Epoxy coatings are a popular choice for protecting floors in industrial and commercial environments, and for good reason. They offer several advantages, including durability, chemical resistance, and a clean, professional appearance. But to get the most out of those advantages and extend the floor’s lifespan, proper epoxy floor maintenance is essential.
Before you grab a mop or floor scrubber, keep in mind that maintenance needs can vary. Factors like the type of epoxy system, surface texture, traffic levels, facility size, and the kinds of debris or contaminants your floor is exposed to all play a role.
To ensure long-term performance and avoid unnecessary damage, it’s recommended to consult with an epoxy flooring installer for a maintenance plan tailored to your specific environment.
Do Epoxy Floors Need Maintenance?
Short answer: Yes. Industrial and commercial floors take a beating, probably more than any other surface in your facility. They carry the weight of heavy equipment, endure constant foot traffic, absorb spills, and deal with daily wear and tear from operations that keep your business running.
A well-maintained epoxy floor provides facilities with benefits that extend far beyond aesthetics. It:
- Protects the underlying concrete from structural damage
- Helps prevent slips and falls
- Resists chemical penetration
- Maintains a clean, professional look
- Supports compliance in regulated environments; for example, in the Food & Beverage industry, proper floor upkeep can help you pass a food safety audit.
- Extends the floor’s life
- Protects the original flooring investment
That’s why epoxy floor maintenance is not only a good idea, but also a critical part of keeping your facility safe, compliant, and running smoothly.
Epoxy Floor Care: Cleaning Tips & Best Practices
Keeping your epoxy floors in top condition doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require the right approach. With the proper techniques and cleaning schedule, you can maintain a clean, safe, and durable surface that stands up to daily demands.
How to Clean an Epoxy Floor?
Cleaning epoxy floors effectively involves five simple yet important steps:
- Sweep Thoroughly: Begin every cleaning session by thoroughly sweeping the floor to remove loose dirt, debris, and abrasive particles. A broom or mechanized floor sweeper works well, depending on facility size.
- Prepare and Apply Cleaner: Dilute your preferred epoxy-safe cleaning solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and pour it evenly across the surface. Remember that different floor textures and coating types may require specific cleaning products for optimal results.
- Scrub the Floor: After applying the cleaning solution, scrub the surface to lift dirt, grime, and buildup. Use a manual scrubber for small areas or a floor scrubbing machine for larger spaces to ensure a deep, effective clean.
- Let It Sit: Let the cleaning solution sit on the floor for 5-10 minutes to break down contaminants.
- Rinse and Remove: Thoroughly remove the cleaning solution by rinsing with clean water. Large facilities benefit from using floor scrubbing machines with rinsing capabilities; for smaller areas, pour clean water and squeegee it off using a soft neoprene squeegee.
What Is the Best Thing to Clean an Epoxy Floor with?
When it comes to cleaning epoxy flooring, both your cleaning methods and the products you use make a big difference. The right cleaner can boost efficiency, save time, and deliver better results, while using the wrong products can lead to lasting damage that affects both the look and performance of your floor.
Recommended epoxy cleaners include:
- Warm or Hot Water: The simplest and most cost-effective, residue-free option for regular epoxy floor maintenance.
- Diluted Windex or Diluted Ammonia: When properly diluted according to manufacturer instructions, ammonia-based solutions excel at removing stains while preserving gloss.
- Specialized Epoxy Floor Cleaners: Commercial pre-diluted cleaners designed specifically for epoxy floors are formulated to clean effectively without causing damage.
- For Stubborn Stains: Use a non-abrasive scrub pad or mild concrete degreaser; avoid harsh solvents that can damage the coating.
Epoxy cleaners to avoid:
- Vinegar: Vinegar and other citrus-based cleaners are too acidic and will dull the surface.
- Bleach: Harsh chemicals like bleach or undiluted ammonia are too abrasive for epoxy surfaces, can cause deterioration, and reduce lifespan.
- Soap-based Cleaners: Heavy soap-based cleaners leave slippery, filmy residues that reduce traction and shine.
Insider Tip #1: The key to successful epoxy floor cleaning lies in choosing safe, effective cleaners that remove grime without stripping away the protective surface layer.
Insider Tip #2: Before using any new cleaner across your entire floor, test it on a small area first. This quick step can save you from costly surprises and ensure the product is safe for your specific epoxy system.
When Should You Clean Your Epoxy Floor?
Epoxy cleaning frequency will depend on a variety of factors, including the work environment and how much dirt and grime has accumulated. That said, there are general guidelines that can help you stay ahead of wear and keep your floors looking and performing their best.
Daily cleaning tasks
- Sweep or dust mop to remove dirt, dust, and abrasive particles
- Immediately clean any spills (especially oils or chemicals) to prevent damage or staining
- Perform a quick mop in entrance zones or areas with frequent foot traffic
Weekly cleaning tasks
- Use an epoxy-safe cleaner and a mop or floor scrubber to scrub larger areas
- Focus on removing built-up grime, tire marks, and light stains
- Inspect high-traffic zones for wear or signs of damage that may require touch-ups
Key Dos and Don’ts for Effective Epoxy Floor Maintenance
To wrap up, here’s a recap of the most important dos and don’ts to help you keep your epoxy flooring clean, safe, and performing at its best:
| DOs | DON'Ts |
| Maintain consistent cleaning schedules based on your facility's traffic | Don’t let dirt and debris accumulate |
| Sweep thoroughly before any wet cleaning | Don’t use a mop on greasy or oily floors |
| Use warm water or diluted ammonia for cleaning | Don’t use acidic products like bleach, undiluted ammonia, vinegar, or citrus-based cleaners |
| Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when mixing ammonia-based solutions | Don’t eyeball cleaning solution ratios or mix incompatible products |
| Follow recommended dwell times and rinse cleaning solutions promptly | Don’t leave cleaning solutions on the floor longer than recommended |
| Spot-test new cleaning products | Don’t apply untested chemicals directly to the whole surface |
| Clean up spills immediately | Don’t allow oils or chemicals to sit on the surface |
| Train staff on proper cleaning practices | Don’t allow untrained operators to use floor machines |
| Protect the floor when moving heavy equipment | Don’t drag or drop equipment directly on the surface, or allow forklift spinning or skidding |
| Consult with your flooring installer about facility-specific maintenance needs | Don’t assume all epoxy floors have identical maintenance requirements |
By following these best practices, you can extend the life of your epoxy flooring, often up to 10 years+, while minimizing repair costs and downtime. It’s one of the reasons why epoxy is such a smart long-term investment. With the right care, it simply pays off and debunks the myth about epoxy being overpriced.
Have questions about maintaining your epoxy floors or planning a system that fits your specific facility needs? CPC Floor Coating specializes in high-performance industrial and commercial flooring solutions, and is here to support you with expert guidance every step of the way.
Contact us today to speak with a flooring specialist and take the next step toward cleaner, safer, and more reliable epoxy floors.