Epoxy floors are a beautiful and functional addition to any garage. Making the decision to apply an epoxy coating to a garage floor is just the first step in achieving the garage of your dreams. Once the coating is laid, it is important to regularly clean epoxy floors to make the most out of the epoxy floor.
Benefits of Epoxy Garage Floors
Epoxy garage floors offer several benefits, making them a popular choice for homeowners looking to upgrade their flooring. Here are some of the advantages of epoxy garage floors:
- Epoxy coatings are incredibly durable and can withstand heavy traffic, impact, and abrasions.
- Epoxy is resistant to oil, gasoline, chemicals, and other substances commonly found in garages.
- When properly applied and maintained, epoxy garage floors can last for many years.
- Coatings are available in a wide range of colors and finishes, including high-gloss, metallic, and decorative patterns.
- Epoxy coatings create a smooth and seamless surface that is easy to clean, eliminating the need to deal with grout lines or seams.
- Many epoxy coatings are low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can be better for indoor air quality and the environment.
You may be wondering how to clean an epoxy garage floor since it is not a simple concrete floor. There are several do’s and don’ts when it comes to cleaning epoxy floors that you should consider. To start, you will need to find a great cleaning solution.
Best Cleaner for Epoxy Garage Floor
The best cleaning solutions for epoxy floors are surprisingly simple. The most common cleaning solution that is effective for epoxy floors is a mix of ammonia and hot water. Diluted ammonia and hot water create a mix that softens any dirt, grime, oil, and other substances that have accumulated over time. There are some other cleaning solutions you can buy if you would prefer to avoid making your own solution.
Products to Avoid
Epoxy floor coatings are durable and resistant to many chemicals and stains, but there are certain cleaning solutions you should avoid using on epoxy floors to prevent damage or deterioration of the coating. Here are some cleaning solutions you shouldn’t use:
- Acids: Avoid using acidic cleaners such as vinegar, lemon juice, or any products containing strong acids. These can etch the epoxy surface and dull its shine.
- Bleach: Bleach is a harsh chemical that can damage epoxy coatings. It may discolor the surface and weaken the epoxy over time.
- Abrasive Cleaners: Avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or steel wool, as they can scratch the epoxy surface and dull its finish.
- Highly Alkaline Cleaners: Strong alkaline cleaners can damage epoxy coatings over time. Stick to pH-neutral or mildly alkaline cleaning solutions.
6 Steps to Clean Epoxy Garage Floor
Step 1: Remove Loose Debris
The first step to clean epoxy garage floor is to sweep and remove debris. Remove any items on the floor to clear it and be able to reach every inch of the floor. Once the floor is clear you can sweep and get any loose dirt and dust out of the way. Ensure that you get into corners and edges where dirt tends to accumulate.
Step 2: Prepare Solution
Once the floor is cleared, you can get your cleaning solution ready. As mentioned earlier, you can create a cleaning solution by mixing a pH-balanced epoxy-specific floor cleaner with warm water in a bucket. Make sure you follow the recommended dilution ratio to avoid any damage to your floor.
Step 3: Damp Mop or Scrub
Dampen a soft-bristle brush or microfiber mop with the cleaning solution. Begin mopping or scrubbing the epoxy floor in a systematic manner, working in small sections. Use a gentle, circular motion to lift any dirt or stains. Pay extra attention to areas with spills or stains.
Step 4: Rinse
After scrubbing, rinse the floor thoroughly with clean, warm water. You can either use a clean mop or a bucket with plain water for this step. Make sure to remove all traces of the cleaning solution.
Step 5: Dry the Floor
Use a squeegee or a wet/dry vacuum to remove excess water from the floor quickly. Alternatively, you can use clean, lint-free towels or microfiber cloths to blot the surface dry. This helps prevent streaks and water spots.
Step 6: Spot Cleaning (If Necessary)
For stubborn spills or stains that didn’t come off with the initial cleaning, you can spot clean using a slightly stronger solution of the epoxy-friendly cleaner. Apply the solution to the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush. Rinse and dry the area afterward.
How Often to Clean Epoxy Garage Floors
To properly care for your epoxy garage floor you should clean it every several months. With regular cleaning and maintenance, you can keep your epoxy floor looking incredible for many years.
