Polished concrete floors have a beautiful, industrial look that makes them perfect for any space. Not only do they look great, but they’re also low-maintenance and easy to clean.
However, like any flooring, concrete floors require care and regular cleaning to keep them looking their best.
Step-by-step Guide to Cleaning Polished Concrete Floors
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
For this task, you will need:
- Microfiber dust mop or broom
- Non-abrasive sponges
- Clean microfiber cloths or soft towels
- pH-neutral polished concrete floor cleaner
- String mop and bucket (or flat mop with a microfiber or sponge mop head)
- Clean water for mopping
- Vacuum with a soft brush attachment
Step 2: Use a Dust Mop or Broom to Sweep Away Dirt Particles
The first step in keeping your polished concrete floors looking their best is to give them a good sweep.
Use a broom or microfiber dust mop to remove dirt and debris from the floor’s surface before you move on to the next step. Make sure you pay special attention to corners and edges, as these areas tend to collect dust.
Step 3: Vacuum the Floor’s Surface
Once you’ve given your floor a good sweeping, it’s time to vacuum it.
A standard vacuum cleaner should do the trick; just make sure that you use one with a soft brush attachment so as not to scratch or damage the surface of the floor. Vacuuming your concrete floor will help remove any stubborn dirt and dust particles left behind after sweeping.
Step 4: Damp Mop the Polished Concrete Floor
Now it’s time to mop dirt and grime with a neutral cleaner specifically for concrete surfaces. This type of cleaner won’t cause any damage or discolouration on your polished concrete floor while effectively removing dirt and stains.
Rinse off the mop after every pass over the floor so that it doesn’t spread around dirt instead of removing it.
If you’re using a mop and bucket for manual cleaning, fill a bucket with warm water and add a few drops of floor cleaner. Dip your mop (or sponge) into the bucket and wring out any excess water before mopping the floor in small sections at a time.
Step 5: Dry the Floor with a Soft Towel or Microfiber Cloth
The last step is drying off any remaining moisture from your freshly cleaned polished concrete floors.
You can do this using a soft towel or cloth in circular motions until all excess water is gone. This will help prevent streaks from forming as well as protect against mould growth because of dampness beneath the surface.
Optional Step: Remove Stubborn Stains with Baking Soda
If your polished concrete floor has stubborn stains, you can try using a paste made of two parts water and one part baking soda.
Rub the paste onto the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away. Be careful not to scrub the paste too hard, so it won’t damage the polished finish of your flooring.
Tips for Maintaining Polished Concrete Floors
Polished concrete floors are a great choice for any home or business. They are low-maintenance, durable, and easy to clean. But with it comes a certain level of responsibility (and maintenance).
Here’s how to make your polished concrete flooring last a lifetime.
Do: Clean Regularly
The most important thing to do when maintaining polished concrete floors is to clean them regularly. This is because dirt and debris can get stuck in the pores of the surface, causing damage over time if not removed regularly.
You’ll have to sweep, mop, vacuum, and spot clean as needed. You will also need to clean spills quickly so that you won’t end up with stained concrete floors.
Do: Use a Mild Cleaning Solution
When cleaning your polished concrete flooring, it’s important to use neutral pH cleaners that won’t damage the finish or discolour the surface of the flooring.
Avoid harsh chemicals such as bleach or ammonia, which can strip away protective layers and dull the shine of your flooring.
Do: Use Mats and Rugs Properly
Putting mats and rugs in areas of your home with high foot traffic can help protect your polished concrete floors. Just make sure the rug isn’t too thick because it can trap moisture and damage the floor.
For this reason, it’s also important to avoid using rubber-backed mats on polished concrete floors; the rubber backing can react with the sealant and cause discolouration.
Don’t: Use Too Much Water
It’s best to use minimal water when damp mopping your floors. Too much moisture can cause the floor surface to erode over time, leading to cracks in the cement.
Even if you have a sealed surface, too much water can still seep into the foundation and cause problems further down the line.
Don’t: Forget to Seal Your Concrete Floors
Polished concrete floors are naturally resistant to staining, but protecting them from stains is still important.
To keep your concrete floors looking their best, apply a sealant every few years or as needed. This will help protect the finish and prevent dirt and other contaminants from penetrating the surface of the flooring.
Don’t: Drag Furniture on the Floor Without Padding
Avoid dragging furniture directly across the floor since this can also cause scratches or scuffs in the finish of the polished concrete.
Make sure that any furniture pieces are properly cushioned with felt pads before being moved across the polished floors.
You’ll Be Floored by How Easy it is to Clean Polished Concrete Floors
You can keep your space looking its best at all times with minimal effort required. Whether you do regular self-maintenance or call a professional cleaner to help, your polished concrete floors will stay beautiful and durable for a long time.
