5 Secret Ways To Maintain Epoxy Concrete Flooring

Dubbed resilient and tough, epoxy flooring is one of the most durable options available today. From seeing use in industrial garages to warehouses, this flooring material lends itself to a high shine with very basic maintenance necessary for proper upkeep.

In order to ensure the longevity of this flooring material, it's important to perform regular basic maintenance. Below are five secret ways that will ensure your epoxy concrete flooring looks fantastic for years to come!

1. Avoid letting dirt and dust collect on the surface.

Dirt and fine dust particles can mar the surface of epoxy flooring. For this reason, it is important to regularly use a shop vacuum to suction these fine contaminants. Letting dirt sit on top of the flooring will result in irreversible damage over time in the form of scratches or gouge marks. Always use the fine brush attachment on the vacuum cleaner to go over the affected areas, and especially look for debris before moving heavy machinery or other products.

2. Never use cleaning products that contain soap.

Any cleaning products that contain soap will eventually cause the clear epoxy coating to take on a hazy tint. Most importantly, due to the resilient nature of the flooring material, a soft mop and a bucket of clean water are sufficient to remove built up grime. For tougher spills, soft soap is an appropriate solution for removal.

3. Spot cleaning is oftentimes adequate.

Oftentimes, only a small area of the epoxy concrete flooring will remain affected by dust, debris or grime. It is important to address these minor issues right away and focus on these areas only. By vacuuming a certain area or simply water-mopping another, it prevents lasting damage that may show up on the flooring permanently. Additionally, epoxy flooring is also highly resistant to water, therefore, spills are easy to mop up.

4. Ammonia can help remove heavy epoxy soiling.

There are instances where a dirty epoxy floor requires more care than a preliminary vacuuming or mopping. The way to clean the floor is to remove all appliances, machinery, and products that are in the way. Next, work to remove the surface dirt and grime by either using a shop vacuum or a broom. For the remaining grit and embedded dirt, a hard foam mop is required. For the first round, simply use hot water and mop without a solution. The second time around, you will need a mixture of 2 ounces of ammonia per 1 gallon of water.

5. Chemical spills require immediate attention as they occur.

Oil, anti-freeze, and other car-related chemicals can quickly damage epoxy flooring if left unattended. For example, spilled oil needs immediate cleaning with shop towels to protect against lasting damage. It's important to gently wipe spills and never use anything harsh or damaging such as steel wool.

Epoxy coatings for industrial concrete flooring requires minimal effort on your part to keep clean. A good rule of thumb is to wipe up spills and mop up dirt the moment they are visible. Doing so will prevent lasting damage and ensure the high-luster of the flooring for years to come.