No type of concrete flooring is truly maintenance-free, especially if you have a decorative concrete floor. Although it is fairly easy to clean concrete floors compared to other flooring types like carpet, it is essential to clean them regularly. How much maintenance your floor needs will all depend on the amount of traffic it receives.

Here are some tips on how to effectively clean your concrete floors:

Basic cleaning routine

The first step in cleaning your floor is to dust, mop, vacuum, or sweep it because this will remove debris and dirt from the surface. So, you will need to dampen your mop with a PH-neutral cleaner and combine it with clean water. After mopping your floor, let it dry for about 10 to 15 minutes before replacing rugs or allowing traffic.

It is also recommended to reapply sealer or floor wax since it can protect your floor from spills and dirt. However, it would help if you always cleaned spills from the floor as quickly as possible so they don’t stain the surface.

Basic cleaning is easy, and you can do it for just 15 to 30 minutes, but if you think that your concrete floors require special attention. Then, it is wise to get in touch with a professional cleaning service.

What cleaner and equipment should you use on your concrete floors?

We recommend using pH-neutral cleaners for decorative flooring since it won’t affect the quality and look of your surface, especially its colours. You could also ask your cleaning contractor or any wax/sealer manufacturer what type of cleaning solutions are best for your floors.

Another important thing to remember is to avoid any harsh cleaning products such as citrus, bleach, ammonia, vinegar or pine cleaners because they can react with the concrete and they can also etch the surface.

You should use microfiber cleaning pads for both damp and dry mopping because they won’t scratch your surface. In heavy-traffic locations, you can use a swing buffer or auto scrubber. A steam mop is also a good option since it doesn’t use any harsh chemicals, and it can remove stubborn stains, especially if you combine it with warm water and dish soap.

After mopping your floors, follow it up with a bristle brush or degreaser to properly remove any excess stains on your surface. Lastly, you can use a wet vacuum to remove any excess water on the floor.

How to make your concrete floor easier to maintain

When you are designing your floors, you should avoid cut patterns because this can create narrow groves that can easily trap dirt. Also, in areas with heavy traffic, you should use indoor rugs and mats since that can reduce wear and tear. Outdoor floor mats can also reduce the amount of girt and dirt on the floor.

Be sure to follow the sealing and maintenance schedule recommended by your concrete contractors to keep your concrete floor looking pristine and new for many years to come.