Epoxy Flooring is the most popular yet highly economical flooring options for garages nowadays. Although it is known to be a resilient garage flooring solution, it still requires cleaning and maintenance, though not as much as other flooring materials would. If you are still guessing what can be done and what can’t be done, what can be used and what can’t be used on an epoxy surface, here is a guide to help you out.
What You Need to Have
- Dust mop – This will probably be used 90% of the cleaning time allotted for epoxy floors. This easily removes dirt and dust that sits on the surface of the floor.
- Hard Foam Mop – Ideal for heavy duty cleaning or cleaning up large amounts of spillage.
- Vacuum – This is a great way to clean out any hard-to-reach gaps or joints on the floor.
- Broom – This is a good alternative to a vacuum. Simply sweep through the gaps or joints until the debris comes out.
- Soft Cloth – This can be used to wipe off spills or to do some spot-cleaning.
- Paper Towels – Keep a roll handy for emergency spills. This is an ideal material for absorbing grease or any oil-based material.
What to Avoid
- String Mop – This does not clean as much as a dust or hard foam mop. Plus, it also leaves unpleasant streaks.
- Stiff Scrub Pads or Brushes – Although epoxy is a tough material, these cleaning products can scratch off concrete sealers, de-glossing the scrubbed spot. These can be used but with extreme caution.
- Citrus Cleaners or Vinegar – Cleaning products or homemade cleaners that contain these acidic ingredients can de-gloss garage floors made of epoxy or polyurethane.
- Soap – Aside from making the floor slippery, soaps tend to leave a residue that forms an ugly buildup on the surface. This makes the floor look flat instead of glossy.
Heavy Duty Cleaning
Concrete sealing can fade and weaken so it is important to reapply it as often as necessary. If there are spots that are tough to clean, you can mix a half cup of ammonia for every gallon of hot water. This cleans and disinfects the floor without leaving any residue. Make sure to air-dry or towel-dry the surface before letting anyone walk on it.
You can also use some floor cleaning products but make sure to ask an epoxy expert first to make sure that it does not contain anything that could harm the floor material.
