What to Use to Clean Polished Concrete Floors
Deciding how to finish your floors can be tough because there are many options. While you may like the look of wood or tile, it can be expensive and time-consuming to install, and you may not like the result.
The growing trend in residential and commercial properties is to expose the concrete floor and polish and seal it. This makes for a modern, industrial look and feels and with added colour and design; you can create a unique floor that will be very durable.
What about the upkeep of a polished concrete floor? Like any other flooring option, it will get dirty over time and must be attended to.
This is what to use to clean polished concrete floors.
Assemble Your Supplies
Like any job, you need the proper tools to get it done fast and efficiently. Your polished concrete flooring is no different. Here is an item list of supplies to assemble.
- Non-abrasive sponges
- Microfibre broom
- Microfibre dust mop
- Microfibre clothes or soft towels
- Vacuum
- Bucket
- Clean warm water
- String mop
- Ph-neutral cleaner
- Baking soda
You may use some or all of these supplies, but it is a good kit to have on hand to tackle all areas that need to be cleaned.
Clean the Surface
To start, you need to remove all dust and debris from the surface of the concrete. You can start with a broom and micro fibre mop on the floor, paying special attention to the corners, edges and under cabinets.
Once you remove the visible debris, bring out your vacuum to pick up all remaining dust, using a soft bristle attachment so it doesn’t scratch the surface. This should leave behind a clear floor to wash.
Damp Mop
Now, you can begin the washing process with your mop. A string mop is good as it effectively cleans large surfaces and can get into tight areas.
Follow the directions on your pH-neutral cleaner, and it should wash away any dirt or grime build-up without discolouring the floor finish. Make sure to rinse out the mop after each pass and replace the water when it gets dirty.
For tougher spots, you can use baking soda and a soft towel. This may need to be scrubbed with a towel or microfibre cloth to avoid scratching or damage to the concrete polish and sealant finishing. Make a paste with baking soda and water at a ratio of 2 to 1 and apply it on the stubborn stains.
Allow it to sit for a few minutes to work on the stain, and then wipe it away and wash it with water.
Remove Any Left Residue
After washing the floor, some water residue will be left behind, and you should wipe it up. This residual moisture can leave streaks or a blurred finish, so take your soft towel and rub it in circular motions to remove the excess water.
This removes the moisture and mould, causing dampness that can work its way below the surface.
Reseal the Floor
When the polishing was originally done, the last step was to seal the floors, probably with several coats. Over time, with foot traffic on the floor, the sealant can wear down.
When washing the floors, it’s a good time to look for wear and apply another coat of sealant to protect the polished finish. This, in turn, will help prevent any dirt and other pollutants from penetrating the floor’s surface.
Clean Regularly
Maintaining your polished concrete floors is about cleaning regularly, so be on top of it. For immediate spills, wipe them up and use your neutral cleaners to spot-wash the area. This will prevent discolouration and staining as they don’t have a chance to absorb into the floor.
For daily cleaning, sweep with your broom or microfibre mop and use this time to inspect the finish. Washing can be done weekly depending on the foot traffic on the floor.
Applying sealant every 2-5 years will ensure your finish retains its lustre, but again, watch for signs of wear in high-traffic areas and reapply as needed.
Additional Tips
To take better care of your polished concrete floors, try these tips:
- Use mats and rugs at entry doors and high-traffic areas
- Clean up spills fast
- Don’t leave standing water on the surface
- Try not to drag furniture without some padding under the legs
This is what to use to clean polished concrete floors. Some of these items you may already have around the home or office, but if not, build a cleaning kit and keep it handy whenever you need it. Using these methods, you will retain your concrete floors’ beautiful, polished finish and enjoy their look for many years.
