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. 

Choosing a floor coating for your garage or basement floor can help protect the concrete from shifting or cracking. Epoxy coatings help to improve the appearance of the space, as well. Epoxy coatings come in multiple different colors and designs that will match your home design. 

Certain environmental factors can cause the color of your floors to change or the entire coating to yellow. To avoid discoloration, make sure to clean the floor regularly and have a professional apply the coating. In this blog we will share some of the most common reasons your epoxy floors turn yellow and how to prevent this issue to the best of your ability. Our professionals at Garage Floor Masters can apply multiple kinds of floor coatings to your home, including ones that will avoid discoloration. 

1- Being Exposed To High Temperatures

Hot humid summers may be great for camping and swimming, but not so great for your epoxy floors. High temperatures for extended periods of time can cause the epoxy to change color or even lift. Keeping the garage cool can be a complicated task but doing so will help the environment to be more controlled and prevent issues with your epoxy. Try implementing some industrial finds or running your air conditioning to the area where epoxy has been applied. 

2- UV Light Exposure Through Windows Or Open Doors

Direct sunlight is the most common reason for your epoxy floors to turn yellow. The ultraviolet rays from the sun usually start to yellow the coating around the front of your garage, but if the coating is in your basement or other area, light from the windows can cause shapes of yellowing all across the room. 

UV light causes ambering, which speeds up the process of polymer degradation. This is what causes the color of epoxy to change and possibly crack. Epoxy floor coatings are known for their glossy finish, but when they are exposed to high amounts of UV light, it can cause them to lose their shine. Avoid your coating looking lackluster by limiting UV light exposure. 

3- Excess Moisture In The Air Or From Rainfall 

One of the reasons people have epoxy coatings applied is to prevent mold growth. Keeping excess moisture off your epoxy coating will prevent staining and discoloration. Moisture can come from underneath your concrete, from rainfall, or from cleaning the area. Making sure the area stays dry will keep your coating looking pristine and help you avoid floor discoloration. 

4- Oxidation In The Epoxy Hardener

Epoxy resin is mixed in with a hardener to help it set on your concrete properly. If the hardener is opened and air gets into the product it can start to oxidize and change the color of your epoxy. Depending on how much air enters the container will determine how much discoloration occurs once your coating is applied. 

If you have extra hardening resin left over from a project or put it into a new container, this allows more air to cause oxidation. Be sure to store your product in a safe place and purchase a new hardener if it has sat for too long. 

How Homeowners Can Prevent Epoxy From Turning Yellow

Is there anything you can do to prevent epoxy floors from yellowing? In fact, there are steps you can take that will keep your garage floor coating looking new. Proper cleaning and maintenance will protect the epoxy from turning yellow or becoming damaged. 

Here are some additional things you can do to keep your concrete surfaces safe: 

• Have a UV-resistant sealant applied to the coating
• Clean the surface regularly and make sure it is dry each time
• Avoid leaving your garage door open
• Choose an epoxy color that masks yellowing
• Avoid acid-based cleaners
• Limit humidity with a dehumidifier

Epoxy Floor Coatings From Garage Floor Masters

Epoxy floor coatings continue to rise in popularity for homeowners and commercial businesses. Improving the appearance of your home is made easier when you work with our team to apply a coating to your concrete. 

Garage Floor Masters apply this resin-type coating as well as polyaspartic coatings for basements, garage floors, offices, and more. Although your epoxy will need to be maintained or even retouched after its application, it can prevent injury and damage to your concrete. Our team wants to improve your home with different colored epoxy and pristine applications. Contact us to get started today!

Increasing home value is on the forefront of most people’s minds, especially if they are hoping to sell their home eventually. Renovating the kitchen, adding a bathroom, and recoating their patios are some of the common upgrades that people prioritize when they want to increase their home value, but what about garage upgrades?

A garage is the often forgotten room of a house that can actually make a big impact when trying to sell your home. Garages that are completely packed with random items so it doesn’t even look like a garage anymore can be unpleasant to look at. Most of the time, buyers want to see a nice, clean garage that will be useful for storage, a home gym, or other purposes.

There are many options to choose from in home renovations but take a look at 8 simple garage upgrades you can do that can increase your home value.

1. Upgraded Garage Door 

Investing in a new garage door can significantly enhance the curb appeal and overall value of your home. Especially if your garage door hasn’t been replaced recently, a new garage door can make the home look much newer. 

Some popular garage door styles that buyers love include the following:

• Raised panel doors
• Recessed panel doors
• Carriage house doors
• Flush panel doors
• Full-view doors 

2. Epoxy Garage Floor Coating

A well-coated garage floor not only looks great but also provides durability and protection against stains and damage. Epoxy flooring is perfect for garages because it is easy to clean and is resistant to chemicals that may leak from cars or other items in your garage. 

Epoxy flooring is also great to implement in your garage because of the smooth and glossy finish epoxy leaves. You can also personalize your finish to make it the style and flake color of your preference. Just this simple addition of epoxy can be a valuable garage upgrade and make your floors look great.

3. Insulation and Climate Control

Adding insulation to the garage and installing a climate control system (heating and cooling) can make it more usable throughout the year and appeal to potential buyers. Insulation and/or climate control could be especially valuable for people who will be spending more time in the garage for things like doing on house projects, working from home in an office in the garage, or exercising. 

With modern technology and solutions, there are many options for insulation that can fit your budget. Some common insulation options homeowners consider are fiberglass, spray foam, rigid foam, cellulose, and even a new fireproof insulation.

4. Improved Garage Lighting

Upgrade to brighter and energy-efficient LED lighting to make the space more functional and attractive. Bright lighting also makes the garage safer, as tenants can avoid tripping hazards or obstacles that aren’t as visible in dim lighting.

Not only does brighter lighting make your garage more functional, it also makes the curb appeal of the garage better. Nice lighting on an epoxy floor coating with flake colors can provide a sparkling effect that adds to the aesthetics of a garage. Having a well-lit and tidy garage can leave an overall positive impression on people driving or walking by. 

5. Electrical Garage Upgrades

Electrical upgrades, such as additional outlets and circuits, allow homeowners to use the garage more effectively for various purposes. Adding outlets can make it easier to work on large projects, provide a charging station for an electric car, and enhance safety. Older homes may have outdated electrical systems that can be prone to overloading and pose safety concerns. 

6. Garage Storage and Organization Systems

The value of a home can be increased by garage storage and organization systems because they increase functionality, aesthetics, and overall appeal to potential buyers. Garages are often a space for homeowners to park their vehicles, store large items that don’t fit inside the home, and pursue hobbies. Making the most out of the organization systems in a garage can make a garage much better.

Storing items in totes or boxes rather than placing them on the ground is an easy way to improve the appearance of a garage. Along with improving the aesthetics of the garage, creating a storage system makes room for homeowners to park their vehicles in the garage to protect them from outdoor elements.

A homeowner can also utilize wall-mounted organizing systems like slat walls and pegboards to keep tools and equipment easily accessible and well-organized. 

7. Additional Parking Space

If possible, create more parking spaces by expanding the garage or adding a carport. An extra parking space can add $10,000-$25,000 to the home’s value on a residential property. In densely populated areas, parking space is extremely valuable.

Providing a parking spot saves time by eliminating the need to go searching for a spot on the street to park, which can be a major appeal for potential buyers. Remember to add that coating to protect your concrete from wear and tear.  

8. Enhanced Security Features

Installing security features can prove to be worth it when you try to sell your home to safety-conscious buyers. Surveillance cameras, motion sensors, and alarm systems are simple features that can enhance the security of the property. Additional security measures can also be a deterrent for burglars and unwanted visitors.

A security system is also a way to give peace of mind to homeowners, even when they are away from home.

Increase Your Home Value

Although commonly overseen, garage upgrades have proven to be an essential aspect of home features that can make a home more valuable. Remember these 8 suggestions when you decide that you would like to increase your home value.