Epoxy Floor Aftercare Instructions: 

A professionally installed epoxy floor is built to handle real life—hot tires, foot traffic, spills, and daily wear. But like any premium surface, the right care routine keeps it looking “just installed” for years.

At DMV Epoxy Pro, we build our systems for durability with professional surface prep, an epoxy basecoat, and a protective topcoat. Not sure about proper epoxy floor aftercare? How to prevent epoxy floor scratches? This guide will cover how to clean your epoxy floor, exactly what to do (and what to avoid) after installation, plus simple weekly and seasonal cleaning routines for both flake and metallic epoxy floors.

Haven’t decided on which type of epoxy floor coating for your space.  See our article on flake vs metallic epoxy floor coatings for more info.

Interested detailed floor coating information for your specific space.   See our pages on home garage floor coatings, or a commercial floor coatings.

The First 24–72 Hours: What To Do Right After Installation

Let It Cure Before You Use It

Cure time varies by system and conditions (temperature/humidity), but here are safe guidelines:

• Foot traffic: typically 24 hours

• Light items: typically 48 hours

• Vehicles: typically 72 hours

• Full chemical resistance: can take up to 7 days

Your installer should confirm your exact timeline. When in doubt, wait longer—early use is the easiest way to scuff a fresh topcoat.

Keep It Clean While It Cures

During the first few days:

• Keep pets off the floor (their nails can mark a new surface)

• Avoid dragging boxes, ladders, tool chests, or furniture

• Don’t put down rugs or cardboard until fully cured (they can trap moisture)

Epoxy Floor Cleaning Tips (The Simple Way)

Step 1: Dry Dust Mop or Sweep

Dust acts like sandpaper over time. A quick dry pass prevents micro-scratches.

Best tools:

• Microfiber dust mop

• Soft push broom

• Shop vac with a soft floor attachment

Step 2: Mop With a Gentle Cleaner

Use warm water + a pH-neutral cleaner (or a small amount of mild dish soap).  We recommend Zep Neutral Floor Cleaner

Best practice mix:

• 1–2 gallons warm water

• A small amount of gentle, non-citrus cleaner

• Microfiber mop (not a string mop that leaves residue)

Step 3: Rinse If Needed

If you used soap or your floor feels “sticky,” do a quick rinse pass with clean water.

Spills & Stains: What To Do Immediately

Epoxy and polyaspartic topcoats resist stains—but fast cleanup keeps the shine perfect.

For everyday spills (water, soda, coffee)

• Wipe with a microfiber towel

• Mop with mild cleaner if needed

For oil, grease, or automotive fluids

• Blot first (don’t smear)

• Use a gentle degreaser diluted per label

• Rinse thoroughly with clean water

For road salt in winter

• Sweep first

• Mop with warm water

• Rinse to prevent a hazy film from salt residue

What NOT To Use (These Can Dull or Damage the Finish)

Avoid:

• Vinegar or acidic cleaners (can dull sheen over time)

• Citrus cleaners (can soften or haze some finishes)

• Bleach (harsh and unnecessary)

• Abrasive powders (Comet, BKF, etc.)

• Magic erasers for routine cleaning (they’re micro-abrasive)

• Wire brushes or rough scrub pads

If you need extra cleaning power, use a pH-neutral cleaner and a soft scrub pad.

How to Prevent Epoxy Floor Scratches and Scuffs

Use Pads and Wheels That Are Floor-Friendly

• Put felt or rubber pads under heavy items

• Use soft wheels on rolling tool chests (hard plastic wheels can scuff)

Don’t Drag Heavy Items

Lift instead of dragging:

• Tool cabinets

• Appliances

• Jack stands

• Benches

Add a Walk-Off Mat at Entry Points

Especially in winter or rainy seasons. Grit tracked in from outside is one of the biggest sources of dulling.

Use mats with a non-staining backing (avoid rubber-backed mats unless confirmed safe for coated floors).

Tire Marks, Hot Tires, and “Pickup” Concerns

Modern coatings are designed to resist hot tire pickup when installed correctly. To keep the finish crisp:

• Keep the floor clean (dust and grit increase scuffing)

• Avoid cheap tire shines that can leave residue

• If you see light tire marks: use warm water + mild cleaner and a microfiber mop

Aftercare for Flake Floors vs Metallic Floors

Flake Epoxy Floors

Flake systems are forgiving and hide dust well. Cleaning is straightforward:

• Dust mop weekly

• Mop as needed

• Rinse when dealing with salt or heavy grime

Metallic Epoxy Floors

Metallic floors are glossy and show dust sooner (like a nice car).

• Dust mop more frequently (quick passes)

• Use microfiber mops only

• Avoid harsh cleaners to protect the mirror-like finish

Deep Cleaning: Monthly / Seasonal Refresh

If your floor looks slightly dull, it’s usually residue—not damage.

Easy deep clean steps

1. Sweep/vacuum thoroughly

2. Mop with a pH-neutral cleaner (slightly stronger dilution)

3. Rinse with clean water

4. Dry with microfiber towels or let air dry

For larger garages, a soft-bristle floor scrubber is great—just avoid aggressive brushes.

Can You Wax or Polish an Epoxy Floor?

Most professionally topcoated epoxy floors do not need wax. Wax can:

• attract dirt

• create buildup

• change the look/traction

If you want extra gloss or protection, ask about a compatible maintenance coating designed for your topcoat type (epoxy/polyaspartic).

When to Call a Pro: Signs Your Floor Needs Service

Reach out if you notice:

• peeling or flaking edges

• recurring bubbles

• deep gouges

• haze that won’t clean off (could be chemical residue or abrasion)

In many cases, a light screening and re-topcoat can refresh the floor without starting over.

Keep Your Floor Looking New for Years

A great epoxy floor should be easy to live with. The biggest keys are:

• Keep grit off the surface

• Use gentle cleaners

• Clean salt and automotive fluids promptly

• Don’t drag heavy items

If you have questions about aftercare for your specific floor (flake vs metallic, garage vs basement), DMV Epoxy Pro is happy to help—just reach out and we’ll recommend the best cleaning approach for your finish.