How to Maintain and Clean Epoxy Resin Floors

Keep your epoxy floor performing at its best. Professional cleaning and maintenance advice for commercial, industrial, and residential applications.

Why Proper Maintenance Matters

Epoxy resin flooring is one of the most durable surfaces available, but even the best installation needs proper care to reach its full lifespan potential. The good news is that epoxy requires far less maintenance than alternatives like vinyl, timber, or polished concrete.

A well-maintained epoxy floor in an industrial or commercial setting can last 15-20 years looking almost as good as the day it was installed. Poor maintenance – particularly using the wrong cleaning products – can dull the finish and reduce lifespan by half.

Daily and Weekly Cleaning

For most commercial applications, daily dust mopping or sweeping removes loose dirt and prevents it being ground into the surface. Use a soft-bristled broom or microfibre dust mop – avoid stiff wire brushes that can scratch the finish.

Weekly wet mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner keeps the floor looking fresh. Dilute the cleaner according to manufacturer instructions – more isn't better and can leave residue. Use a clean mop with minimal water; epoxy is waterproof, but excess water wastes time drying and can be a slip hazard.

Cleaning Schedule by Environment

What Cleaners to Use (and Avoid)

pH-neutral cleaners specifically designed for epoxy or sealed floors are ideal. Brands like Ecolab, Diversey, and Jangro all offer suitable products. A simple solution of warm water with a small amount of ammonia (1:20 ratio) works well for general cleaning.

Hygienic surfaces for kitchens and food preparation areas require food-safe cleaners that don't leave residues. These environments also need more frequent cleaning to maintain hygiene certification.

Products to Avoid

Dealing with Spills and Stains

The key to stain prevention is prompt action. Epoxy is highly stain-resistant, but some substances can mark the surface if left for extended periods.

Oil and fuel spills (common in car parks and garages): Absorb immediately with sand or absorbent pads, then clean with a degreaser. Don't let petroleum products sit on the surface for days.

Chemical spills in industrial settings: Consult your coating's chemical resistance chart. Most epoxies resist common chemicals, but strong acids or solvents need immediate removal.

Rust stains from metal equipment: Use a rust remover specifically safe for epoxy (test in an inconspicuous area first).

Protecting Your Epoxy Floor

Prevention is easier than cure. Place walk-off mats at entrances to trap grit and moisture before it reaches the main floor area. Use protective pads under heavy equipment and furniture to prevent point loads from creating depressions.

High-traffic gym environments benefit from equipment mats under weights and machines. This prevents dropped weights from impacting the floor directly and reduces wear from constant foot traffic.

In warehouses and industrial areas, use pallet protectors when stacking. While epoxy handles forklift traffic well, dragging sharp metal across it will eventually cause wear.

Deep Cleaning and Restoration

Every 6-12 months, depending on traffic, conduct a deep clean with an automatic scrubber. This removes built-up grime and restores the floor's appearance. For very large areas, hiring industrial cleaning equipment makes sense.

If the floor starts looking dull despite regular cleaning, it may have residue buildup from incorrect cleaners. A thorough strip and clean with an appropriate product usually restores the gloss.

Floors in excellent condition can last decades, but understanding typical lifespans for different applications helps plan long-term maintenance. Our guide to epoxy floor lifespan explains what to expect and when recoating might be needed.

When to Consider Recoating

Most epoxy floors don't need recoating for 10-20 years, but high-traffic areas may show wear sooner. Signs you need recoating include: widespread dulling that won't restore with cleaning, visible wear patterns in traffic lanes, loss of slip resistance, or small areas of coating failure.

The advantage of epoxy is that recoating is straightforward. The existing floor is cleaned, lightly abraded, and a fresh topcoat applied. This costs far less than full replacement and can be completed in 1-2 days with minimal downtime.

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