How to Maintain Your Resin Floors for Longevity

Resin floors are popular because of their durability, versatility, and modern look. Whether used in commercial, industrial, or residential settings, they offer an attractive, low-maintenance flooring option that can handle high foot traffic and take a beating. However, to extend their lifespan and keep them looking as good as the day they were installed, it’s important that you understand how to adequately care for and maintain them. This article will provide comprehensive resin floor maintenance tips to help you care for your resin floors and extend their lifespan.

1. Understanding the Nature of Resin Floors

Before delving into the specifics of care for resin floors, it’s important to understand what makes these floors unique. Resin floors are made from synthetic materials, usually epoxy, polyurethane, or a combination of these, which are poured onto a surface to create a seamless, smooth finish. Once cured, they provide a hard, durable surface that resists stains, chemicals, and abrasions.

Because of their durability, resin floors are frequently used in industrial settings like factories, warehouses, and production areas, but they have become increasingly popular in homes due to their sleek appearance and easy maintenance.

2. Routine Cleaning is Key

The foundation of resin floor maintenance is regular cleaning. While resin floors are generally resistant to spills, dirt, and other contaminants, neglecting basic cleaning can cause dust and debris to accumulate, which may cause the surface to lose its luster.

Here are some essential resin flooring tips for routine cleaning:

• Daily Sweeping: Remove loose dirt and dust with a soft-bristle broom or a microfiber dust mop. Stiff brushes or rough cleaning tools may lightly scratch the surface of the topcoat and should be used with caution.
• Vacuuming: If sweeping isn’t enough to remove debris from crevices, vacuum the floor using brush attachments to avoid damaging the surface.
• Mopping: Regularly mop your resin floor with warm water and a mild, pH-neutral detergent. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, as they can break down the resin over time, leading to discoloration or weakening of the floor’s protective coating.

By incorporating these simple cleaning practices into your routine, you’ll keep your resin floors looking fresh and minimize the risk of long-term damage.

3. Protect the Surface from Scratches and Abrasions

Although resin floors are designed to resist heavy impacts and wear, they are not completely immune to scratches or abrasions. Preventing surface damage is a crucial part of resin floor maintenance. Here are some practical ways to protect your resin floors:

• Use Felt Pads: Attach felt pads to the bottoms of the object’s legs to avoid scratching the floor. Especially when moving tables, chairs, or other items.
• Avoid Dragging Heavy Objects: When moving heavy items, such as pallets or machinery, avoid dragging them across the resin floor. Instead, use a dolly, hi-lo or lifting equipment to avoid scratches. Dragging pallets with loose nails is one of the leading causes of damage to epoxy flooring. 
• Place Mats in High-Traffic Areas: High-traffic areas like entrances, hallways, or workstations can experience more wear and tear. Use floor mats or area rugs to minimize surface wear and reduce the amount of dirt and debris tracked onto the floor.

Taking these preventative measures will help to maintain the integrity of your resin floor and ensure that it stays free from unsightly marks or scratches.

4. Address Spills and Stains Promptly

One of the key advantages of resin floors is their resistance to spills, chemicals, and stains. However, this doesn’t mean that spills should be ignored. Promptly cleaning up any liquids or chemicals that land on the surface will help you preserve the quality of the floor and prevent long-term staining.

To effectively care for resin floors when dealing with spills:

• Blot Spills, Don’t Rub: Use soft rag to blot the spill and absorb excess liquid without spreading it further.
• Use a Mild Cleaner for Stubborn Stains: If a spill has left behind a stain, use a microfiber cloth or soft sponge and a mild cleaning solution. Avoid abrasive scrubbers, as they could damage the resin surface.
• Clean Chemical Spills Immediately: In industrial or commercial environments, it’s common to encounter chemical spills. Even though resin floors are resistant to chemicals, it’s best to clean up these substances immediately to prevent any potential degradation of the floor’s protective coating. This type of damage can lead to loss of gloss or degradation.

By addressing spills and stains quickly, you can maintain the pristine appearance of your resin floors.

5. Periodic Deep Cleaning

While routine cleaning is important, resin floors also benefit from occasional deep cleaning. This step in resin floor maintenance helps to remove any ingrained dirt or grime that may have built up over time.

• Use a Neutral pH Floor Cleaner: Select a neutral pH cleaner specifically formulated for resin floors. Avoid using acidic or alkaline cleaners, as they can strip away the protective coating and compromise the floor’s surface.
• Auto Scrubbers for Large Areas: For larger spaces like warehouses or commercial facilities, an auto scrubber can be highly effective. These machines clean thoroughly without causing damage, leaving the floor spotless.
• Steam Cleaning: In areas with persistent grime or heavy foot traffic, steam cleaning can be a powerful method for a deep clean. It’s important to note that the temperature settings should be adjusted to avoid exposing the resin floor to excessive heat, which could warp or weaken the surface.

Deep cleaning should be carried out periodically—perhaps every few months or depending on the usage level of the floor. This will keep the surface looking polished and ensure that dirt or debris doesn’t become embedded in the resin.

6. Reapplying Sealant or Coating

Resin floors are typically sealed with a high-traffic urethane topcoat that enhances their durability and resistance to wear. Over time, this topcoat may wear down, particularly in high-traffic areas.  It’s an option to reapply the topcoat by prepping the surface properly, and applying additional layers of polyurethane or polyaspartic.

• Frequency of Reapplication: Depending on the level of foot traffic and wear, resin floors may need to be freshened up every few years. Regularly inspect the surface for any signs of dullness, fading, or wear.
• Hire a Professional: While it’s possible to apply a new topcoat yourself, it’s recommended to hire a professional to guarantee proper adhesion and a smooth finish.

By maintaining the protective coating, you’ll extend the lifespan of your resin floors and preserve their glossy appearance.

7. Preventative Maintenance Measures

On top of regular cleaning, taking preventative measures can help ensure that you avoid causing unnecessary damage to your resin floors. Here are some resin flooring tips to consider:

• Keep Entryways Clean: Placing doormats at entrances helps prevent shoes from tracking in dirt and debris onto the resin floor, necessitating more frequent cleanings.
• Control Humidity Levels: In areas with high moisture or humidity, using dehumidifiers can prevent the buildup of moisture on the resin floor, reducing the risk of warping or damage.

Contact MSC Floors for All Your Resin Flooring Needs

Maintaining your resin floors doesn’t have to be difficult, but it’s crucial for extending their lifespan and preserving their aesthetic appeal. By implementing regular cleaning routines, addressing minor damage promptly, and reapplying protective coatings as needed, you’ll ensure your resin floors remain in top condition for years to come. At MSC Floors, we’ve spent over 20 years providing expert flooring solutions across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and beyond, and our team is ready to assist with all your resin flooring needs. Contact us today to learn how we can help you protect your investment and keep your floors looking their best.