7 Simple Garage Floor Maintenance Tips

Investing in a professional concrete coating is a great way to enhance your home's durability and value. Whether you have a classic epoxy system or our high-performance polyaspartic coating, these surfaces are built for the heavy demands of a Central Ohio garage. 

However, even the toughest floors benefit from a consistent care routine. At Next Level Concrete Coatings, we want to ensure your investment remains as stunning and functional as the day we installed it. Here are our top seven tips for effective epoxy garage floor maintenance:



1. Establish a Regular Sweeping Routine

The most common threat to any floor coating is the accumulation of fine, abrasive particles like sand and grit. In Central Ohio, wind and traffic constantly track debris into the garage. These particles act like sandpaper under tires or shoes, gradually dulling the high-gloss finish. 

We recommend using a soft-bristled broom or a microfiber dust mop at least once a week. This simple habit removes grit before it causes micro-scratches. For larger garages, a leaf blower is also an effective tool for quickly clearing loose debris.

2. Perform a Weekly Damp Mop

While sweeping gets rid of loose dirt, a weekly damp mop removes finer residue that can make a floor look cloudy. A standard string mop or microfiber flat mop works perfectly. 

Use warm water mixed with a small amount of pH-neutral cleaner, such as mild dish soap. Avoid vinegar-based or citrus cleaners, as their acidity can eventually break down the coating's gloss. For a professional finish, use the "two-bucket" system to avoid spreading dirty water: have one bucket for soapy water and another for rinsing.



3. Tackle Spills Immediately

Whether it’s motor oil, gasoline, or antifreeze, our floors keep these fluids on the surface rather than allowing them to soak into the concrete. However, leaving chemicals on the floor for extended periods is never recommended. 

If you notice a spill, wipe it up promptly with a paper towel or soft cloth. For stubborn oily residues, a quick spray with a mild degreaser followed by a water rinse will suffice. Addressing spills early ensures no chemical has the chance to interact with the topcoat over time.

4. Manage Ohio's Winter Road Salt

Central Ohio winters bring a unique challenge: road salt and brine. When you pull your vehicle into the garage after a snowy drive, melting slush carries concentrated salt that leaves white, crusty deposits as it dries. While our coatings are highly salt-resistant, the salt itself is abrasive. 

During winter, rinse your floor more frequently with plain warm water to dissolve buildup. Placing heavy-duty floor mats under vehicles during peak winter months also helps contain salt and moisture, making cleanup even easier.

5. Use the Right Cleaning Tools

The tools you use are just as important as the cleaners. Avoid abrasive scrubbing pads, steel wool, or stiff-bristled brushes, as these can scratch the protective topcoat. While pressure washers are great for outdoor tasks, they’re generally unnecessary for an indoor coated floor. 

A soft microfiber mop is your best friend for epoxy garage floor maintenance. It’s gentle on the surface but highly effective at trapping dirt. For stubborn spots, use a soft nylon brush with extra cleaning solution to gently lift grime without damaging the finish.

6. Protect Against Heavy Impact and Heat

Extreme point loads and high heat can cause issues. If you’re performing welding or using a torch, always use a welding blanket to protect the floor from sparks.

If you have heavy equipment with sharp metal feet, place rubber pads underneath them to distribute weight. This prevents surface gouging when the equipment is moved.

7. Avoid Waxing and Buffing

A common misconception is that concrete coatings need waxing to maintain their shine. In reality, our polyaspartic and epoxy systems are engineered to be low-maintenance and never require waxing. Applying wax can actually make the floor harder to clean because dirt can become trapped in the wax. 

If your floor looks dull after years of use, it’s usually just a buildup of fine residue. A thorough cleaning with a high-quality, pH-neutral degreaser and a water rinse is almost always enough to restore its original luster.

Need Floor Coating Guidance or Installation? We’re Here for You

Next Level Concrete Coatings proudly provides Central Ohio with the highest quality flooring solutions. From our meticulous process to our range of residential concrete coatings, we support you long after installation. 



Whether you’re in Hilliard or New Albany, our team is always available to answer your maintenance questions. If you’d like to experience the beauty and ease of a professionally coated floor, contact us today for a free quote. Let us help you take your garage to the next level!