How to Clean Concrete Floor? – Tips and Tricks to Maintain Clean Floor

Durable, versatile, and stylish concrete floors have become the top choice for property owners. Concrete floors are easy to maintain and care for as compared to other types of floorings. Nevertheless, they also require proper attention. Now the question is how to clean concrete floors. Here is an article with all you need to know about cleaning different concrete floors. 

Concrete was once used for flooring in sidewalk, driveway, garage, or basement surfaces; now, it has moved indoors and has taken in the form of sophisticated countertops and floors. Concrete is highly durable and easy to maintain, making it a perfect flooring choice. 

Hoeve is a porous material and needs regular cleaning from grime and superficial dust. Moreover, it absorbs substances quickly, so it is important to clean each style of cleaning floor using different and simple methods. 

Types of Concrete Floors

If you want to protect your concrete floor, it is important to clean them properly and effectively. Therefore it is essential to know the type of finish your floor has. So before jumping on how to clean concrete floors, let’s have a look at the types of concrete floors. 

Sealed

It is one of the most common types of concrete flooring and especially indoors. In sealer concrete floors, concrete is sealed with epoxies, urethanes, penetrating silicates, and acrylic resins, making it stain-resistant and non-porous. 

It helps in protecting the floor against moisture, stains, and damage. Moreover, it is easy to clean a floor that is sealed. 

Unsealed

Unsealed concrete floors are with concrete, poured, and set. It is a raw form of flooring without decoration or additives. In this type of floor, the concrete is left without any additional treatment, making the surface susceptible to stains and naturally porous. 

It has a porous nature, due to which it is vulnerable to cracks and the hardening of stains and dust. 

Painted

The permeability of concrete can create an opaque and cold effect for various possibilities of flooring designs. Paints are perfect for making even the dullest slabs look like timber or tiles. It is important to seal the floor; otherwise, the paint could become dull, especially from cleaning. 

Polished

Concrete floors can be polished dry or wet to get a glossy finish. Such floors do not require recoating or waxing. You can choose the level of shine, and the concrete floor can be stained to look like polished stone, granite, or marble.

Polishing includes grinding the concrete to a scratch-free and smooth finish, which prevents it from the dent. It hardens the concrete and limits dust build-ups and staining, providing easy maintenance.

Stamped

It is also known as stamped concrete or textured concrete and is a good choice to replicate wood, stone, or brick. In this flooring type, the concrete is stained and can be left sealed or unsealed to make it more durable and easy to maintain. You might require high-pressure water to attain an effective and pristinely clean.

Stained

This technique is used to alter the appearance and colors of the floor. It can be left sealed or unsealed. The stains in these types of flooring penetrate the concrete, and they are permanent. 

How to Identify the Types of Floor

Regardless of the floor types, it is essential to consider certain factors to opt for the right cleaning method. Whether stained, painted, or stamped, it is essential to find out whether the floor is sealed or not.

If you don’t know the type of floor in your house, you can easily distinguish it. All you need to do is drop some water on the floor and then wait for twenty minutes. If you find out that the water is beaded, then the floor is sealed. However, if the water seeps into the floor and the concrete has also darkened, the floor is unsealed. 

How to Clean Concrete Floors

Below mentioned are tips for cleaning different types of concrete floors. Ensure to remove furniture, rugs, or any other obstructions before cleaning the floor. It will allow you to clean the floor more effectively. 

Cleaning Sealed Concrete Floors

As sealed concrete floors are non-porous, the best thing about them is that they are resistant to most stains, making the cleaning simple.

Required Supplies

• Vacuum, broom, or dust mop
• Bucket
• Wet mop
• Dishwashing liquid
• Water

How to Clean

Below mentioned are tips on cleaning concrete floors indoors, basement, or at any other portion of the house.

Pro Tip – Say no to harsh cleaners as they can dull the sealant and break it down. 

• Clean Debris And Dust – Dust mop, sweep, or vacuum to remove dust or debris present on the surface. It will also help in preventing scratches from grit or dirt. Moreover, it is beneficial to clean all the little spots of mud. 
• Make Cleaning Solution – Fill a bucket with warm water and add a little bit of pH-neutral dish soap or detergent. You can also make the solution using eight parts of water and one part of vinegar. 
• Rinse and Dry – Now clean the floor again using clean water to rinse away soapy residue. Finally, allow the floor to air-dry.

Tips and Tricks

• Stains – Create a paste-like mixture by combining one part hydrogen peroxide with three parts of cornstarch. Now spread it over the stain and leave it overnight. Now, remove the dried paste, and rinse it using water. 
• Sticky Marks – Mix equal parts of baking soda and coconut oil. Apply the solution and let it stay for ten minutes. Now rub the spot using a cleaning rag or paper towel to remove the stain. 

Cleaning Polished Concrete Floors

It is easy to clean and care for the polished concrete floors. Below mentioned is all you need to know how to clean concrete floors.

Required Supplies

• Vacuum or dust mop
• Wet mop
• Commercial cleaner for polished concrete

How to Clean

• Clean with Dust Mop – remove the surface dust and debris using a vacuum or mop. It will help in removing the remnants of dust. 
• Clean the Floor Using Commercial Cleaner – When the floor is soiled with a spill or diet, mop it using the commercial cleaner for concrete floors. Make sure to use a pH-neutral concrete cleaner. Moreover, read the product directions to use the cleaner properly. 

Cleaning Painted Concrete Floors

Painted concrete floors can be either unsealed or sealed. Ensure not to use harsh or acidic cleaners as they can damage the finish and sealant. 

Required Supplies

• Vacuum or dust mop
• Bucket
• Microfiber mop
• Mild all-purpose cleaner
• Water 

How to Clean

• Vacuum – Dust mop the floor properly to remove the soil and surface grit. It will help in avoiding the scratches on the painted finish. 
• Make the Cleaning Solution – Make a cleaning solution by mixing all-purpose cleaner and warm water. Now slightly damp the microfiber using the cleaning solution. Ensure not to use excess moisture as it can cause the paint to peel.
• Dry – Rinse the floor properly with plain water. It will help in removing the soapy residue. Now let the floor air-dry. 

Cleaning Unsealed Concrete Floor

Even though unsealed concrete floors are easy-care to, it is important to clean properly to manage them in good condition. 

Required Supplies

• Stiff-bristled broom
• Pressure washer
• Stain remover
• Trisodium phosphate
• Bucket
• Water

How to Clean

Below mentioned are some best ways to clean concrete floors. 

Clean the Dirt and Debris

Start cleaning the floor by removing dust and debris from the concrete. Use a stiff-bristled broom to sweep away dirt and debris. You can also use a shop vac.

Overall Cleaning

The best way to clean a concrete floor is by using a pressure washer. Fill the cleaner with a solution containing trisodium phosphate and water. Make sure to wear rubber gloves and follow the directions on the product. 

Remove Stains of Grease

If you have grease stains on your concrete floor, you do not have to worry. Here is the solution. Sprinkle a layer of cornstarch on the stained area. Let it stay on the stain for around three days. It requires a long time as the oil goes deep into the floor. After three dates, vacuum it away. You can repeat the process if required. 

Remove Stains of Foods

Mix one-quart water and two tablespoons of dishwashing liquid. Apply the mixture on the stain and scrub well with a stiff brush. Rinse it properly using plain water. 

Rust Stains

If the rust stains are dark, you need to use a commercial rust remover. Use the one with oxalic acid. 

In case the rust stains are light, use distilled white vinegar. Pour it one the stains, and it stays for around thirty minutes; now scrub it using a stiff brush and then rinse. 

Tire Stains

Use the degreaser to remove the rust stains. First, wet the area, spread the degreaser properly on the stain, and then scrub it using a stiff brush. Finally, rinse well. 

Mildew Stains

Mix two tablespoons of detergent, one-quart water, and two tablespoons of trisodium phosphate. Apply the mixture on the stain and then scrub it using a stiff-bristled brush. Rinse well. 

Pro Tip – Make sure to use rubber gloves while cleaning the floor. 

Tips to Protect the Concrete Floor

Follow the below-mentioned tips for everyday maintenance.

• Clean the surface every day using a blower or broom to remove dust and debris. 
• Remove the stains using warm water and a soft brush. 
• To clean the concrete basement floor or garage floor, use power washing. 
• Seal the concrete after proper cleaning.
• Use degreaser for stubborn stains. 
• If the floor starts losing shine, use a commercial polishing compound to restore the shine. 

Final Words

Now that you know how to clean the concrete floor, you no longer have to worry about maintaining your floor. Using the tips mentioned above will allow you to be deep clean the house and floor. Make sure not to use harsh chemicals on the floor as they might damage the floor’s finish. Also, clean the surface every day with a broom. It will help in managing the floor in good condition. If you find the information helpful, drop a comment.