Citadel Floor Care and Maintenance Guide

Citadel Floor Finishing Systems (CFFS) demonstrate superior chemical and abrasion resistance and are designed to produce long-term, hard-wearing protection against chemical attack, dirt penetration, and everyday abuse. Most systems can be maintained with a routine program similar to standard good-housekeeping procedures. Thorough sweeping and mopping to remove loose particles and soil—along with the prompt removal of grease and other contaminants—will prevent early deterioration. We recommend periodic visual inspections for wear patterns caused by excessive traffic or repeated cleaning. If wear begins to appear, please discuss with your Rust-Oleum Industrial Flooring Specialist.

Floor Protection After Installation

• After proper installation per TDS/spec, protect the floor until full cure and return to service.
• Polyurethane systems: allow a minimum of 72 hours for full cure before use.
• Epoxy & Polyaspartic systems: allow a minimum of 7 days for full cure and protect during cure.
• When protecting a new floor, cover with a “Ram Board”-type paper to protect the finish and wait at least 72 hours before using clean-removal tape to secure the covering.
• Clean spills promptly and replace any protective covering during the curing window as needed.

Daily Maintenance of Floor Coatings

• Sweep daily. If abrasive particles are present, mop with Rust-Oleum® Professional Cleaners Concentrated Cleaner & Degreaser and rinse completely.
• Do not exceed the detergent concentration recommended by the cleaner manufacturer; avoid water over 120°F.
• Test any new cleaner on a prepared sample panel before full use.
• Promptly remove grease and other contaminants; completely rinse off any chemical solutions to minimize discoloration or degradation.

Weekly Maintenance of Floor Coatings

Smooth Systems

• Follow basic housekeeping guidelines; remove dirt and contaminants promptly.
• Mop regularly with a neutral cleaner such as Rust-Oleum Professional Cleaners Concentrated Cleaner & Degreaser or Rust-Oleum Professional Cleaners Low Foam Floor Cleaner, then rinse thoroughly.
• Rinse the mop frequently and change water often. For areas with heavy traffic or wheel marks (hard rubber/steel), use the textured-floor method below.

Anti-Slip / Textured Systems

• Use a stiff-bristled brush or floor scrubber to reach the bottom of the texture.
• Mop regularly with a neutral cleaner (same options as above) and rinse completely. Do not exceed recommended dilution (see dilution guidance below).
• Use synthetic mops for textured surfaces; change water frequently.

Auto Floor Scrubber Recommendation

• CFFS can be cleaned using an auto floor scrubber; test in an inconspicuous area first.
• Use Rust-Oleum Professional Cleaners Concentrated Cleaner & Degreaser or Low Foam Floor Cleaner; consult the scrubber manufacturer for dilution guidance.
• Brushes should be non-abrasive, soft-to-medium texture, flexible nylon bristle type.
• Set a cleaning schedule based on floor use and traffic.

Additional Cleaning Procedures

Some residues may require alternative cleaners. Start with the initial recommendation and proceed as needed. Remove all residues/solvents from the surface after treatment.

Tire Marks

1. Start: Krud Kutter® Pro Industrial Floor Cleaner at 1:32; agitate with a soft scrub brush.
2. Proceed to: Krud Kutter Tough Task Citrus Remover; gentle agitation.
3. Proceed to: PrepSol (automotive prep solvent) on a rag.
4. Proceed to: Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) on a rag.
5. Proceed to: Acetone on a rag.
6. Proceed to: Benzyl Alcohol on a rag.
7. Proceed to: Xylene on a rag.

Adhesive Residue

• Light adhesive: Krud Kutter Pro Cleaner-Degreaser
• Heavy adhesive: Krud Kutter Adhesive & Tape Remover

Floor Wax Removal

Use Rust-Oleum Professional Cleaners Concentrated Cleaner at a 1:16 dilution. Increase strength if necessary and clean thoroughly after use.

Waxing & Polishing of Floor Coatings

Coating systems can range from high-gloss to matte depending on the chosen finish; waxing or polishing is not required for performance. For older or heavily trafficked floors with dulled appearance, standard commercial waxes/polishes designed for coated floors may be used for aesthetic refresh.

Renewing & Refinishing Coating Systems

If a floor shows visible wear or loss of gloss, consider refinishing as follows:

1. Remove all wax, oil, grease, and contaminants.
2. Lightly sand to break the shine and create a surface profile.
3. Consult Technical Support at technicalservice@rustoelum.com for the proper material and follow all installation directions.

Floor Cleaner Recommendations

Rust-Oleum Professional Cleaners Concentrated Cleaner & Degreaser

Heavy-duty formula for industrial cleaning. Quickly dissolves grease and grime on properly coated floors, is color-fast, and leaves no residue. Dilution rates vary by soil level; always test first.

Rust-Oleum Professional Cleaners Low Foam Floor Cleaner

Professional-strength, low-foaming, lemon-scented cleaner that removes tough soils without residue. Apply manually or with auto-scrubbers. Always test first.