Regular cleaning is key to keeping an epoxy floor looking pristine. A moderate detergent and warm water is recommended to clean the floor, rather than corrosive cleaners. Placing doormats at all entrances helps trap dirt and debris that can scratch the floor. Dragging furniture or other large objects instead of sliding them prevents dents from being made in the floor.
Dos and Don’ts
The most effective way to preserve the integrity and beauty of epoxy flooring is to integrate a series of straightforward care measures into your routine. These basic steps address a wide range of common issues and prevent them from escalating into major damage or deterioration.
Routine Cleaning
Nothing erodes epoxy floors faster than dirt and grime grinding into its smooth finish. Steer clear of abrasive cleaners and acidic compounds, and use gentle cleansers that are designed specifically for epoxy surfaces to ensure your floor’s safety and durability.
Fluid Leak Prevention
Regular inspections can help you catch and promptly deal with leaks that could potentially erode or discolor your epoxy floor. Absorb liquid spills with cloth or paper towels, and then clean with mild chemicals and water. Solid debris like paint or ink spills can be removed with a plastic scraper or putty knife, followed by a mild cleaner and rinse.
Heavy Impact Damage Prevention
In industrial settings, it’s often necessary to move heavy equipment and machinery across an epoxy floor. Placing mats and foam pads under furniture and equipment can cushion impacts and reduce wear. It’s also important to regularly inspect the floor for dents or gouges. Any damage should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent the issue from escalating into a full-blown surface failure.
Protective Mats
Place protective mats under racking, tools and machinery to prevent scratching or damaging the epoxy floor coating. This simple step can dramatically reduce the amount of direct impact to the floor, and it also helps keep a clean work environment.
Mindful Tool Handling
Avoid dragging or dropping sharp or heavy objects directly onto the epoxy floor. This can leave deep marks and gouges that can compromise the integrity of the coating. Consider incorporating drop cloths or pads into your operations, and be mindful of how you store any tools that could slip and damage the floor.
Taking these steps, in combination with routine professional maintenance sessions, can help you preserve the longevity of your epoxy floor and protect your investment. By following this thorough guide’s advice, you can keep your floor looking great and functioning properly for years to come.
Cleaning
Despite their durability and strength, epoxy floors can gouge or scratch if they’re not cleaned regularly. These scratches can reduce the lifespan of your floor coating and affect its overall appearance. In addition, dirt and other forms of debris can embed into the epoxy surface, harming it further. In order to ensure your flooring’s longevity, you must follow these cleaning dos and don’ts:
Sweeping the floor daily helps keep your epoxy clean and free from loose particles. This also prevents dust from building up on the surface, which can serve as an abrasive and damage your epoxy floor coating. It is best to use a soft bristled broom or dust mop for this purpose, as these tools can be used without damaging the surface. In addition, using a damp mop with a light detergent and water can help remove grease and other substances.
The frequency of mopping your epoxy floor will depend on how often it is used and the amount of soilage that builds up. However, it is recommended to mop your floor on a weekly basis in high traffic areas. A pH-neutral cleaner that is appropriate for your type of flooring should be used for this purpose.
In addition to sweeping and mopping, it’s important to protect your epoxy flooring by placing felt sliders or protective mats beneath any furniture. This will prevent your furniture from directly dragging on the surface, which can cause dents and scratches in the epoxy coating. It is also a good idea to lift rather than drag large pieces of equipment.
In addition, it’s a good idea to avoid acidic substances like vinegar or citrus-based cleaners on your epoxy flooring. These types of chemicals can corrode the epoxy coating and cause etching on its surface. To prevent this from occurring, you can purchase pH-neutral cleaners specifically designed for epoxy flooring, which will safely and effectively remove residue and stains without damaging the surface of your floor coating. For added protection, you can apply a sealant on your floors after mopping them to make them more durable.
Sealing
As with most flooring, the lifespan of epoxy floors is significantly increased by taking simple preventative measures. These measures include a regular inspection to address any minor wear and tear, allowing for timely interventions and preventing issues from escalating into more significant problems.
Spill Management: Any chemical spills on the epoxy floor should be dealt with immediately to avoid damage, including discoloration and etching. The spill should be neutralised and thoroughly cleaned using a cleaning product that has been recommended by the epoxy manufacturer. For oily or greasy spills, a solvent is the most effective option.
Dragging Heavy Objects: Dragging any heavy objects or furniture across the epoxy floor should be avoided, as it can cause deep dents and scratches in the surface. Consider utilising dollies or sliders to lessen the strain on the floor when moving such items. Pads can also be placed under the legs of large furniture to absorb shock and reduce the risk of damage to the floor.
Chemical Exposure Control: In areas where chemicals are regularly used, consider secondary containment and/or spill pallets to help limit the amount of spillage on the epoxy floor. It’s also a good idea to use protective mats in high-traffic areas or zones where equipment is frequently moved.
Dirt Removal: Regular sweeping and mopping are key to maintaining a clean, hygienic environment, preventing the accumulation of dirt, dust and other debris that might scratch or damage the epoxy. For general cleaning, a mild detergent or soap mixed with warm water is the best choice. Abrasive cleaning pads and cleaners should be avoided as they can damage the epoxy coating.
Scrubbing Frequency: The frequency of scrubbing depends on the type of soilage that typically accumulates on the floor, with high-traffic areas requiring daily attention and low-traffic zones receiving weekly attention. Always use the appropriate cleaning solution and a non-abrasive brush or sponge.
If you’re looking to enhance the functionality and style of your garage, consider reaching out to professionals who can help you upgrade your garage with their epoxy coatings for a durable and polished finish. They’ll offer tailored advice and professional services to maximize your floor’s longevity and aesthetic appeal.
Maintenance
One of the most crucial aspects of preserving the longevity and appearance of epoxy flooring is establishing a routine maintenance program. Including a sweep up of the floor every day to remove grit and dirt particles is a great start. It helps prevent scratching that can damage the surface of the coating. In addition, it’s wise to mop the floors once a week using a mild detergent solution like diluted ammonia or a cleaning agent that is specially designed for epoxy surfaces and is combined with warm water.
This preventive strategy not only reduces the potential for abrasions and scratches but also helps to limit soilage buildup that can cause problems later on. It’s recommended to perform routine inspections to detect and address minor issues in their early stages before they develop into more serious problems. These inspections can include a look at the seal and joints to ensure that they’re not showing signs of wear or moisture penetration. It is also a good idea to look for any color changes that can be a sign of UV damage, chemical exposure, or other causes of material degradation.
It’s also a good idea to incorporate door mats at all entry points to prevent large amounts of dirt and grime from being tracked onto the floors. In addition, it’s advisable to use furniture sliders and pads beneath all bulky items that are moved on the flooring to stop them from dragging across the epoxy surface and creating unattractive marks.
Fluid leaks should be addressed promptly by preventing oil, coolant, or any other substances from contacting the concrete, as they can degrade the epoxy coating and cause cracking. It’s additionally a great idea to use absorbent mats and pans to catch any spilled liquids. Finally, ensuring that the tyres of vehicles and equipment are properly inflated will help to protect the flooring by lowering pressure that could damage or mark it. If tire marks do occur, they’re often easy to remove by soaking the area with a concrete degreaser and scrubbing it thoroughly. Afterwards, it’s important to rinse and dry the floor thoroughly.