Epoxy garage floor coatings are a popular choice for homeowners thanks to their durability, aesthetic appeal, and resistance to chemicals and stains. However, even the most hardy surfaces require proper cleaning and maintenance to retain their pristine appearance and optimal function in the long term.
Whether you’re a car enthusiast who uses their garage as a showroom, a gardener with lots of muddy equipment, or DIY-er with a never-ending supply of messes, this helpful guide will tell you everything you need to know about cleaning and maintaining your epoxy garage floor coating, ensuring it stays in excellent condition for years to come.
The Importance of Proper Maintenance
Epoxy garage floor coatings are tough. They can withstand heavy traffic, chemical exposure, and impacts. However, despite their durability, they are not indestructible. Without proper care, they can stain, become dull, or receive scratches over time.
Your garage deserves to be more than a dirty, gross, and neglected space. Regular cleaning and maintenance will not only help you use your garage to its fullest potential, but it will also prolong the epoxy coating’s lifespan, help maintain its glossy appearance, prevent damage, and ensure a safe, non-slip surface.
Regular Cleaning Routine
Garages aren’t known to be especially clean places. Between your vehicles, muddy shoes, lawn care equipment, and DIY tools, your garage sees a lot of dirt and dust. While epoxy garage floor coatings are stain-resistant, it’s still a smart idea to clean up spills and major messes as soon as they occur. Use a paper towel or soft cloth to wipe the spill, then clean the area with a bit of water and some gentle detergent if necessary.
You should also sweep using a broom or dust mop about once a week to prevent dirt, debris, and dust from acting like sandpaper on your epoxy garage floor coating, dulling its finish over time. This is particularly essential in high-traffic areas where debris can accumulate quickly.
If you live in a dry, dusty climate, your garage will collect additional dust and sand during the summer, especially if you leave your garage door open for extended periods of time. Ensure you sweep more frequently during these months to keep your epoxy garage floor coating clean and functional.
You’ll also need to mop periodically to keep your floor looking shiny and clean. Use a soft mop, warm water, and a mild, non-abrasive cleaner to remove stuck-on messes. Avoid soap-based cleaners, as they can leave a slippery residue that increases the risk of falls. After mopping, use a squeegee to remove excess water from the floor to prevent unsightly water spots and ensure quick drying.
Periodic Deep Cleaning
Every once in a while, inspect your epoxy garage floor coating for chips, cracks, scratches, or dull areas. It’s important to address these issues promptly to prevent them from escalating. Minor scratches can often be buffed out with a soft cloth and a small amount of epoxy-safe polish.
If your garage sees heavy use, consider using a floor scrubber with a soft brush attachment to achieve a deeper clean. This method helps remove stubborn dirt and grime that may not come off with regular sweeping and mopping. Whatever machine you use, make sure it’s compatible with epoxy floors to avoid inadvertently damaging the coating.
Even the best-maintained epoxy garage floor coatings may need touch-ups every once in a while. Depending on the level of wear and tear, you may need a new topcoat or sealant to maintain the floor’s durability and appearance.
Additional Tips for Preventing Damage
As you work to keep your epoxy garage floor coating clean, avoid using abrasive cleaning tools such as steel wool, harsh scrub pads, or certain cleaning chemicals. Stick to soft, non-abrasive tools to keep the surface in top condition.
Consider placing a floor mat or carpet in high-traffic areas or where you park your vehicle to protect the epoxy from scratches and stains. In the winter, lay mats near entry points to catch salt and snow and prevent it from building up on the floor.
Additionally, avoid dragging heavy items across the floor, as this can scratch and damage the epoxy coating. Lift and carry objects whenever possible. If the object is too heavy to carry, you can place protective pads or blankets underneath to avoid scratching or gouging the surface.
Epoxy Garage Floor Coatings by Garage Solutions of Arizona
At Garage Solutions of Arizona, we are committed to providing only the highest quality epoxy garage floor coatings. Contact us today to take the first step toward achieving the garage of your dreams!