How To Properly Maintain A New Epoxy Floor
How to Properly Maintain a New Epoxy Floor
So you’ve decided to have a new epoxy floor installed. Now what?
Now, you need to keep your new epoxy floor maintained and cared for! If you can properly maintain and care for a properly installed epoxy floor, it can last for 25 years or more!
We want to help you get the longest lifespan out of your floor while keeping it looking beautiful and clean through the years. In the article below, we’ll explain all you need to know to properly maintain a new epoxy floor.
Maintenance Tool and Products You'll Need
- Broom or dust mop. (preferably a dust mop to save time)
- Wet mop.
- Mop bucket.
- pH-neutral cleaner.
Maintaining Your Epoxy Floor
Sweep or Dust Mop Daily
You should sweep or dust mop daily to keep the surface of your epoxy floor free of dirt and grit. Dirt and grit can cause scratches on your floor over time if they’re left to sit. Consider investing in a dust mop to make this process even faster! If your floor is frequently exposed to dirt being tracked in, such as in work environments, you may need to sweep or dust mop twice a day.
Wet Mop Weekly
Remember to wet mop your floor at least once a week to keep it from becoming heavily soiled. When wet mopping, fill your mop bucket with warm or hot water and use a pH-neutral cleaner on the floor. Remember to let the cleaner sit for the appropriate amount of time so that it can break down any stuck-on dirt or grime.
If your floor does become heavily soiled for some reason, sweep, and mop as usual. Then you can use a mix of ammonia and water at two to three ounces of ammonia per gallon of water for a second mopping.
Spot Mop as Needed
There’s no way around it; accidents happen. When they happen, be sure to clean up the mess as soon as possible, whether someone tracked in mud or a spill occurred. This will help to prevent damage to the floor and staining. Epoxy is highly resistant to stains, although they can still form if spills are left to sit on the floor for an extended time.
If a stain does form for one reason or another, don’t worry. You can use a moderately-abrasive scrubbing pad or brush with a mild detergent, such as SoftScrub, to lightly scrub the stain and remove it. Avoid using highly abrasive tools or cleaners like steel wool or Comet.
Avoid Using Soap-based or Citrus-based Cleaners
When you need to use a cleaner on your new epoxy floor, avoid soap- or citrus-based cleaners as they can negatively affect your floor. Soap-based cleaners can leave a film over the floor that dulls the glossy finish and will cause you to need a second mopping. Citrus cleaners can actually breakdown the outer layer of your floor, so avoid them as well.
What to Do About Chemical Spills
If you’ve spilled chemicals on your floors, such as gas, paint, or oil, don’t panic. The chance of it damaging your floor immediately is slim to none. However, you need to clean it as soon as possible to keep it from damaging your floor. Clean up the spill with a wet mop or shop towels, depending on the spill’s size. Always remember to use the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the type of chemical spilled.
Summing Things Up
Maintaining a new epoxy floor is a simple and easy process, especially when you get into a routine. You’ll need a broom or dust mop, wet mop, mop bucket, and a pH-neutral cleaner to get the job done. Sweep or dust mop daily, wet mop weekly, spot mop as needed, avoid soap- or citrus-based cleaners and clean up chemicals quickly and safely to prevent stains or damage. If you follow these easy steps, your epoxy floor should last for decades!