A Garage Floor So Clean You Can Eat Off Of It
To keep your Reno garage floor coating looking showroom fresh for years to come, you’ll want to maintain and clean the surface regularly to avoid stains and damage. While it isn’t difficult to give it a thorough cleaning, it does take some time to ensure you’ve gotten into all those tight corners. Here’s an overview on the best way to give the epoxy a good, bright shine and how to pick up any stains that may have been left.
The first step is to clear the area of any objects or moveable furniture (and of course the cars). Give the surface a good sweep with a stiff bristled brush to ensure you pick up any grit that may have been ground into the garage floor coating. Use a smaller brush to get into the corners and along the wall seams. If it’s been a while since you’ve last swept, you may also want to take a cloth to the surface to help remove any stuck on dirt.
After getting rid of as much surface grime as possible, it’s time to get out the cleaning products. While epoxy is durable, using the wrong chemicals can quickly weaken it. Mild is better which is why using vinegar and water mix, plain hot water, or a cleanser the manufacturer recommends is your best bet. Avoid anything acidic, abrasive, or extremely soapy. Using detergents will make the area extremely slippery which is difficult to rinse away completely without leaving a residual soap film of the top. This can be very hazardous and can cause slip and fall accidents.
For stubborn grease stains or other problem spots, use a tough degreaser according to the product instructions. Be careful, however, as some weaker epoxy formulations can be damaged if certain chemicals are left to sit for too long on them. Use a scrub brush to lift away anything sticky, but be careful that it isn’t too harsh or it can scratch the surface. A mop can also work well. Avoid scrapers or anything sharp.
Once all the dirt has been lifted, it’s time to give the garage floor coating a good rinse. This step is important for safety reasons. Leaving any residue behind will make the surface extremely slick. It is recommended to rinse the area with a hose or hot water at least twice. Be sure to get into the corners and along the sides.
For scratches or other imperfections, the area should be polished and glazed quickly to stop it from worsening. A clear glaze can be spread all over or else a polishing wax should be used to buff out any problems. These should be used regularly to help build up a thick layer of protection as well as increase the shine. It’s safe to polish or glaze once every few months. In addition to cleaning the area yourself, it is also recommended to occasionally hire a professional washer scrubber dryer machine or pressure hose if the grime is particularly caked on.
You may also want to consult your Reno floor coating contractor for specific instructions on your particular coating.
