How do I maintain my epoxy floor?

A professionally installed epoxy floor is one of the lowest-maintenance flooring options available. With basic care, your epoxy coating will maintain its gloss and durability for 10 to 20 years. Here is what we recommend to Edmonton homeowners and business owners to keep their floors looking new.

Regular Cleaning Routine

Sweep or dust mop regularly. Sand, gravel, and small debris act like sandpaper underfoot and will dull the finish over time. In Edmonton, this is especially important during winter when boots track in road grit and salt. A quick sweep two to three times per week (daily in high-traffic commercial spaces) prevents surface scratching.

Mop with a mild cleaner. A solution of warm water and a few drops of dish soap or a dedicated floor cleaner works perfectly. Use a soft microfibre mop, not an abrasive scrub pad. For garage floors, a garden hose and squeegee make quick work of large areas.

What to Avoid

Certain cleaning products will damage your epoxy coating over time:

• Vinegar and citrus-based cleaners: The acid in these products breaks down the epoxy resin and dulls the surface gloss.
• Ammonia-based cleaners: These can cloud the finish and leave a hazy residue that builds up with repeated use.
• Steel wool or abrasive pads: These scratch the topcoat and create dull patches that are impossible to buff out without recoating.
• Harsh solvents: Paint thinner, acetone, and similar chemicals can soften the epoxy surface. Clean up any solvent spills immediately with a damp cloth.

Edmonton Winter Care

Road salt and calcium chloride are the biggest threats to garage epoxy floors in our climate. These de-icing chemicals can leave white residue and, over extended contact, can etch the surface. Rinse your garage floor promptly after snowmelt brings salt and brine in from your driveway. A quick hose-down once the temperature rises above freezing is all it takes. Place rubber mats at entry points to catch the worst of the salt and slush before it spreads across the floor.

Protecting Against Physical Damage

Use furniture pads or rubber feet under heavy items like tool chests, workbenches, and shelving units. Avoid dragging metal items, jacks, or heavy equipment directly across the surface. For commercial environments, auto-scrubbers with non-marking pads are safe to use on properly cured epoxy floors.

Annual Inspection

Once a year, inspect your floor for chips, cracks, or areas where the coating has worn thin. Small chips can be touched up before they spread. Catching damage early extends the life of your floor and avoids a full recoat. Contact iPaint for a free floor inspection if you notice any wear.