We are going to explain what are the best ways to clean concrete floors for both exteriors and interiors. Although the concrete of the building material was once relegated to surfaces such as decks, outdoor floors, basements or garages. Now they are also used on interior floors and countertops. Concrete also known as concrete is exceptionally durable and easy to care for if you treat it properly.
To protect floors from damage and clean them more effectively, it is essential to know what type of finish is on the concrete. Stains and spills should be cleaned and treated as soon as possible on these types of floors to prevent them from penetrating.
Aspects that you should take into account
Some aspects you should take into account:
- Sealed. Sealed concrete is coated with acrylic resins, penetrating silicates, epoxies, or urethanes, making it non-porous and resistant to staining.
- Polished. Concrete can be wet or dry polished to a glossy finish that never needs to be waxed or coated. The gloss level can be chosen, and the concrete can be stained to look like marble, granite, or any polished stone.
- Stained. If gray is not your favorite color, there are stains in a wide range of colors to color in freshly poured or older concrete. Stains penetrate concrete and are permanent. The finish can be sealed or left unsealed.
- Sealed for durability. Often called stamped or textured concrete, stamped concrete can replicate stone, brick, or even wood. Concrete is generally stained and can be left unsealed or sealed to make it more durable.
- Painted. Although concrete accepts stains easily, it is more difficult to achieve a durable surface with oil-based or latex paint. If the surface has been polished or sealed, the paint will not adhere properly and flaking will occur.
- Unsealed. Concrete poured without any additional treatment is open. This leaves the surface naturally porous and susceptible to staining, particularly liquid stains such as oil.
Cleaning sealed concrete floors
Since sealed concrete floors are non-porous, they are resistant to most stains, making cleaning a breeze. You will have to remove the dust and debris from the surface to vacuum or mop the dust regularly to help prevent scratches from dirt and sand.
Mix the cleaning solution with a damp mop. Each week, mix warm water and two teaspoons of dishwashing liquid in a bucket or sink. Mop the floor with the solution. Don't use harsh cleaners that can damage the sealant. Reseal if necessary. You will need to rinse and dry the floor and re-wet the floor with clean water to be able to rinse off any soapy residue and then allow the floor to air dry.
Cleaning polished concrete floors
Polished concrete is the easiest-to-care concrete because it never needs to be resealed. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove surface dust and debris. You can clean with a commercial cleaner. When dirty with dirt or spills, wipe clean with a commercial polished concrete cleaner that is pH neutral. Most cleaners do not require rinsing.
Cleaning painted concrete floors
Painted concrete floors can have sealed or unsealed surfaces. To protect paint and sealant, It is important to avoid strong or acid cleaners that can damage the finish.
Wipe or vacuum floors regularly to remove surface dirt and grime that can scratch the painted finish. Mix a cleaning solution and use a cloth. After vacuuming, mix a warm water cleaning solution and a universal cleaner.
Use a microfiber cloth that is slightly damp with the cleaning solution. Don't use excessive moisture because that can break down the paint and cause it to peel. Then rinse and dry. SAlways rinse well with a cloth dampened with running water to remove any soap residue and allow the floor to air dry.
Cleaning unsealed concrete floors or exterior concrete
Although easy to care for, garage floors, sidewalks, and patios will look better with a good cleaning. First you will have to remove debris and dirt and sweep the society with a broom with stiff bristles or a shop vacuum.
The easiest way to clean exterior concrete is with a pressure hose. Wear rubber gloves .. If you don't have one, wet the concrete with a garden hose and use a stiff bristle brush like a broom to spread the cleaner and scrub. Complete the cleaning with a good rinse and allow the area to air dry.