If you have an epoxy floor, you know it is extremely durable and easy to maintain. However, like any flooring, it is not indestructible and needs to be cleaned often to remain in pristine condition. Therefore, you need to utilize cleaners and practices that will keep your floor shiny and won’t cause any damage. Below is your thorough guide on how to clean epoxy floors (including garage floors).
Best Cleaners For Epoxy Floor
Though epoxy floors are quite durable, some cleaners are too abrasive for them. Therefore, before getting into how to clean epoxy floors, it is essential to discuss the best cleaners to use for the job and which ones to avoid.
Essentially, any acidic, citrus, or abrasive cleaner is off-limits for epoxy floors. That means homemade vinegar-based cleaning solutions and many common store brands are off-limits. These cleaners contain acids that will gradually wear down the coating on your epoxy floor, reducing their shine and making them more vulnerable.
Furthermore, you should avoid using soap-based cleaners as well. These cleaners leave streak marks and residue on the surface, reducing the finish’s shine. If you do use a soap-based cleaner, you can rinse it with water, but this just adds unnecessary steps that can easily be avoided.
So what cleaners can you use to clean your epoxy floors? The two most common options are diluted ammonia and Simple Green. However, many people get by with just some warm or hot water. Let’s move on to discuss how to clean epoxy floors with these cleaners.
How To Clean Epoxy Floor
The methods you use to clean your epoxy floor will slightly differ depending on the situation. However, after reading, you will find that cleaning epoxy floors is much easier than you would think.
Removing Debris
Dirt, dust, and other debris can embed in the epoxy and scratch the floor coating over time. Therefore, you want to clean up dust or debris often to prevent damage and extend the lifespan of your floor.
The best tools for the job are soft brooms, dust mops, or a shop vacuum with a soft brush attachment. Just pick your tool of choice and tackle the debris, ensuring you get every corner of the room. To keep your epoxy durable and shining, it is recommended that you remove the debris at least once a week.
Spot Cleaning
Spot cleaning your epoxy floor is straightforward. Take care of any spills immediately, and you won’t have to worry about damage or stains. A spill of dry debris can be easily swept up with a broom, soft mop, or brush. A liquid spill should be cleaned immediately with a soft towel or paper towel. Once the spill is cleaned up, you can quickly mop over the area with a soft mop and warm water.
Mopping And Deep Cleaning
Chances are, your epoxy floor is a high-traffic area. Therefore, you will want to do a deep cleaning at least every few months to maintain its shine. This includes sweeping up all the debris and giving the floor a thorough mop.
Follow the instructions above to sweep your epoxy floor thoroughly without causing additional wear and tear. Once you’re finished with that, choose a cleaner for mopping. As mentioned earlier, you can select ammonia, Simple Green, or just stick with water.
Simple Green is best if you have some serious stains or spills to clean up. If you choose this cleaner, mix one part of Simple Green with eight parts water. The solution sometimes leaves behind a film or residue, so once you’ve finished mopping with it, rinse your epoxy floor with a clean mop and warm water.
If you choose ammonia, mix 1/2 cup of the product with a gallon of hot water. Once finished mopping, rinse your floor with clean, warm water and dry the floor with a soft towel.
However, if your epoxy floor doesn’t need a deep cleaning or just isn’t very dirty, you can always mop with just warm or hot water.
Dealing With Stains
Tackling stains is a fairly simple process as well. Depending on the stain, you may want to scrub it first with a soft, dry pad or nylon brush before applying any solution. Then, use either ammonia or Simple Green (you can use the same dilution ratios as above) on the stain and continue scrubbing. Once finished, rinse the area with warm water and dry it with a soft towel.
How To Clean Epoxy Garage Floor
Though all the information above can be useful for cleaning epoxy garage floors as well, there are a couple of spills and situations that will be unique to your garage that hasn’t been addressed. So below are a few extra tips on how to clean epoxy garage floors.
Chemical and Oil Spills
Oil, gas, antifreeze, and other automotive spills are very common in garages. Though epoxy floors are durable, they won’t tolerate these spills indefinitely, so you should clean them as soon as possible. These can be easily cleaned up with shop towels or paper towels.
However, if you plan on using any water or cleaner to help clean the spill, it’s essential to use a neutralizing agent first to prevent any adverse chemical reactions.
Tire Marks
Tire marks are inevitable if you drive in and out of your garage daily. But they ruin the appearance of your garage floor, so it’s best to tackle them as soon as they arise. The longer they remain, the harder they will be to remove.
To remove tire marks, pour a degreasing product (like Simple Green) on the marks and leave it for 5 to 10 minutes. Next, take a stiff bristle nylon brush and scrub the area. When finished, rinse the area with warm water and dry the floor with a towel. If the marks are really bad or old, you may need to do this multiple times.
Rust Stains
If you have rust stains in your garage, you must lightly scrub the area with a brush before applying any solution. Make sure to use a soft brush, and don’t be too abrasive, so you don’t damage the floor. Next, take a lactic acid-based cleanser (mix 1 part of the solution with 1 part water) and apply it directly to the area. Immediately scrub the area and then rinse with cold water.
Can You Power Wash Epoxy Floors?
The short answer is yes, you can power wash epoxy floors – but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First of all, you should always use a mild detergent when power washing an epoxy floor. Strong chemicals can damage the floor’s protective coating. Second, you need to make sure that the stream of water from the power washer is not too strong – otherwise, you risk chipping or cracking the floor. When used properly, power washing is an effective way to clean an epoxy floor. Just be sure to exercise caution and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Can You Use Vinegar On An Epoxy Floor?
While there are many commercial cleaners available, some people prefer to use natural products such as vinegar. Unfortunately, vinegar is too acidic to be used on an epoxy floor. The acidity will break down the epoxy, causing it to lose its shine. In addition, vinegar can also etch the surface of the floor, making it more vulnerable to dirt and grime. For these reasons, it is best to avoid using vinegar on an epoxy floor. Instead, stick to mild soap and water or a commercial cleaner specifically designed for epoxy floors.
Can You Use Pine Sol On Epoxy Floors?
While Pine Sol may be effective at cleaning a hardwood floor, it is not recommended for use on epoxy floors. This is because Pine Sol is a glycolic acid-based cleaner, and over time, it can break down the epoxy coating on your floor. In addition, Pine Sol can also leave behind a sticky residue that attracts dirt and dust.
For these reasons, it is best to avoid using Pine Sol on epoxy floors. There are many other cleaners on the market that are specifically designed for use on epoxy floors, and these will not damage the floor or leave behind a sticky residue.
Final Thoughts On Cleaning Epoxy Floor
Epoxy floors are great, durable options for any home. Luckily, they are easy to maintain and clean, too. Though many of the tips in this article will help you keep your floor clean, the best method is prevention. Put mats and coverings on your floor to prevent wear and tear, and always use caution to avoid spills. With a bit of prevention and good maintenance, your epoxy floors will shine for years to come.