Maintenance guidelines for epoxy: care, cleaning and sanitizing

Handling and care

To get the longest lifespan from your epoxy, don't place extremely hot items on it. Use coasters and placemats to protect it from very hot things. During the first couple of months after the initial curing period the epoxy is over 99% cured but not yet 100%. At 100%, scratch resistance peaks and heat resistance reaches its 135°F maximum. Do not treat the epoxy like tile or granite; they have different strengths and weaknesses.

Caution: take care with products containing a red dye or other colored dyes, as they can stain the epoxy.

Everyday cleaning

For cleaning cured epoxy surfaces we recommend soap and water with a t-shirt type cloth or smooth microfiber cloth. Scrub thoroughly. Windex and most household cleaners are also fine as long as they don't contain very harsh chemicals; avoid acid-based cleaners, high-concentration bleach, and industrial-strength cleaners made for kitchen equipment or metal.

Sanitizing

If you need something stronger or guaranteed to sanitize, use one of the following:

Diluted bleach: bleach diluted with cold water is an effective disinfectant against bacteria, fungi, and many viruses including coronaviruses. A typical mix is ¼ cup of bleach per 1 gallon of cold water, but follow the directions on your bleach label. Make the solution as needed and use it within 24 hours, since its disinfecting ability fades with time. Always make sure the bleach is diluted with water. Bleach solutions are very hard on skin and are not a substitute for handwashing or hand sanitizer.

Diluted alcohol: alcohol in many forms, including rubbing alcohol, is effective against most pathogens. Keep the concentration around 70% to kill coronaviruses; many hand sanitizers are about 60% and Lysol is about 80%, all of which are effective. Leave a 70% solution on the surface for 30 seconds to give it time to work. Pure (100%) alcohol evaporates too quickly for this purpose. Keep containers of 70% alcohol sealed to prevent evaporation; unlike bleach solutions, they stay potent as long as they are sealed between uses. A 70% alcohol solution is harsh on hands and is not a substitute for handwashing or hand sanitizer.

Note: with constant cleaning over time, especially with these harsher solutions, the epoxy may begin to lose its gloss. In some commercial settings this may be unavoidable.