without messing it up?” It’s a great question. You made a big investment in your home, and you want to take care of it the right way.
You don’t have to be afraid of ruining your floor. It’s not difficult. Epoxy floor care is very easy and this guide will provide you step by step instructions on how to clean your epoxy floor and make it look good like on the first day it was installed.
Let’s Look At Your Floor To Clean
So what do you need to know before you start cleaning?
- Picture your epoxy floor like a brand new vehicle.
- It has a very durable body and protective finishes on it, so all the UV and other forms of damage are mitigated.
- It will be good to know that all protective finishes will be affected by the cleaning processes, but not in a way that will cause damage.
Important:
Cleaning your epoxy floor is easy but you shouldn’t make it difficult with bleach or vinegar and other things that are going to make this delicate floor lose its shine. It’s going to make it look old and dirty. That’s why we want to make cleaning your epoxy floor easy.
Your Simple Epoxy Cleaning Toolkit
Getting the right tools for a job always makes it easier. Here is a quick list of the ones you should use, and just as importantly, the ones you should keep away from your floor.
What You Should Use
- A Soft Broom or Dust Mop: Your best friend for daily upkeep. Dirt and sand are small rocks. Over time, they will scratch your floor as you walk on them.
- A Microfiber Mop: This is a must have. Microfiber is super soft so it grabs dirt without scratching the floor. Old fashioned string mops just push dirty water around the floor.
- A pH Neutral Cleaner: This sounds fancy, but it just means that it’s not too acidic or too harsh, basically gentle like water. Many brands make cleaners that are specifically for epoxy floors, but any good all purpose cleaner that says pH neutral will work just as good.
- Warm Water: The base of your cleaning solution.
- Soft Rags or Sponges: Perfect for wiping up little spills as they happen.
What You Should Avoid
- Soaps Like Vinegar or Bleach: Too strong and will eat away at your floor’s finish over time.
- Abrasive Scrubbers: Steel wool, or the green side of a sponge will leave permanent scratches.
- Soapy Detergents: Soap can leave a residue that attracts dirt, making your floor look dirty again faster.
- Steam Mops: The heat can cause the epoxy to lift or peel from the concrete.
Your Easy Weekly Cleaning Routine
For most homes this simple routine is all you have to do to keep your floor looking its best, and it only takes a few minutes.
- Sweep the Floor First:
- Before you add any water, use your soft broom.
- Sweep up all the loose dirt, dust, and pet hair. Make sure to get the corners and along the walls.
- Mix Your Cleaning Solution:
- Get a bucket and fill it with some warm water.
- Add a small amount of your pH-neutral cleaner. You don’t need a lot more is not better.
- Damp Mop the Surface:
- Stick your microfiber mop in the bucket, then wring it out well.
- You want it damp, not dripping. Mop the floor with smooth, even strokes. The goal is to clean the floor, not flood it.
Tough Stains on Epoxy Floors
Tough stains happen occasionally but don’t worry, the good news is that, unlike other stains, epoxy floors don’t soak up stains, making them much easier to clean.
Removing Oil and Grease Stains
- Act Quickly: The most common issue in garages is oil drip stains and puddles.
- Sprinkle on an Absorbent: Pour some kitty litter, sawdust, or even flour over the spill. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes to soak up most of the oil.
- Sweep It Away: Carefully sweep up the dirty material mess, and take it out to the trash.
- Use a Degreaser: If there is a mark left behind, use a degreaser that is safe for epoxy. These can be found in auto part stores. Spray some on, let it sit for a minute, and wipe it clean.
Black Tire Marks
- Black scuff marks left behind from hot tires don’t look good, but the good news is that they usually sit tightly on the surface, which makes them easy to remove.
- Simply rub the mark with a soft cloth and a little bit of your pH-neutral cleaner.
- For stubborn marks, you can use a Magic Eraser to get them off gently.
How to Clean Food and Drink Spills
- If you happen to spill a coffee or soda, don’t worry as it doesn’t matter. Because the floor is non-porous, the liquid will not sink in.
- You just have to immediately wipe it off with a paper towel or a soft rag.
- If it has dried already, take a damp cloth with a bit gentle cleaner and you will easily take care of it.
Smart Tips to Protect Your Floor
A little bit of prevention goes a long way and in this case, these simple habits will keep your floor safe and looking beautiful for years to come.
- Add Felt Pads to Furniture: Just stick small felt pads to the bottom of chairs, tables and anything else that happens to get moved around a lot.
- Use Doormats at Every Entrance: A good doormat will trap most of the dirt and dust before it gets to your beautiful floor.
- Avoid Dragging Sharp Objects: Just be careful not to drag heavy tools, garden equipment or anything with sharp edges over the floor.
Caring for your epoxy floor is one of the easiest home maintenance tasks you will have. Just using the right tools and a bit of regular care will make your floor durable, shiny and beautiful.