How To Keep Epoxy Floors Clean

Epoxy floors are renowned for their durability, sleek aesthetics, and low maintenance requirements, making them ideally suited for several business applications. However, proper cleaning is crucial to maintain their appearance and extend their lifespan.

Despite their robust nature, improper or infrequent cleaning can damage your epoxy resin floor coating. To help you maintain the look and feel of your epoxy floor, let’s dive into some guidelines for keeping them in pristine condition.

Understanding Epoxy Flooring and Cleaning Techniques

Epoxy resin floors are not only nice to look at but also practical for commercial flooring due to their resistance to mechanical abrasions and chemical exposure. However, the absence of regular cleaning regimens can lead to premature wear.

For instance, the use of inappropriate harsh chemicals can weaken the surface’s topcoat. Remember that it’s not just about cleaning the floor regularly but also about cleaning it right, which is why you should sweep up abrasive debris and avoid using tools that might leave nasty scratches in the shiny coating of your epoxy floors.

Here are some useful guidelines for keeping your epoxy floors looking spick and span:

Post-Installation Care

After your epoxy flooring has been installed, it is crucial to let it cure fully to maximise both its durability and aesthetic appeal. Here are key points to ensure proper curing:

Control Room Temperature: Maintain a stable temperature of around 20°C during the curing period. This helps in achieving proper adhesion and preventing inconsistencies in the epoxy resin floor coating.

Mechanical & Chemical Loading: For areas like commercial flooring or garages, the curing period can extend from 7 to 14 days, depending on the ambient temperature. During this time, it’s essential to avoid mechanical stress on the flooring.

Avoid using water or cleaning solutions on the new epoxy floor during the curing period. It’s best to consult with a professional epoxy installer to understand the specific curing times and recommended cleaning products that are appropriate for your floor.

Regular Cleaning Guidelines

Maintaining the cleanliness of your epoxy floor coatings is essential to preserve their signature shine whilst also extending their lifespan.

Here are effective ways to keep your floors clean:

• Daily Maintenance: Use a dust mop regularly to remove loose debris that could mark the surface. For small areas, a mop and bucket with a pH-neutral cleaner are sufficient.
• Handling Tough Stains: For larger areas or tougher stains like grease and oil, consider using an auto scrubber. This equipment can effectively remove spillages and scuff marks without damaging the floor.
• Grease and Oil Removal: If stubborn grease or oil stains can’t be shifted, mix a suitable cleaning product at a 1:1 ratio with warm water and then apply it to the dirty area. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrub with a non-abrasive pad to loosen the residue. For heavy stains, consider applying the cleaning product directly from the container.

When cleaning, avoid abrasive cleansers and hard-bristle brushes, as they can scratch and damage the surface. Also, steer clear of strong acid-based or undiluted alkali-based cleansers. Always use approved cleaners and mild scouring pads, avoiding any sharp tools that are likely to damage the surface.

Polishing Epoxy Floors

Polishing your epoxy floors is an excellent way to protect them from minor abrasions and enhance their appearance. Use polishes with UV resistance to prevent fading due to sunlight. Ensure each coat is applied evenly and allowed to dry thoroughly before applying the next.

In high-traffic areas, a non-skid finish can be applied during the polishing process to increase safety by lowering the danger of slips, falls, and accidents. Epoxy Flooring Finishes come in a variety of styles, including matte, gloss, and textured alternatives, allowing you to tailor the appearance and functioning of your floors to your individual requirements.

In areas that see a lot of foot fall, a non-skid finish can be applied during the polishing process to enhance safety by reducing the risk of slips, falls and potential injuries.

Handling Impact Damage and Scratches

Minor scratches and damage can escalate very quickly if they aren’t attended to quickly. For small dents or holes, an epoxy patch kit is an effective quick fix. It is important to sand the edges of the damaged area before applying the patch to ensure a strong bond.

For handling minor scratches:

• Clean the affected surface with an approved cleanser.
• Apply an approved polish or glaze coat to protect and enhance the appearance.
• Regularly repeat the coating application to build up the thickness, which enhances scratch resistance.

Should you encounter significant damage, enlisting the help of a professional for repairs is advisable to maintain the integrity and performance of your epoxy flooring.

Dealing with Chemical Spills

Chemical spills require immediate attention to preserve the aesthetics and functionality of your epoxy floors. When dealing with hazardous substances:

• Use protective gear and isolate the affected area to prevent further contamination.
• Apply absorbent pads or powders to neutralise the spill before proceeding with cleaning, which prevents the corrosive substances from penetrating the epoxy coating.
• Ensure the area is well-ventilated to reduce exposure to potentially harmful fumes.

Act swiftly to clean up after any spills. Be aware that some chemicals might cause minor colour changes to your epoxy flooring. Although these changes are typically superficial, they do not impact the overall performance of the floor coating.

Removing Rubber Tyre Marks

Rubber tyre marks on epoxy floors, particularly in industrial settings where forklifts are frequently used, can detract from the floor’s aesthetic appearance and reduce its reflective qualities, which are essential for energy saving. These marks, often left by forklift tyres made from universal rubber compounds, are more visible and problematic on light-reflective epoxy floors.

Implementing a cleaning and maintenance program is essential for managing tyre marks before they become ingrained and more difficult to remove. Here’s how to tackle existing marks:

• Regular Cleaning: Use a power scrubbing machine with the appropriate pad. Avoid black pads for cleaning marks from light-reflective surfaces; instead, use green scrubbing pads or blue buffing pads as they are less abrasive.
• Test Cleaning Solutions: Always test a small area with new cleaning solutions to ensure they do not damage the epoxy floor while removing tyre marks.
• Discourage Spinning: Spinning tyres can exacerbate the problem of black marks, especially on light-reflective floors. It is crucial to discourage practices that involve harsh movements or quick spins with heavy machinery.

Preventative Measures

If you take the time to put preventative measures in place, then you won’t need to make expensive and difficult repairs at a later stage. One such measure is to lay protective mats in busy areas and under heavy machinery to minimise surface wear. In addition, be sure to regularly inspect the flooring for early signs of cracks, which could indicate potential damage.

You should also provide guidance to employees and visitors on appropriate footwear and equipment usage, something which may significantly extend the lifespan of your epoxy resin floors while preserving their polished appearance.

Final Thoughts

Epoxy floors offer impressive durability and style, but only if maintained properly. Adhering to systematic and regimental cleaning practices ensures your epoxy resin floors retain their appearance while staying resilient against everyday wear and tear.

At Safecoat Flooring, we are committed to providing durable and aesthetically pleasing epoxy flooring services for Melbourne property owners. Whether you need a robust floor for your commercial floor space or a sleek finish for your industrial flooring, our team is here to ensure a flawless and long-lasting result. Trust us to enhance your spaces with resilience, style, and exceptional quality in every project.

For any doubts or specific product recommendations, consult your professional epoxy installer or supplier for guidance.