Commercial kitchens are subject to incredible amounts of wear and tear on a daily basis. Not only do they have to withstand constant foot traffic, but they also have to deal with spills, dropped dishes, and heavy equipment. That's why it's so important to choose a flooring material that can stand up to the rigors of a busy kitchen.

This is where many people struggle to find the right material. There are so many different types of flooring on the market that it can be difficult to decide which one is best for your needs. However, if you're looking for a durable, easy-to-clean flooring option, you should consider commercial kitchen epoxy flooring.

What is Epoxy?

Epoxy is a type of resin that's often used as a floor coating. It consists of two parts: a polymer and a hardener. When these two parts are mixed together, they create a strong, durable bond that can withstand heavy traffic and spills.

Why Epoxy is the Best Flooring Option for Commercial Kitchens

There are several reasons why epoxy is the best flooring option for commercial kitchens. First, it's extremely durable and can withstand heavy wear and tear. Epoxy floor coatings are also:

• Impervious to spills and stains
• Easy to clean
• Resistant to fading and discoloration
• Non-slip 

These properties make epoxy the ideal flooring material for commercial kitchens. Not only will it stand up to the daily wear and tear of a busy kitchen, but it will also be easy to keep clean.

Top 12 Maintenance Tips for Commercial Kitchens with Epoxy Flooring

1. Sweep or Dust Mop the Floor Regularly

The first step in maintaining your epoxy floor is to sweep or dust mop it daily. This will remove any dirt, dust, or debris tracked in from the outside.

2. Mop the Floor with a Neutral pH Cleaner

Once you've swept or dusted the floor, you'll need to mop it with a neutral pH cleaner. This type of cleaner won't damage the epoxy coating and will remove any remaining dirt and grime.

3. Remove Spills Immediately

If there are any spills on the floor, you'll need to clean them up immediately. Otherwise, they could cause stains or damage the epoxy coating. This is extremely helpful in food preparation areas where spills are common.

4. Avoid using Harsh Chemicals

When cleaning your epoxy floor, you should avoid using harsh chemicals. These can damage the floor and make it more susceptible to scratches and stains.

5. Don't Use a Scrubber on the Floor

You should also avoid using a scrubber when cleaning your epoxy floor. The bristles can damage the surface and leave behind scratches.

6. Spot Clean Stains as Soon as Possible 

If there are any stains on the floor, you'll need to clean them up as soon as possible. Otherwise, they could become permanent.

7. Polish the Floor Regularly

To keep your epoxy floor looking its best, you should polish it regularly. This will help to protect the surface and make it easier to clean.

8. Wax the Floor as Needed

In addition to polishing, you may also need to wax the floor from time to time. This will provide an extra layer of protection against scratches and stains.

9. Avoid Dragging Furniture Across the Floor

You should avoid dragging furniture or kitchen equipment across the floor. This can damage the epoxy coating and leave behind scratches. If you need to move furniture, you should lift it instead.

10. Use Mats at Entrances 

To reduce the amount of dirt and debris tracked onto the floor, you should place mats at all entrances. This will help to keep the floor clean and prevent damage.

11. Repair any Chips or Cracks Immediately

If there are any chips or cracks in the floor, you'll need to repair them immediately. Otherwise, they could become worse and cause further damage.

12. Have the Floor Professionally Cleaned Regularly

In addition to following these tips, you should also have the floor professionally cleaned regularly. This will help to remove any built-up dirt and grime and restore the shine to the floor.

Slips and Injuries in Commercial Kitchens

One significant issue commercial kitchen and restaurant employees face is the danger of suffering a slip and fall injury. In addition to being physically painful, these accidents can also lead to lost time at work and expensive medical bills.

Slip and fall accidents are often caused by spills on the floor that aren't cleaned up in a timely manner. Most standard flooring materials become extremely slick from spills and the heat and humidity found in these kitchens. Epoxy helps to combat this problem because it is a non-porous material that doesn't absorb liquids. This means that any spills will sit on top of the floor where they can be quickly cleaned up.

In addition to being easy to clean, epoxy floors also provide excellent traction. The smooth surface of a standard floor can become quite slippery when wet, but the textured finish of an epoxy floor provides added traction that can help to prevent slips and falls.

With the amount of traffic commercial kitchens see on a daily basis, it's important to choose a flooring material that can withstand the wear and tear. Epoxy is the perfect choice for commercial kitchens because it's durable, easy to clean, and slip-resistant. By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your epoxy floor looking new for years to come.