You’ve finally installed sleek, new epoxy floors, and you love how clean and modern they look!
But over time, everyday life can take a toll on the surface. Kids running around, pets tracking in mud, or accidentally spilling drinks can make your floor look dull.
Thankfully, you can keep your epoxy floor in great condition with a few simple steps.
Sweep or vacuum the floor every few days, and mop once a week using a mild dish soap solution or a pH-neutral cleaner.
Read on for a complete, step-by-step guide on how to clean epoxy floors!
How Often to Clean | Before Cleaning | Routine Cleaning | Deep Cleaning | Removing Stains | Restoring Shine | Maintenance Tips
What Are Epoxy Floors?
An epoxy floor is made by combining epoxy resin and a hardener, which is then poured and spread over a concrete surface.
Once it cures, it forms an incredibly durable and water-resistant layer that bonds firmly to the concrete.
Beyond their strength, epoxy floors offer a highly customisable aesthetic.
There are glossy and matte finishes, which can come in solid colours, or speckled or marbled patterns.
Because epoxy floors are both tough and stylish, they’re popular for:
- High-traffic areas like hallways, living rooms, and kitchens
- Moisture-prone spaces such as laundry rooms and patios
- Heavy-use areas like garages and workshops
How Often to Clean Epoxy Floors
Regularly cleaning epoxy-painted floors will keep them looking pristine.
Aim to spot clean stains and spills immediately before they set.
Sweep or vacuum 1–2 times a week, or more often if the area gets heavy foot traffic.
Finally, mop the floor thoroughly at least once a week to remove dirt buildup and keep the surface spotless.
And if you don’t have a lot of time, you can always call in professional home cleaners to handle it for you!
What to Know Before Cleaning Epoxy Floors
Before you grab a broom or mop, it helps to know more about epoxy floors and how they might react to different cleaning products.
That’ll help you choose the right cleaning method for your floor!
Are epoxy floors easy to clean?
Yes, epoxy floors are generally low maintenance since they’re highly waterproof and resistant to stains!
And unlike surfaces that can be sensitive to too much moisture, you don’t need to worry about limiting moisture when cleaning.
The seamless, grout-free finish of epoxy floors also means there are fewer crevices where dirt can collect. Also, you won’t have to spend a lot of time scrubbing grout!
If your epoxy floor has a high-gloss finish, it’s a bit easier to clean because of the mirror-like surface. Just be mindful that it can show scratches more easily.
On the other hand, satin or matte finishes tend to hide scuffs better, but they need gentle care to preserve their appearance.
What’s the best thing to clean epoxy floors with?
Use non-abrasive tools to prevent scratches on the epoxy floor.
For routine cleaning, a microfibre dust mop is often the best choice for removing loose dust and debris, as it’s gentle yet thorough.
However, you can also use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment.
For deep cleaning, any type of mop can work, so long as it won’t damage the epoxy floor coating. A flat microfibre mop or a hard foam mop is a great choice.
Be sure to use a gentle cleaner for mopping, like a mild detergent solution or a pH-neutral product.
What should you not clean epoxy floors with?
Never use abrasive cleaners that can scratch or dent the epoxy floor surface, like rough scouring pads or steel wool.
You should also avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, as they can leave a hazy film that dulls the epoxy coating.
Moreover, do not use acidic products like vinegar or citrus-based cleaners, and strong solvents like acetone or paint stripper.
These can stain or erode the epoxy finish over time!
When in doubt, test your cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous spot first to confirm that it’s safe for your epoxy floor.
How to Clean Indoor Epoxy Floors
To clean your epoxy resin floor, begin by clearing the area, especially if you’re doing a deep clean.
Move furniture, rugs, and other objects out of the way so you can easily reach every part of the floor!
Routine cleaning for epoxy floors
For routine cleaning, focus on removing all loose dirt and debris.
This helps keep things tidy between your weekly deep cleans and prevents grit from scratching the epoxy floor surface, particularly on glossy finishes.
Ideally, use a microfibre dust mop for a more thorough cleaning.
Make sure the mop head is clean, then glide it over the floor. Start from one edge of the room and work your way to the other end.
When the mop gets filthy, shake out the dirt over a trash bin before continuing over the rest of the floor.
If you’re sweeping, start from one corner of the room and sweep towards an exit or a single collection point. Gather the debris with a dustpan.
A vacuum cleaner can also work, but use the soft brush attachment to avoid scratches on the epoxy surface!
Deep cleaning epoxy floors
After removing all loose dust and debris from your epoxy floor, mop the surface to lift stuck-on grime and clear any remaining dirt!
Fill a bucket with warm water, and mix a few drops of mild detergent or dish soap.
You can also use a pH-neutral epoxy floor cleaner, following the instructions on the label.
Dip your mop into the soapy water, then squeeze out the excess moisture so the mop is just damp, not dripping!
Mop the epoxy floor in a single direction, starting from one edge of the room and working your way to the other end.
Pay extra attention to corners and areas with stubborn or greasy buildup (especially if you’re cleaning an epoxy kitchen floor).
Now and then, check your mop to see if it’s getting dirty.
If it is, rinse it first before dipping it again into your cleaning solution. Then, continue mopping the rest of the floor.
When you’re done, remove any soapy residue with a mop dampened with plain water.
Dry the entire floor thoroughly with a soft cloth or dry mop to prevent water marks and streaks.
Removing Stains From Epoxy Floors
When cleaning stains on epoxy floors, it’s important to act quickly! Letting the marks sit can make them more stubborn.
Pick up any solid debris, and blot up spills with a paper towel or an absorbent cloth. Then, use a mild dish soap solution to remove lingering stains.
If that doesn’t work, try any of these spot-cleaning methods below.
Option 1. Specialised pH-neutral floor cleaner
A specialised pH-neutral cleaner designed for epoxy floors is one of the safest ways to remove tough stains.
You can also find products designed for specific marks like grease, rust, or tyre scuffs.
Always read and follow the product instructions carefully for the best results.
Option 2. Baking soda
Baking soda can lift organic stains and light rust stains on epoxy floors.
Mix baking soda with water to make a thin paste, and apply it onto the stain using a soft, damp sponge.
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then scrub gently in circular motions to avoid scuffing the floor.
When you’re done, rinse off all residue with a damp cloth.
Option 3. Hydrogen peroxide
A diluted 3% hydrogen peroxide solution is safe for epoxy floors. It can help lift stubborn stains, such as those from coffee, wine, or grease.
Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide and 2 parts water. Apply the mixture onto the stain, and leave it for a few minutes.
Gently rub the stain with a soft-bristle brush or rag until it lifts. Rinse the area thoroughly with a damp cloth, and wipe the floor dry.
Option 4. Rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol can help remove tough stains like ink, permanent marker, and scuff marks on epoxy floors.
Just dampen a microfibre cloth or cotton pad with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Gently blot the stain — don’t wipe, since that can spread it!
Keep dabbing the stain until it lifts, then wipe the area with a damp cloth to rinse.
How to Get Your Epoxy Floor Shiny Again
Your epoxy floor can start to look cloudy due to residue buildup on the surface.
This can happen if the wrong cleaners are used or the surface isn’t rinsed well after mopping.
To restore a dull epoxy floor, use a pH-neutral floor cleaner according to the directions on the label.
Check if the product needs rinsing, then dry the floor thoroughly once you’re done.
If the surface still looks hazy, there might be light scratches causing the dullness.
In that case, try using a specialised epoxy floor polish, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
And if the shine still doesn’t return, it might be time to call in a professional for proper restoration!
Epoxy Floor Maintenance Tips to Remember
A few simple steps can help reduce wear and help your epoxy floor look great for years.
Heavy furniture can leave dents or scratches, so use protective pads under the legs.
If you have to move objects, lifting them instead of dragging them can help protect the floor.
Also, be careful with pointy and sharp objects. Avoid placing or dropping these on the floor.
It also helps to place rugs or mats near entrances to trap dust and grit.
Finally, don’t forget to clean your skirting boards regularly to prevent dust and debris from landing on your floor.
FAQs About Epoxy Floor Care
Want to know more about how to clean and maintain your epoxy floor? Read these Q&As to learn more ways to keep your floor spotless!
Should you clean epoxy floors with warm or hot water?
For regular cleaning, it’s best to clean epoxy floors with warm water (around 40°C), not hot!
Warm water loosens dirt and grime without damaging the epoxy floor’s protective coating.
Do not use hot or boiling water on the whole floor, as it can soften the epoxy resin over time. Reserve hot water for small, tough spots only!
Can you use Dawn on epoxy floors?
Yes! You can safely use Dawn dish soap on epoxy floors. It gently cleans dirt and grease without damaging the smooth surface.
Be sure to dilute the dish soap first. Mix a few drops with warm water, mop the floor, and rinse with a damp mop or rag.
Dry the floor thoroughly afterwards!
Can you use ammonia to clean epoxy floors?
A very diluted ammonia solution (½ cup of clear ammonia mixed with 4L of water) can be safe for epoxy floors. It works well on tough grease stains!
However, ammonia is generally not recommended for household use, especially indoors, because the fumes can be strong and irritating.
If you do use it indoors, stick to spot cleaning stains only. Make sure to wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself, and ensure that the area is well-ventilated.
Don’t forget to rinse the surface thoroughly afterwards.
Can you use WD-40 to clean epoxy floors?
You can use WD-40 to spot clean stains, like sticky residue or scuff marks, on epoxy floors.
Simply spray a tiny amount of WD-40 onto a soft cloth, then rub the stain lightly until it lifts.
Rinse afterwards with a cloth dipped in soapy water, then go over the area again with a damp cloth.
Do not use WD-40 to clean a large section of the floor! Since this product is oil-based, it’ll make the floor slippery, which can lead to accidents.
It might also attract dust and make your epoxy floor look hazy.
How to clean epoxy-painted garage floors?
Garages tend to see a lot of stains, from oil drips to tyre marks. That means you need to clean epoxy garage floors more often.
Spot clean spills and stains on your epoxy floor immediately to avoid permanent stains or damage.
Sweep or vacuum regularly to keep the floor free of grit and debris that can cause scratches.
If your epoxy floor is heavily soiled, gently scrub the surface with a soft deck brush and a mild detergent solution.
Once the stains are gone, rinse the floor with clean water, then mop the surface dry.
