How to Maintain and Care For Your Epoxy Flooring
Epoxy flooring is solid and straightforward to maintain. However, like all surfaces, they need regular care and cleaning. Dirt, grit, and oil can embed or scratch the epoxy coating. Regularly scrubbing the floor helps prevent this. Many epoxy companies cut corners for profit, delivering a poor-quality installation. That’s why you should always get recommendations and do your research.
Clean Up Spills
If an oily or chemical spill is left on epoxy floors for too long, it can stain or even eat away at the surface. Wipe up spills using shop towels or paper towels as soon as they occur, then wash with a degreaser. Avoid acid or citrus cleaners, which can damage or dull the epoxy. The epoxy flooring may eventually peel or rot if some significant scratches or gouges allow moisture to seep under the coating. If these are spotted immediately, a nylon brush or deck scrubber can remove the grit and dirt from the floor. Weekly deep cleaning will extend the lifespan of the Seattle epoxy flooring coating, which is resistant to wear and tear and can withstand significant damage. A weekly scrubbing will also help prevent bacteria buildup on your commercial or garage floor coating.
Prevent Stains
Even with a regular cleaning schedule, epoxy flooring can get stained and discolored. To avoid this, use a neutralizing solution to wipe down surfaces as needed and clean up spills immediately. It helps to eliminate stains before they become too serious. Other preventative measures include placing mats and floor rugs where heavy equipment is used to minimize scratching. You can also place protective pads under bicycle and motorcycle stands to keep them from damaging the epoxy coating. Placing a welcome mat at the entrance can also help minimize grit and dirt that may scratch the coating. Scrubbing your floors regularly with a brush and a concrete degreaser can also help to remove mild to severe stains from the epoxy flooring. However, if the staining has penetrated through the epoxy coating, it’s best to let a professional handle this problem. If the discoloration isn’t addressed quickly, it can weaken the resin and lead to peeling.
Vacuum Regularly
Regular cleaning helps epoxy flooring stay durable and beautiful. It stops filth, debris, and stains from accumulating, which could eventually damage the floor covering. The first step is to sweep or vacuum the surface. Remove any furniture or objects that are in the way. If there are any stains, start by identifying the type of stain and preparing the cleaning solution. For example, oil-based stains require degreaser, while food-based stains usually call for mild detergent. Next, use a mop or soft-bristled brush to apply the cleaning solution to the floor. Ensure you scrub all surfaces, mainly the stained or heavily soiled areas. Rinse the area afterward and dry it thoroughly with a squeegee. It is also crucial to wipe up spills immediately and maintain a dust- and grit-free floor. Otherwise, the grit may become embedded in the epoxy and cause long-term damage. Also, chemical-based substances such as engine oil or specific corrosives should not be allowed to sit on the floor for long.
Repair Damage
If your epoxy floor is damaged, it must be repaired immediately. Chips, cracks, and gouges in your floors can cause moisture to seep under the coating, which leads to peeling and further damage. Larger cracks should be resurfaced with concrete patching compound to prevent further problems. Spilled oil and other chemicals will discolor your floors if left on too long. Keeping a neutralizing cleaner on hand is a good idea to neutralize the chemicals before washing them off your floors. Tire marks are a common problem on epoxy floors but are usually easy to remove. After using a concrete degreaser spray and letting it sit for a few minutes, scrub the area with a nylon brush with stiff bristles. If the marks remain, repeat this process until the marks are gone. You can also use rubber mats or pads under the wheels of heavy equipment to avoid causing damage to your epoxy floors.