Learning how to clean indoor epoxy floors effectively will help you maintain them for years to come. Epoxy floors are durable, shiny, and easy to maintain. Therefore, they are considered a popular choice for homeowners. For cleaning indoor epoxy floors, first of all, you have to sweep the floor. Then prepare the cleaning solution and mop the floor gently with it. At last, you should rinse and dry the floor thoroughly. If you’re still unsure about the right materials and tools, continue reading. In this guide, we will help you to understand how to maintain your epoxy floor. 

How to Clean Indoor Epoxy Floors Step-by-Step? 

If you want the epoxy floor to last for years to come, you have to regularly clean it. A systematic approach will help you to maintain the indoor epoxy floors. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean indoor epoxy floors.

1- Sweep the Floor Daily

The most important part of maintaining indoor epoxy floors is regular sweeping or dusting. Don’t ever think that the floor is already clean and doesn’t need further cleaning! Fine dust particles accumulating in corners or along baseboards can act like sandpaper, slowly wearing down the floor’s glossy finish.

You can easily use a microfiber dust mop for regular daily cleaning. This kind of mop traps dust without scratching the surface. 

2- Choose the Right Cleaning Solution

Using too harsh of a cleaning detergent to clean the epoxy floor is the biggest mistake people can make. Always choose a mild, PH-neutral cleaner for cleaning the epoxy floors, as these detergents are gentle on the epoxy coating and preserve its shine and durability. You can also find specific epoxy floor cleaners that are specially formulated for cleaning epoxy surfaces. 

3- Mop the Floor Gently 

Even when mopping, you shouldn’t scrub too hard. Scrubbing the mop too hard on the floor will lead to micro-abrasion on the epoxy surface. Remember to clean the floor in gentle, circular motions. There’s still dirt or a stain on the floor? Do not apply pressure to the mop, just let it glide over the stain a few more times. 

Remember to avoid using too much water when cleaning epoxy floors. Standing water can easily seep into cracks.  

4- Always Rinse the Floor 

Do not ever forget to rinse the floor after using a cleaner. You should make sure that there isn’t any soap or cleaner residue left on the floor. This way you keep the epoxy surface from becoming dull or slippery. Rinse the floor thoroughly and make the surface shine. 

5- Drying Is the Most Important Part

Last but not least, you need to dry the floor thoroughly after rinsing. While epoxy floors resist water, leaving excess moisture on the surface can lead to water spots. If the water has a high mineral content, the situation gets worse! For speeding up the drying process, you can use a clean dry cloth or a squeegee. If you live in a cool or humid environment, drying the floor is more important, as water tends to linger. 

Best Ways to Clean Stains and Spots on Indoor Epoxy Floors 

Even though epoxy floors resist stains, they still may get dirty. If you don’t clean epoxy floors properly, certain substances may leave marks on them. How to clean indoor epoxy floors properly? You have to address every stain and mark differently, otherwise, they won’t leave the surface easily. Here’s how to address common stains. 

1- Removing oil and Grease Spills 

If you choose epoxy floors for your garages and workshops, you may often encounter oil or grease spills. Remove and clean these kinds of stains as soon as possible, as prolonged exposure of these spills can break down the epoxy finish.  

Solution: First of all, soak up as much as oil with a paper towel before cleaning the floor with a mild degreaser. After cleaning, rinse the area thoroughly with water to avoid leaving behind any residue.  

2- Removing Rust Stains 

When metal objects like tools or furniture legs are left in contact with a damp epoxy floor, rust suddenly appears. Now, how to clean indoor epoxy floors and remove rust? Do as follows: 

Solution: Grab some baking soda and water, then mix them in a bowl. When these two turn into a paste, gently rub it over the stain with a soft sponge. Since baking soda is slightly abrasive, it will lift the rust without damaging the epoxy floor.

3- Removing Food and Beverage Stains 

If you have a child or elderly people around, you may often encounter food stains on the floor. Do not panic at all! Since sugary drinks and sauces can create sticky spots on the epoxy surface, you just need to do as follows to remove the stain. 

Solution: Choose a diluted PH-neutral cleaner and gently scrub the area. Always remember to rinse and dry the floor after cleaning. And the stain will fade away forever!

Invest in the Right Products/Materials and Tools for Cleaning 

How to clean indoor epoxy floors? You just need to gather all the rights materials, tools, and products. Before even starting to clean, make sure that you choose the right materials, as wrong materials can harm the epoxy floor. 

• Soft-bristle broom or microfiber mop: This kind of broom will help you to sweep away dirt and dust without scratching the surface. 
• Warm water: Always use warm water for cleaning the epoxy floor. Warm water will help to lift dirt and stains more easily. 
• Sponge: A sponge is a non-abrasive mop that will help you to clean the epoxy floor without scratching. 
• Squeegee: after rinsing and mopping the floor, use a squeegee to remove excess water.  

Forbidden Things to Put on Indoor Epoxy Floors 

Epoxy floors are highly durable, but they can still be damaged if exposed to the wrong substances. While cleaning the epoxy surface, avoid these things.

Why Is It Important to Maintain Epoxy Floors? 

Remember that well-maintained epoxy floors can last for decades with a shiny and clean look. Maintaining epoxy floors is crucial for several reasons. 

• If you maintain the epoxy floor properly, it can last up to 10-20 years. Without regular care, small scratches or damages could expose the underlying concrete, leading to quicker deterioration. 
• Clean the floor regularly and prevent it from being slippery, as dust and dirt can make the floor slippery and unsafe. 
• Generally, epoxy floors are non-porous. It means that they don’t absorb spills like traditional floors. However, if you don’t clean the surface properly, spills and grime can settle on the surface, leading to the growth of bacteria or mold in some areas.

Here’s a golden tip! Always test any new cleaner on a small area of the epoxy surface to make sure it doesn’t damage the epoxy. Then you can apply it all over the place. Learning how to clean indoor epoxy floors properly will help you to keep the epoxy last longer.

FAQ

Can I use vinegar to clean epoxy floors? 

No way! Vinegar is acidic and can damage the floor over time. 

 What is the best cleaner for epoxy floors? 

Ph-neutral cleaners, mild dish soap, or even specialized epoxy floor cleaners are the best cleaners for epoxy floors. 

Can we prevent epoxy floors from being slippery? 

Yes, you can clean the floors regularly to remove dirt, oil, and spills. You can also use non-slip coating if the surface becomes too slick over time. 

Can sunlight damage epoxy floors? 

Yes, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause discoloration or yellowing of epoxy floors over time. 

 What should i avoid when cleaning epoxy floors? 

Avoid using abrasive tools like steel wool or harsh cleaners like bleach and vinegar.