MAINTAIN YOUR GARAGE FLOOR IN THE WINTER
MAINTAIN YOUR GARAGE FLOOR IN THE WINTER
Winter is here and that means snow and ice. That also means chemicals like magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, and calcium chloride (a.k.a. salts) will be on the roads and sidewalks and likely transferred into your garage via vehicles and shoes.
Since Treadwell’s epoxy flooring & polished concrete systems are made to withstand these substances, there really isn’t a need to worry, but it is always best practice to keep your garage floors clean to avoid any buildups of chemicals that could potentially lead to degradation and staining. Fortunately, there are simple ways to maintain your floors and keep them looking great for many winters to come.
Install Walk-Off Mats
Walk-off mats at entryways are a quick and easy way to capture excess salt, water and dirt. Adding mats can also help avoid slips and falls from any puddles caused by melted snow. Remember to remove the mats when cleaning the floor to ensure the floors get a thorough cleaning.
Regularly Scheduled Cleaning
Ideally you are already following a regularly scheduled cleaning program for your garage floors, but with the additional corrosive agents hitting your floors this winter, you should consider spot treating and or daily cleaning, especially areas with vehicular traffic.
The cleaning process we recommend for our epoxy floors is as follows:
- For minor spills or vehicle drippings, simply wipe them up with a paper towel or other soft cloth.
- Routine maintenance cleaning is best achieved with either a soft bristle broom or a dust mop.
- For heavy cleaning of a soiled floor, sweep away any loose debris and then mop floor with a hard foam mop, hot water and clear ammonia. Four to five ounces of ammonia per gallon of water is all that is needed to adequately remove soiling.
- During the winter road treatment compounds may leave a hazy film on garage floors after cleaning. This can normally be removed with hot water and a deck brush (found at most hardware stores). Continuous rinsing may be required to keep the compounds from drying onto new areas of your garage.
- Some stains (including rust) may require light scrubbing with a kitchen scrubbing pad. If you’re unable to remove with just hot water, we recommend using Soft Scrub. Do not use Comet or other abrasive cleaning chemicals on the coatings.
- Floors can also be hosed out and squeegeed dry.
- Do not use any cleaner that contains acids (citrus cleaners or vinegar) or soap-based cleaners. Soap based cleaners leave a residue on garage flooring that not only detracts from the shine, but also become increasingly slippery should the floor get wet.
