The Journal

How I Clean My Epoxy Tabletops (Without Ruining the Finish)

By Solomon Ficklin May 20, 2025 3 min read

Hands wiping a glossy dark resin and live-edge wood tabletop with a cloth beside leafy garden plants.

The first time I cleaned one of my own resin tables, I used a random all-purpose spray. The result? A cloudy haze that took hours to fix. Since then, I’ve figured out a simple, effective way to keep my epoxy resin tables clean without killing the shine—or the finish. If you’re wondering how to care for your table without messing it up, this is what’s worked for me.

Glossy epoxy tabletop with natural wood edges and a translucent resin river running through the center, topped with a clear glass bowl and a bottle of cleaning solution on a blue cloth, near a window with soft natural light.

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What I Learned the Hard Way

I used the wrong cleaner once and dulled the shine instantly

It looked clean… until it dried. Then it had this foggy, streaky film that wouldn’t wipe off. That’s when I realized epoxy needs a gentler approach.

Cleaning matters way more when you start selling your work

When I started selling my epoxy tables, I realized: the finish *has* to hold up long-term. If it gets cloudy after one month, the customer’s not happy—and neither am I. (If you're thinking about selling your own resin art, here’s how we help artists sell their resin work.)

I needed something quick and foolproof for everyday use

So I built a routine that keeps my finishes looking fresh without turning cleaning into a science experiment.

My Everyday Cleaning Routine

What can you clean an epoxy table top with?

Honestly? Warm water, dish soap (like Dawn), and a soft microfiber cloth. That’s it. Simple, safe, and effective.

I dry everything down with a lint-free towel to avoid streaks

Resin is glossy, and glossy shows everything. Drying right after cleaning keeps things crystal clear.

I never use abrasive sponges (learned that the hard way)

Even a mildly scratchy sponge can dull your surface fast. Stick to microfiber or ultra-soft cloths only.

Rectangular epoxy tabletop with swirling teal resin and natural wood grain edges, set in a dining room with matching wooden chairs, a soap dispenser, sponge, and white bowl on the surface.

What NOT to Use on Epoxy

What cleaners are safe for epoxy countertops?

Stick with mild dish soap, water, and non-abrasive cloths. Most common household cleaners like Windex, bleach, or acetone aren’t safe for daily use.

What can you NOT clean epoxy with?

Anything ammonia-based (like Windex) leaves streaks or fog.
Alcohol dries things out—especially at the edges.
Bleach and acetone should only be used very sparingly on raw resin, never polished surfaces.

For more, see The Epoxy Table Problems I’ve Actually Faced.

Close-up of hands gently cleaning a glossy dark purple epoxy tabletop using a yellow and blue sponge, showing the tabletop's reflective surface and the cleaning process in progress.

Dealing With Sticky Spots or Spills

For resin drips or studio mess, diluted alcohol can help

Just don’t leave it sitting on the surface, and avoid getting it near the edges or finish seams.

Acetone works—but only on raw resin, not polished finishes

It’ll strip your gloss instantly if you’re not careful. I only use acetone during builds or sanding prep.

I always test on a hidden spot first (every resin brand is different)

Even now, I don’t assume. A small wipe in an unseen corner saves you from a full regret spiral.

Person cleaning a round epoxy tabletop with a cloth outdoors, showing a glossy surface with natural wood grain embedded in clear resin reflecting sunlight.

How to Make Epoxy Countertops Shiny Again

I use a non-abrasive polish maybe once a month

Something simple, made for resin or acrylic. A little goes a long way—no need to overdo it.

Microfiber buffing pads keep it smooth without clouding

Less is more — too much polish can mess with the finish

You’re not waxing a car. One coat, well buffed, is usually all you need. If you're dealing with heavy wear, check out Best Epoxy Table Finish: What Actually Worked.

Close-up of a hand using a power buffer with a yellow foam pad to polish a wooden table with a dark epoxy resin inlay, creating a glossy, reflective surface.

Cleaning Outdoor Resin Tables

I always let the surface cool before cleaning it

Hot resin + cold water? Not a good combo. Let it settle to room temp first.

Dust and grit are basically sandpaper if you’re not careful

Always wipe away dust gently before applying any pressure or cleaner.

Covers help more than you'd think — especially with UV exposure

A simple fabric or vinyl cover will protect your finish from sun, rain, and airborne grit. For outdoor use tips, read Can Epoxy Tables Be Used Outside?.

Close-up of a wooden table featuring a clear epoxy resin river filled with smooth, multicolored river rocks running down the center between two natural wood slabs with visible grain and knots.

What I Do If It’s Already Scratched

Light scratches? I wet sand and buff

Start with 800 grit, work up to 3000 grit.
Buff it out afterward for a nearly new finish.

Deep gouges? It’s usually a recoat situation

If you can catch your fingernail in it, you likely need a light flood coat to restore the surface.

Want a full repair walkthrough?

I break that all down in How I Repaired My Epoxy Table.

Person sanding the edge of a rectangular wooden table with a clear blue epoxy resin border, showcasing the wood grain and knot details under the resin surface in a workshop setting.

My Go-To Tips to Avoid Damage in the First Place

Always use coasters (even heat-resistant finishes have limits).
Never cut directly on epoxy (use a cutting board).
Periodically check the table hardware to prevent movement that stresses the resin.

Close-up of hands sanding a wooden slab with dark blue epoxy resin flowing through the center, highlighting natural wood grain and live edges in a workshop setting.

Want Help Keeping Yours Looking New?

I’ve cleaned more resin pieces than I can count

From dining tables to coasters, I’ve tested just about every cleaning method you can think of.

If you’ve got questions or a custom piece that needs upkeep, I’m always down to help

If you want a custom piece or you're building your own resin business, check out how we help artists sell resin art. Or feel free to reach out — happy to help.

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