Epoxy flooring has become a favorite upgrade for residential, commercial, and industrial spaces due to its durability, aesthetic appeal, and easy maintenance. Despite its durability and low maintenance, it requires proper care to maintain its strength and attractive look. This article guides you on how to keep your epoxy flooring properly.
Routine Cleaning
The most basic epoxy flooring maintenance includes routine cleaning, such as regular sweeping, mopping, and spill management.
Regular Sweeping, Mopping and Vacuuming
Dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate on the surface, causing dullness and possibly scratches. Regular sweeping with a soft-bristle broom or dust mop will prevent this accumulation.
Use a dust mop with warm water and a pH-neutral detergent for deeper cleaning. Avoid abrasive or acidic cleaners, as they can damage the epoxy surface.
For larger areas, use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment. Also, a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool cleans all visible joints in the epoxy. Perform this every month to prevent dirt and grime from getting trapped and keep the floor clean and shiny.
Spill Management
Although epoxy flooring is resistant to most spills and stains, prompt cleaning will prevent any damage to its appearance and durability. Wipe spills with a clean, soft cloth or paper towel.
Use a soft cloth or sponge with water and a mild detergent for grease and oil spills. You can also use a manufacturer-recommended degreaser.
Preventing Damage
Epoxy flooring is tough and durable, but not entirely resistant to scratches and chemicals. It’s important to apply preventative measures to maintain its pristine look.
Avoid Heavy Objects
Avoid dragging heavy objects like furniture or equipment across the floor, as this can cause scuffing. Instead, lift them.
Avoiding Scratches
Prevent scratches by using furniture felt pads and rugs under legs or wheels. Place floor mats and rugs in areas with heavy traffic or heavy objects.
Protect from Chemicals
Epoxy flooring is chemical-resistant but prolonged chemical exposure causes dullness and weakens the surface. In the worst-case scenario, it will eat the surface. Protect the epoxy floor from harsh chemicals like acids and alkalis.
If chemical spills occur, clean the floor immediately. For harsh chemicals, use neutralizing agents first, then rinse with water before wiping or mopping the area dry.
Avoid using acidic cleaners. Instead, choose pH-neutral or manufacturer-recommended cleaners for cleaning epoxy flooring finishes.
Correcting Minor Damage
Epoxy floor coating can have minor damages but these can be corrected.
Minor Scratches
Although epoxy floor coating is durable, minor scratches can occur. To correct this, buff the affected area with fine-grit sandpaper or a specialized epoxy scratch repair kit. Lightly sand until the scratch disappears, then apply a polishing compound to finish and restore the shine.
Filling Cracks and Chips
Using epoxy putty or filler is a faster way to repair small cracks and chips. Before applying, clean the damaged area. Apply the filler and then level it. Once dry, sand and polish the area to match the surrounding area.
Correcting Discoloration
UV light and certain chemicals can discolor epoxy floor coatings, especially when using non-UV-resistant epoxy. To correct this, sand the affected area and apply a fresh coat of epoxy to restore the original color and shine.
High-traffic Areas
Epoxy floor coating is ideal for high-traffic areas in residential and commercial spaces. However, some maintenance measures are needed to ensure its durability and longevity.
Regular Maintenance
High-traffic areas, such as doorways and hallways, need regular cleaning because they collect more dirt, dust, mud, and spills than other areas. Daily sweeping with a soft broom or dust mop is required to remove dirt and debris.
Weekly wet mopping with a damp mop and mild detergent is necessary to remove any stains or spills. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners and abrasive cleaning tools.
Protective Mats
Place floor mats or rugs in high-traffic areas, such as entryways and hallways, to protect the epoxy flooring finishes.
Protect from Heavy Loads
Use protective mats or padding under heavy equipment and furniture to prevent scratches and chips on the epoxy flooring.
Resealing
After a few years, the top layer may wear out. To maintain the shine and durability, consider resealing the epoxy floor, which involves re-coating or applying a topcoat.
Periodic Polishing
To maintain the glossy look of your epoxy flooring, consider polishing it once every six months to a year. Use a floor polish specifically made for epoxy for floor coating. This will restore the shine and provide additional protection.
Periodic Deep Cleaning
Periodic deep cleaning is essential for better maintenance, especially in high-traffic or industrial areas. Use a commercial-grade epoxy cleaner to remove stubborn grease, dirt, and spill films without damaging the floor.
For outdoor areas with epoxy for floor coating, periodic power washing may be needed to remove dirt and debris. Use a power washer at a pressure setting that does not damage the floor.
Periodic Professional Assessment and Maintenance
To prevent major issues and costly repairs, periodic professional assessment and maintenance are advisable. Contact a professional epoxy floor contractor to evaluate the overall condition of your epoxy flooring and ask for their recommendations. Innovative Custom Coating, a top epoxy flooring contractor in South Florida, can help you evaluate your epoxy flooring.
If the epoxy flooring needs further cleaning, the contractor may suggest deep cleaning using specialized equipment and epoxy-specific cleaning products. If there are deep cracks, they will fix them. They will also recommend whether the floor needs partial or complete resealing, which will restore durability and gloss.
Final Thoughts
Epoxy flooring is a great option for improving residential, commercial, and industrial spaces. It is sturdy, appealing, and easy to maintain. However, it still needs proper care to serve you better. Proper maintenance includes routine cleaning, preventive damage measures, addressing minor damage, and managing high-traffic areas.
It also needs periodic attention, such as polishing, deep cleaning, and professional assessment and maintenance. For professional assessment and maintenance, Innovative Custom Coating, a top epoxy flooring contractor in South Florida, is one you can trust.
