Epoxy painted floors are gorgeous when first installed, providing a shiny, durable and seamless surface. However, over time epoxy can lose its lustre from dirt, grime and wear. Follow these professional tips to clean and maintain your epoxy floors to keep them looking like new.
Table of Contents
Supplies Needed
Gather the proper supplies before beginning to clean epoxy floors. You’ll need:
- Microfibre mops and cloths
- Soft bristle brooms or brushes
- pH neutral cleaner or mild detergent
- Clean bucket with wheels
- Wet vacuum with hard floor attachment
- Handheld scrub brush
- Terry cloth rags
Avoid abrasive scouring pads, stiff brushes or harsh chemicals as these can damage the epoxy coating.
Sweep and Dry Mop
Start by giving the floor a thorough sweep or dry mop to remove any loose dirt, dust and debris. Work in sections across the floor area and remember to get into corners and along edges. The goal is to remove as much surface residue as possible before wet cleaning.
Mix Cleaning Solution
Fill a bucket with lukewarm water and add a small amount of pH neutral floor cleaner or mild detergent like white vinegar or dish soap. Follow label instructions and avoid mixing chemical cleaners together.
Wet Mopping
Dip a microfibre mop into the cleaning solution and wring it out so it is damp but not dripping. Working in sections, mop the floor using a figure 8 motion. Frequently rinse the mop and change the water as needed to remove residue.
Let the floor air dry completely before walking on it.
Spot Cleaning
For stubborn marks like oil, grease or dirt buildup, use a handheld scrub brush and concentrated cleaner. Spray or squirt cleaner directly onto the spot and scrub gently. Wipe up residue with a damp cloth and rinse the area.
Avoid excessive scrubbing as this can damage the epoxy finish. If a spot remains, repeat cleaning and leave solution on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
Deeper Cleaning
For a deeper clean, mix an all-purpose cleaner like white vinegar with hot water. Mop sections of floor and let solution sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. The heated mixture helps lift dirt from the pores of the epoxy.
Rinse thoroughly and wipe any excess moisture to prevent pooling. Let dry completely.
Restoring Shine
Over time, epoxy floors can develop a dull, cloudy appearance. Use a specialty epoxy floor polish to restore shine and protection. Sweep and mop the floor to remove dirt first. Apply polish in a thin, even coat using a microfibre pad or applicator. Allow to dry completely per product instructions, usually 30-60 minutes.
Buff the dry polish gently with a soft cloth. Two coats may be needed for a deeper shine. Reapply polish every 1-2 months for maintained luster.
Floor Protection
There are a few easy daily habits that can maintain your epoxy floors for the long run:
- Place colourfast rugs at entryways to reduce dirt, sand and grit from shoes.
- Use furniture leg pads and chair mats under heavy furniture to prevent scratching.
- Avoid rubber-backed mats as they can stain epoxy.
- Sweep and mop spills promptly to prevent stains.
- Follow cleaning product instructions carefully.
- Reapply epoxy polish every few months.
With proper care and regular maintenance, your epoxy floors can continue looking freshly painted for years to come. Follow these pro tips and you’ll get your floors gleaming like new again.
Affordable Cleaning and Gardening Service, a leading cleaning company serving Parramatta for over 20 years, has skilled cleaners to maintain your epoxy floors. Contact us today to keep your floors looking professionally cleaned.
FAQ
✓How often should I mop epoxy floors?
Aim to mop epoxy floors once a week or as needed when visibly dirty. Avoid over-mopping as this can wear down the epoxy finish.
✓Can I use vinegar to clean epoxy floors?
Yes, white vinegar is safe for cleaning epoxy. Mix 1 part vinegar with 4 parts water for an effective cleaning solution. Rinse thoroughly.
✓What removes grease stains from epoxy floors?
Dish soap, all-purpose cleaner or degreaser can help cut through greasy stains. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing clean. Repeat as needed.
✓How do you make dull epoxy floors shine again?
Restore shine and protection by applying a thin coat of epoxy floor polish. Allow to dry completely, then buff gently with a soft cloth. Reapply every 1-2 months.
