Epoxy garage floors are created by making a mixture of hardeners and resins. Afterward, the mixture is applied to the floor in layers. Epoxy is a resistant material that forms a strong bond with the surface layered on top of it, such as concrete.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that it is indestructible or will not be tarnished in any way. The most important part of maintaining epoxy floors is preventative measures.
For instance, you can place protective mats under heavy appliances or bikes. The second part of the maintenance is regular cleaning. Cleaning epoxy floors might seem daunting to a first-time user. However, with these tips on how to clean epoxy garage floors, they will stay brand new and shiny.
What is the Best Thing to Clean Epoxy Floors?
A heavy-duty cotton mop is the most versatile and necessary tool for cleaning epoxy floors. Using one that is strong enough to withstand deep cleaning is essential. Mops for epoxy floors should have a durable handle and a soft head.
Furthermore, having a rolling bucket will make the process much easier and will make it go faster.
Alternately, power washers are also very useful for garage floor cleaning. However, there are a few things you need to pay attention to.
- Power washers can damage the floors if used at full pressure at a direct angle. Therefore they need to be used with a 45-degree angle tip. Furthermore, the nozzle should be kept at least 18 inches off the floor.
- Every power washer has its own approved cleaners. Make sure to choose a cleaner compatible with your specific power washer that doesn’t contain any acids such as vinegar or citrus.
How to Clean Your Epoxy Floors?
First and foremost, clear any loose debris, big chunks of dirt, or any other large litter. Doing so will allow you to continue with a deeper and more detailed cleaning. Ensure the whole floor is exposed, including under the cabinets, desks, or appliances. You can use a broom or a dust mop to sweep the area. Alternatively, you can use electric vacuum cleaners that are big enough to cater to the needs of your garage.
Now that there isn’t any loose debris on your floors, you can use a mop or a power washer to clean the epoxy thoroughly. Don’t forget that while you are cleaning, some of, if not most, of the water you’ve used will end up getting soaked by the surrounding grass or plants. Therefore, using non-toxic cleaners such as ammonia will be the best course of action in the long run.
Choosing bio-degradable cleaning solutions is even better. During the cleaning process, make sure to pay as much attention to yourself as you do nature. The cleaning process can make the epoxy floors very slippery. Wearing appropriate footwear is very important.
Afterward, you just need to rinse your floors. You can use a hose and start at the highest part of your garage. The door that leads to the outside is most likely the lowest level. Therefore you should aim to get the water to flow naturally towards the door and out. While rinsing, pay attention to get everywhere you’ve cleaned, such as the undersides of cabinets. However, limit the contact with water for any wood cabinets or worktops.
After adequately rinsing the floors with cleaning solutions and most of the water has naturally run out, you can dry any remaining puddles or damp areas. Use a squeegee or a dry cotton mop.
Cleaning Tips for Epoxy Floors
The process of maintaining epoxy floors is very straightforward and doesn’t have a lot of fussy instructions. These tips on how to clean epoxy garage floors will make it even easier.
- Consistently dust the floors. No kind of deep cleaning can take the place of some daily dusting. Make sure that there is no sand or debris on the floor, as they can scratch or dull the epoxy over time. Quickly sweeping the floors every couple of days will prevent the accumulation of dirt that your shoes or car tires carry to your garage. Preventing accumulation will help you during your deep cleaning as well as serve as easy maintenance.
- Be careful not to drag heavy machinery, equipment, or other items across the floors. If such a heavy item needs to be moved, lift it. If it is beyond lifting, you can use a dolly with wheels.
- If and when a spill occurs, wipe it as soon as possible using a soft cloth or a paper towel. If a chemical liquid or anything else likely to leave a residue behind was spilled, cleaning the area with appropriate cleansers is recommended. Don’t forget to rinse and dry the area afterward.
- If something is stuck on the floor, don’t use metal or other hard, sharp materials to scrape it off. You can try other softer cleaning methods. If you didn’t succeed with those, you could try mixing a cleaning solution with more ammonia than the recommended amount.
- Cleaning the floors regularly will make the cleaning process easier. Cleaning periodically means that any dirt won’t be able to be stuck on the floors to the point of not being easily removable, thus making the cleaning much harder for you.
- After working on your garage, ensure you have removed all sharp objects, such as nails and screws. Pay attention to never leaning such objects on the floor so they can not be stepped on to leave indents and scratches on the floor. Putting them in their proper places helps keep your floors looking new for longer.
- Using mats under benches, workstations, or other heavy equipment provides a cushioning effect between the weight and the epoxy floors, thus making it harder for them to leave scratches and indentations on the floor over time. Using mats in front of entry doors helps keep dirt and debris away from your floors as well.
What Cleaner Can You Use on Epoxy?
The product that works best for cleaning epoxy garage floors is ammonia. Mixing half cup of ammonia with a gallon of water creates an efficient solution. Applying a microfiber mop to the surface will yield the best results.
Make sure to rinse the mop in the solution frequently to rinse off any debris and dirt it picks up. If you wish to spot clean or get rid of stubborn stains, you can use a soft scrubber. Using a soft material is essential, as harsh scrubbing might result in the surface losing some of its shine.
When cleaning epoxy floors, never use cleansers that contain lemon or vinegar. Citrus cleaners may cause epoxy to lose its shine over time. Therefore, ingredients containing acids that can slowly degloss your floors, such as vinegar or any citrus juice, must be avoided.
If you are using soap to clean, using clean water to rinse afterward is imperative. Otherwise, the soap can leave streak marks. Furthermore, it can cause the epoxy to look hazy and as it leaves a film behind. This extra step causes soap not to be recommended as much as other alternatives. Although if rinsed properly, it does the job perfectly fine.
Degreasers are another option. Diluting them in the same way you would, as ammonia is critical for some cleaners, may sometimes be too harsh for the surface. Mixing one and a half cups with a gallon of hot water will produce the ideal ratio.
How Can I Make My Epoxy Floor Shine Again?
If your epoxy floors have lost their shine and look foggy, the first order of business is to ensure there isn’t any leftover residue on them. During your cleaning process, some cleaners might have been left over.
A light layer of residue might not be very noticeable, but the accumulation can make the epoxy look foggy over time. Therefore, the easiest way to make your floors shine again is to hose them down with just warm water. Ensure the water isn’t so hot that any splashes on your skin can cause harm or burning. Dry the floors afterward with a squeegee, a dry mop, or paper towels.
If rising, the floors didn’t work; some heavier interference might be necessary. Just as in every part of the house, the epoxy floors can get damaged in time. Some stains and cloudiness are too stubborn for you to get rid of on your own.
The best option is to seek out professionals for an expert opinion. Professionals will polish and shine your floors.
Conclusion
Epoxy is an excellent material for high-traffic places such as garages. It is durable and easy to maintain. It requires minimal products for cleaning, and doing so regularly will make your floors last for a long time. It is versatile and suitable to use in industrial and residential spaces. The straightforward answer to “How to clean epoxy garage floors?” makes this material even more desirable.
