Over the years, concrete has been considered one of the best flooring options for outdoor areas. It is strong, durable, and easy to clean compared to other flooring options. It is also a low maintenance choice which makes keeping a concrete floor clean even easier.
However, it has now grown to be an indoor flooring favorite due to its flexibility. It is available in various decorative styles to suit every indoor purpose, and it blends nicely with most interior designs for both modern and classical themes. Lastly, it offers great resistance against stains and dirt, especially when properly maintained.
Despite being versatile and durable, concrete floors are of course not completely immune to dirt and stains. They require regular maintenance to retain their amazing look. That is why you need to clean your concrete floor regularly. Additionally, you must know the type of floor you have, in order to use the best cleaning method and products to avoid damage. With this knowledge on how to clean concrete floors, the cleaning process is simplified.
Types of Concrete Floors
Sealed Concrete Floors
Sealed concrete floors have protective layers of coating that make them non-porous. They also tend to be stain and moisture resistant, making them durable. For this reason, they are indoor favorites. The chemicals involved in the sealing process include; silicate, urethane, acrylic, and epoxy.
Sealed concrete floors are easy to maintain. Regular cleaning is all it takes to keep the floor as fresh as possible.
Polished Concrete Floors
Polished floors are made when concrete is ground into a smooth finish, then blended with penetrant chemicals using specialized tools. They tend to have a waxed look due to their gleaming shine. However, they don’t require waxing or re-coating.
Polished concrete floors are highly durable and are perfect for high traffic areas. They are highly resistant to scratches and are easy to maintain since they don’t require waxing or re-coating.
Stained Concrete Floor
Stains are added to poured concrete to make stained concrete floors. The stain penetrates the concrete, creating an attractive deep, translucent, and mottled effect. These stains are permanent and can be applied to both new concrete and even older ones.
Depending on preference, the floor can be sealed or left unsealed. However, leaving it unsealed can expose it to oil stains or dirt.
Stamped Concrete Floors
These have imprinted patterns (stamps) made to resemble tiles, bricks, or wood, depending on preference. This floor is affordable and, at the same time, durable. It also offers a variety of patterns for users, making it flexible.
While it is also easy to maintain, cleaning it may require a high-pressure water source due to the patterns’ depressions.
Painted Concrete Floors
In this type of floor, paint is inserted into the concrete, resulting in an awesome look. You can choose as many paint styles as possible to enhance the beauty of even the dullest of floors.
However, if the right paint is not used, this floor is prone to peeling. It also becomes dull with cleaning if it is not sealed. If you want to learn how to paint concrete floors, click here.
Unsealed Concrete Floor
This is the basic form of concrete that is poured and set without any additives or treatment. Due to the porous nature of concrete, this floor absorbs dirt and stains. As a result, it is prone to cracking and also becomes dull quickly on usage.
Steps to Clean Your Concrete Floor
The following simple steps will guide you on how to clean concrete floors.
Step 1: Clear All Dirt
Make sure you get rid of all the dirt on your concrete floor’s surface. A soft broom is enough for the job. You can also use a dry mop or a vacuum. This protects the floor from scratching during the cleaning.
Also, wipe the floor using a duster to get rid of even the finest particles. The goal is to achieve a clean concrete floor.
Step 2: Mix Your Cleaning Solution
Mix your cleaner with water, depending on the instructions on the product. Also, check whether your cleaner is compatible with your type of floor. For instance, sealed and polished floors require pH neutral cleaners. Cleaning them using ammonia, vinegar, or citrus-based cleaners may cause damage.
For the best results, use Quick Job True All Purpose Cleaner. This all-purpose cleaner is pH neutral, making it a safe and convenient cleaner for your floor. What’s more, Quick Job’s cleaner does not leave any toxic residue that may pose harm. It utilizes natural compounds to ensure a clean, sparkly floor. This makes it an ideal cleaner when cleaning your concrete floor.
Step 3: Spray Cleaner On Floor and Soak Mop
Spray your cleaner carefully on the clean concrete floor. You should also soak the mop in the cleaner and start mopping the floor with it. For areas with tough stains, mop thoroughly, careful not to inflict any damage on the concrete.
If you are using Quick Job’s True All Purpose Cleaner, use a 10:1 ratio (10 parts water for every 1 part of Quick Job). If you want more directions on how to use Quick Job, click here.
Step 4: Soak Mop With Clean Water
After mopping using the cleaning solution, rinse the mop with clean water, then mop the floor again using the clean water. This is to remove any soapy water or solution that is left by the cleaner. Repeat the process as required until there are no signs of soap left on your concrete floor.
Step 5: Allow It to Dry Before Use
You can dry the floor using a soft dry mop or allow for the circulation of fresh air to dry the floor. Once dry, your floor is ready for use!
Takeaway
Concrete floors are a great flooring option. Their best features include their simple cleaning process and the low-cost maintenance needs. The above steps will go a long way into cleaning your concrete floor thoroughly.
