Easy Maintenance Tips for Your New Epoxy Floors

Epoxy floors are known for their strength, durability, and sleek appearance. They’re designed to withstand everything from daily foot traffic to heavy machinery, making them a popular choice for garages, workshops, basements, and commercial spaces. While epoxy coatings are low-maintenance compared to other flooring options, they still benefit from regular care. A simple, consistent maintenance routine helps preserve their shine and prevents premature wear.

The following tips make it easy to keep epoxy floors clean, safe, and looking great for years.

Sweep or Dust Mop Regularly

Even though epoxy floors resist scratches better than many surfaces, loose dirt, grit, and debris can still cause micro-abrasions over time. A soft-bristle broom or microfiber dust mop works well for daily cleaning. For larger commercial spaces, a mechanical sweeper with soft wheels helps remove buildup efficiently without damaging the floor.

Clean Spills Right Away

Epoxy is non-porous, which means liquids sit on the surface rather than soaking in. However, allowing chemicals, oils, or other fluids to remain for too long can dull the finish or leave stains. Wipe up spills immediately using a clean cloth or paper towel. For tougher messes like grease or adhesives, warm water and a mild cleaner can safely remove residue without harming the coating.

Mop Weekly with Gentle Cleaners

A weekly mop using warm water and a pH-neutral floor cleaner removes stuck-on dirt, tire marks, and footprints. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, vinegar, citrus, or ammonia-based cleaners, which can break down the protective top layer over time. A soft microfiber mop works best and avoids scratching the floor during cleaning.

Use Entry Mats and Floor Protectors

Strategic use of mats and runners can dramatically reduce dirt and moisture tracked onto epoxy floors. Place mats at entrances, beneath workbenches, and under parked vehicles to catch debris and fluids before they spread. In commercial environments, floor protectors reduce wear in high-traffic walkways and extend the life of the coating.

Avoid Abrasive Tools

When scrubbing or cleaning, it’s important to use non-abrasive materials. Tools like steel wool, stiff brushes, or scouring pads can scratch the epoxy surface. Instead, opt for soft scrub brushes or sponges when a deeper clean is needed. Gentle circular motion and proper cleaning agents remove grime without damaging the finish.

Install Furniture and Equipment Pads

Heavy items like toolboxes, shelving units, and workbenches can leave permanent marks or indentations if placed directly on epoxy floors. Use rubber or felt pads under the legs of furniture or machinery to protect the surface. When moving items across the floor, lift instead of dragging to avoid scuffs or gouges.

Use Non-marking Tires and Casters

In garages and warehouses, forklifts, carts, or rolling chairs often leave black streaks from hard rubber wheels. Whenever possible, use non-marking tires or polyurethane casters that won’t scuff or discolor the flooring. For garages, cleaning tire marks regularly with diluted ammonia and warm water helps maintain a clean finish.

Rinse Outdoor Debris Before Entering

In regions with mud, sand, or snow, it's easy to track outdoor grime inside. Rinsing shoes, tools, or equipment before bringing them onto epoxy floors helps avoid buildup and grit. This small habit reduces long-term wear and makes routine cleaning much easier.

At Deschutes Concrete Coatings, we provide not only industry-leading floor systems, but also the knowledge to help customers care for them the right way. Contact us today for expert advice, maintenance tips, or to schedule your next flooring project.