How to Clean Epoxy Floors: Tips, Tricks, and Best Practices

May 1, 2025

Epoxy floors have become increasingly popular in commercial, industrial, and even residential settings for their durability, sleek appearance, and resistance to chemicals, stains, and abrasions. However, like any flooring material, epoxy needs regular cleaning and maintenance to preserve its performance and appearance.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to clean epoxy floors properly. Whether you’re a facilities manager, janitorial professional, or looking to maintain your garage or workshop floor, this will help you ensure your epoxy floor stays clean, long-lasting, and safe for use.

How to Clean Epoxy Floors

Before you start cleaning, gather the appropriate supplies:

Materials Needed:

Bucket with mop wringer
Bucket for rinse water
Epoxy-specific floor cleaner or pH-neutral floor cleaner
Warm water
Ammonia solution (2-3 oz per gallon of water)
Acetone (for tougher stains—use sparingly)

Tools Needed:

Soft-bristle broom or dust mop
Microfiber mop or flat mop
Red or white floor pad
Floor squeegee

Equipment Needed:

Auto scrubber (for large areas)
Wet/dry vacuum
Air Mover

Ensure Safety First

Always begin any cleaning or maintenance procedure by putting on the necessary personal protective equipment. For cleaning epoxy floors, safety goggles, disposable gloves, long-sleeved clothing, and closed-toe shoes should be worn to protect yourself.

4 Steps to Clean Epoxy Floors

Now let’s dive into the steps you need to follow to clean epoxy floors:

Step 1: Remove Dry Dust and Debris

Step 2: Choose the Right Chemical

Step 3: Mop or Scrub the Floor

Step 4: Rinse and Dry the Floor

Step 1: Remove Dry Dust and Debris

Start by using a soft-bristle push broom or microfiber dust mop to remove loose dirt, dust, sand, and debris from the floor’s surface. This is especially important in entryways and high-traffic zones as these will accumulate dust and debris more quickly.

Keeping the area clear of dirt and dust particles will minimize scratching of the floor coating and prevent dirt from being spread.

Step 2: Choose the Right Chemical

Let’s go over which cleaners are safe to use and which ones you should steer clear of:

Recommended Cleaners for Epoxy Floors

Warm or hot water – Ideal for day-to-day maintenance, warm water lifts dirt without leaving behind streaks or residue.
Diluted window cleaner or ammonia – When mixed properly with water (typically 2–3 ounces per gallon), ammonia-based solutions are excellent for cutting through grease and grime while being gentle on the epoxy coating.
Epoxy-specific floor cleaners – There are a variety of commercial cleaners formulated specifically for epoxy surfaces, many of which are pre-diluted and ready to use.
Acetone – A small amount can be used for tougher stains—again, use sparingly.

Avoid These Cleaners on Epoxy Floors

Vinegar and citrus-based products – These are too acidic and can gradually wear away the floor’s glossy finish.
Harsh chemicals – Harsh chemicals like bleach or undiluted ammonia can break down the epoxy layer over time, leading to discoloration and surface damage.
Soap-based cleaners – Soaps tend to leave behind a film that dulls the surface and can make the floor dangerously slippery when wet.

While it might seem like a good idea to use strong chemicals to tackle tough stains or streaks, doing so can actually damage the floor’s finish. Harsh cleaners may degrade the protective coating, reducing both the durability and overall performance of your epoxy floor.

The goal is to use a cleaner that effectively removes dirt and grime without compromising the integrity of the surface.

Regardless of the product you choose, avoid letting the solution sit on the floor for too long—no more than a few minutes is best in most cases.

Spot Cleaning Epoxy Floors

If you are spot cleaning, we reccommend the following.

For grease or oil spills, use a degreaser safe for epoxy.

For tougher stains, use a diluted ammonia solution or, in extreme cases, a dab of acetone.

Again, avoid using abrasive scrubbing pads that can scratch the surface.

Pro Tip: Never use steel wool, scouring pads, or harsh solvents like paint thinner to spot clean epoxy floors. They will damage the surface.

Step 3: Mop or Scrub the Floor

Depending on the size and layout of your facility, it may make sense to choose a microfiber or flat mop or an automatic floor scrubber to clean your epoxy floor.

In general, choose an automatic floor scrubber for large, open spaces for a more efficient and cost-effective cleaning process.

For smaller spaces, or even large ones with many obstacles, a mop will likely be the way to go.

Mopping Epoxy Floors

To mop your epoxy floor, submerge your microfiber or flat mop into your cleaning solution bucket and wring out the excess water with the mop wringer. Then, apply it to the floor, mopping in smooth, even motion and working in sections.

Avoid over-wetting the floor. Over-wetting epoxy floors can lead to moisture-related problems like delamination, weakened adhesive bonds, and a dull finish.

Pro Tip: Delamination is the separation of layers in a material that is made up of multiple layers, like epoxy. This can happen for several reasons, including moisture, temperature changes, or stress.

Scrubbing Epoxy Floors

For scrubbing epoxy floors, a red floor pad is generally recommended for daily cleaning and light scrubbing.

White floor pads can also be used for polishing and very light cleaning, especially on recently finished epoxy.

Never use an abrasive floor pad, typically those darker in color like black, to clean epoxy floors. They will damage the surface.

Before you begin scrubbing, adjust the controls on your autoscrubber. Check that you are running at slower speed, a moderate amount of water flow, and a higher vacuum setting for cleaning epoxy floors. This will optimize the amount of solution that is released onto the floor, and allow it all to be sucked back up in one pass.

Start by cleaning along the wall and move in a counter-clockwise direction, making consistent, overlapping passes toward the center of the area. Since the scrub deck extends on the right side, this pattern ensures thorough cleaning along the edges.

As you operate the scrubber, make slow, wide left turns so the squeegee can effectively recover the cleaning solution, leaving the floor dry and free of streaks.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry the Floor

If you mopped your floor, rinse the floor with clean water to remove any remaining detergent residue.

Dry the floor with an air mover or use a wet/dry vac and floor squeegee if needed to remove excess water.

A floor scrubber will take care of this step automatically as it passes over during the scrubbing process.

Quick Tips for Maintaining Epoxy Floors

Use Floor Mats: Place mats at entrances to trap dirt, sand, and moisture.

Wipe Up Spills Immediately: Especially in garages or warehouses, spills can cause slips and stains if left untreated.
Avoid Abrasives: No steel wool, harsh chemicals, or aggressive floor pads.
Use Felt Pads on Furniture and Equipment: Prevent scuff marks from rolling carts or heavy machinery.
Protect Against UV: If your epoxy floor is exposed to sunlight, consider adding a UV-resistant topcoat to prevent yellowing.
Check Manufacturer Guidelines: Always follow the cleaning recommendations specific to your epoxy floor system.
Inspect Frequently: Watch for cracks, dullness, or areas where the coating might be wearing thin. These are signs it may be time for recoating.

Frequency of Cleaning Epoxy Floors

How often you need to clean your epoxy floors depends on the environment and usage. Establish a cleaning schedule based on your site’s traffic, type of use, and environmental exposure:

SETTING	SWEEPING	MOPPING / SCRUBBING	SPOT CLEANING
Commercial Facility	Daily	2-3 times / week	As needed
Industrial Setting	Daily	Daily	As needed
Healthcare Facility	Daily	Daily	As needed
Garage / Workshop	Multiple times / day	Daily	As needed
Foodservice / Kitchen	Multiple times / day	Daily	As needed

When to Recoat or Reseal Epoxy Floors

Even with proper cleaning, epoxy floors don’t last forever. Depending on foot traffic, UV exposure, and chemical use, your floor may need to be recoated every 5–10 years.

Look for these signs to know when it’s time to recoat:

Surface dullness or discoloration
Cracking, peeling, or bubbling
Stains that no longer come out
Loss of slip-resistance

Why Cleaning Epoxy Floors Is Important

Safety: Dust, oil, and spills on epoxy floors can reduce traction, increasing the risk of slips and falls. Regular cleaning helps maintain a safe walking and working surface.
Appearance: One of the major appeals of epoxy floors is their glossy, seamless look. Dirt and grime can dull the finish over time, especially in high-traffic areas.
Durability: Debris, sand, and other abrasive particles can wear down the epoxy coating if not removed regularly. Routine maintenance extends the life of the floor.
Hygiene: In settings like hospitals, commercial kitchens, or food processing areas, epoxy floors must be sanitized regularly to prevent contamination.

Final Thoughts

Epoxy floors are an excellent investment, offering unmatched durability and a sleek, professional look. But even the toughest floors need proper care to perform their best.

Whether you’re mopping a small space or using an auto scrubber for large areas, it’s important to follow proper cleaning techniques, rinse thoroughly, and dry the floor to avoid streaks or water damage.

Spot cleaning should be done promptly using gentle, non-abrasive methods, and regular inspections will help identify when it’s time to recoat.

With the right tools, a cleaning schedule, and a little attention to detail, maintaining an epoxy floor can be straightforward and cost-effective.

Whether you’re responsible for a warehouse, kitchen, showroom, or garage, following the steps laid out in this guide will give you the step-by-step plan you need to keep your epoxy floors clean, safe, and beautiful for years to come.

If you are located in the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico, there is an Imperial Dade facility near you with experts that can help you select the right product and enforce the right processes. Make the epoxy floors in your facility last by reaching out to an Imperial Dade expert today.