How to Clean Garage Floor Coatings?

How to Clean Garage Floor Coatings: Epoxy & Polyaspartic Made Easy

Garage floor coatings like epoxy and polyaspartic are designed to be tough, long-lasting, and low-maintenance—but that doesn't mean they're maintenance-free. If you've invested in a professionally coated garage floor, keeping it clean preserves its good looks and helps extend its life. Fortunately, cleaning epoxy and polyaspartic garage floors is simple if you follow a few best practices.

Let's discuss how to clean and care for your coated garage floor so it stays looking sharp for years to come.

Start With a Simple Sweep

Dust, sand, and debris can act like sandpaper underfoot or under your tires. The first step to maintaining your garage floor coating is regular sweeping. A soft-bristle broom or dust mop works well for dry debris. For larger garages or shop floors, a wide microfiber mop can save time and do the job just as effectively.

Try to sweep at least once a week—more often if you work in your garage or live in a dusty climate.

Spot Cleaning: Fast and Effective

Spills happen. Whether oil, coolant, or even paint, the sooner you clean it up, the better. One of the key benefits of epoxy and polyaspartic coatings is their chemical resistance, but letting corrosive substances sit for extended periods can still stain or dull the surface.

For spot cleaning:

• Use a soft cloth or paper towel to absorb the spill.
• Apply a gentle cleaner or degreaser mixed with warm water.
• Wipe the area clean and rinse with water.
• Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or citrus-based cleaners—they can break down the coating's top layer.

Deep Cleaning Your Garage Floor Coating

Give your garage floor a deeper clean every few months. You don't need heavy equipment or industrial-strength chemicals—just a bucket, a mop, and a pH-neutral cleaner.

Here's a quick routine:

1. Sweep the entire floor thoroughly.
2. Mix a pH-neutral cleaner with warm water.
3. Mop the floor, working in sections and avoiding puddles.
4. Rinse with clean water to remove any cleaner residue.
5. Let it air dry or use a dry mop to speed things up.

Tip: Use a low-pressure setting and a wide fan tip if you have a pressure washer. Keep the nozzle at least 12–18 inches from the surface to avoid damaging the coating.

Preventive Maintenance Goes a Long Way

Taking small steps to prevent messes will make cleaning easier in the long run:

• Place mats at entry points to trap dirt and moisture.
• Use drip pans under vehicles if you have persistent leaks.
• Install rubber pads under heavy equipment to prevent scratches.

If your garage doubles as a workspace, consider using runners or protective mats in high-traffic areas.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Coated Floors

While epoxy and polyaspartic coatings are incredibly durable, some cleaning habits can do more harm than good:

• Don't use steel wool or abrasive scrubbers. These can scratch the finish.
• Skip bleach, vinegar, or ammonia. They're too harsh and can cause discolouration over time.
• Avoid steam mops. High heat and moisture can degrade the coating if overused.

Stick to mild, non-abrasive products, and you'll have a great floor that lasts longer.

Final Thoughts

Whether your garage is coated in epoxy or polyaspartic, maintaining it doesn't have to be complicated. With a regular cleaning routine and a few smart habits, your floor will continue to shine—and perform—for many years.

At GNU Garage, we install high-performance coatings built to handle real life. If you have questions about how to care for your garage floor or you're ready for a new one, contact our team today. We're here to help you protect your investment.