A polished concrete floor adds a sleek, industrial look to any space. They’re very durable, often lasting for decades, and are fairly low-maintenance.
Still, like any other material, concrete floors need regular cleaning to keep that signature shine! Otherwise, dirt and debris can accumulate, dulling the finish or even leaving scratches on the surface.
The best way to clean polished concrete floors is by dry mopping (or sweeping), then damp mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner. Make sure to dry the floor afterwards to prevent streaks.
You’ll be floored (ha!) by how great everything looks after your polished concrete floor gets some TLC. With proper maintenance, it’ll stand the test of time.
Before Cleaning | How to Clean | Removing Stains
How Often to Clean Polished Concrete Floors
One important factor in maintaining polished concrete floors is regular cleaning. Dirt particles can get into the pores of the concrete and build up over time.
Use a dust mop or soft broom 2–4 times a week to minimise the buildup of dust and dirt. For high-traffic areas or homes with pets, try to do this daily.
Spot clean or treat stains immediately so they don’t seep into the concrete. The longer you leave a stain, the harder it is to remove.
Mop polished concrete floors once a week. This allows for a more thorough clean that targets deep-seated dirt.
And if it feels like a never-ending battle against dirty floors, call in a Maid2Match cleaner to do the job!
Before Cleaning Polished Concrete Floors: What to Know
When cleaning your polished concrete floors, you’ll need to use the proper tools and cleaning solutions.
Using the wrong product could dull the appearance — or worse, etch the material.
What to use when cleaning concrete floors
Your best cleaner for polished concrete floors is a pH-neutral cleaning solution. Look for products like Black Diamond Stone Wash or Bona Hard Surface Floor Cleaner, which are compatible with concrete.
Besides a neutral pH cleaner, you’ll also need these tools to clean your polished concrete floors:
- Mop bucket
- Microfibre mop
- Microfibre cloths or towels
- Dust mop or soft-bristled broom
As much as possible, stick to soft or non-abrasive tools and cleaning products to avoid damaging the surface.
If you want to use a vacuum cleaner, use one with a soft brush attachment or remove the bar.
What not to use on polished concrete
Avoid abrasive cleaners like steel wool or powder cleansers, as these could scuff the polished surface.
Do not use harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia, and skip acidic cleaners like vinegar or citrus-based products. These may etch or discolour the concrete.
Similarly, avoid “mop and shine” or other products that include polish. These tend to leave a film on your floor that builds over time.
It is not recommended to use steam cleaners as the heat and moisture can damage the finish or penetrate the material. This may dull the surface, lead to mould growth, or even erode the concrete.
Tips for mopping polished concrete floors
Stick to spin mops or flat mops with microfibre/non-abrasive pads, since microfibre is very effective at absorbing water and trapping dirt.
Do not use too much cleaning product when mopping, as this can create a residue that leaves your floors sticky even after mopping.
And if you’re unsure about using a certain product or stain remover, test it on an inconspicuous spot first.
Dry mop (or dust mop) the surface before applying any moisture! This removes any loose dirt or debris from the floor before cleaning.
Change your mop water frequently so you’re not pushing dirty water around. Otherwise, the grime might seep into the concrete and dull the shine.
And of course, use a damp mop only — wet mopping uses too much water!
How to Clean Polished Concrete Floors Properly
Start by using a dust mop or soft-bristled broom to sweep away dust and loose dirt. Go from the corner of the room furthest from the door and make your way back, working one section at a time.
Pay special attention to corners and edges, since those collect the most dust!
You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment, or see if it has a setting that’s compatible with polished concrete.
Prep 2 mop buckets, one with your cleaning solution and one with fresh water for rinsing. Follow the product instructions for diluting the pH-neutral cleaner with warm water.
Dip your microfibre mop into the solution, then wring it out so it’s just damp. Mop the floor one section at a time, using overlapping strokes to cover the whole surface.
Rinse the mop in clean water every so often to remove dirt and grime. When the mop water gets murky, change it for fresh water.
If your floor cleaner needs rinsing afterwards, use a clean mop pad and fresh water.
Once the entire concrete floor is clean, you’ll need to dry it! Drying a polished concrete floor after mopping helps prevent streaks or water spots.
Use a new mop pad or some microfibre towels, and wipe away all excess moisture. Open any windows to help the floor dry faster, or switch on a ceiling fan if you have one.
How to Remove Stains from Polished Concrete Floors
Polished concrete floors are fairly susceptible to stains, especially acidic foods or anything with oil. It’s important to tackle spills or stains immediately, as they could discolour or damage the finish.
Blot the stain with a clean microfibre cloth or paper towel. Do not rub the stain, as this makes it spread.
Try washing the stain off with a pH-neutral cleaner or mild dish soap and warm water. Scrub the area with a non-abrasive sponge, then dry right away.
For more stubborn stains (like rust stains), make a thin paste out of 2 parts water and 1 part baking soda. Use a damp sponge to apply the paste onto the stain, then wait a few minutes.
Gently scrub the stained area with a damp cloth, then wipe off any residue. Dry the floor afterwards.
For oil-based stains like grease, you can use an oil stain remover for concrete, such as the ones made for driveways. Follow the product instructions and wear rubber gloves to protect your skin.
FAQs About Cleaning Polished Concrete
Here are some other “good-to-know” details about cleaning concrete floors.
How to keep polished concrete shiny?
Clean spills or stains immediately, and more importantly, dry your floors after mopping! Drying and buffing both help maintain the shine of your polished concrete floor.
Additionally, use felt pads under heavy furniture to prevent scuffing or scratching. Avoid rubber-based ones, as they can leave permanent marks.
Ask the manufacturer or installer if your polished concrete floor needs to be resealed every few years. The coating (or “guard”) will help protect the finish and resist staining.
Why does my polished concrete floor always look dirty?
Some of the more common reasons why a polished concrete floor looks dirty (even after cleaning) include:
- Dirty mop heads
- Not changing the mop water
- Using too much cleaning product
- Not sweeping before mopping the floor
- Not sweeping or mopping often enough
Concrete floors may be low-maintenance, but it’s still good to follow proper cleaning techniques to ensure they look their best.
Moreover, dirty tools mean dirty floors! Make sure your mop is clean so it’s not tracking grime back onto the ground.
What is the best mop for polished concrete floors?
Using the right type of mop will help keep polished concrete clean. Microfibre spin mops or flat mops are best, since they’re very absorbent and effective at removing dirt.
Additionally, spin mops have a mechanism for wringing out the mop head so you don’t use too much water.
Do not use a string mop, as it’s more likely to track excess moisture or leave streaks on polished concrete.
