Polished concrete floors are a popular choice for many homes and businesses due to their sleek, modern look and durability. However, keeping polished concrete looking its best requires regular cleaning and maintenance. Follow these tips for cleaning polished concrete floors properly and achieving a spotless, shining finish.
Supplies You’ll Need
Cleaning polished concrete starts with having the right supplies on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- pH-neutral cleaner – Avoid acidic or alkaline cleaners that can damage the concrete surface. Look for a cleaner specially formulated for polished concrete.
- Microfiber mops and pads – Microfiber is gentle, effective and won’t leave lint behind.
- Soft-bristle broom – For lightly sweeping debris before wet mopping.
- Bucket and wringer – For managing cleaning solution. Use two buckets for the “double bucket method.”
- Clean cotton cloths – For spot cleaning and buffing.
- Foam squeegee – For pulling excess water off the floor.
- Floor finish restorer (optional) – For buffing in a shine after deep cleaning.
Regular Maintenance Cleaning
For routine cleaning, focus on quick removal of surface dirt, dust and debris that can scratch the polished concrete over time.
- Sweep or dust mop floors daily to remove grit, sand and other abrasive particles.
- Damp mop floors as needed with a microfiber mop and plain water. The microfiber attracts and traps dust effectively.
- Spot clean spills and sticky messes with a damp cloth immediately to prevent stains.
- In high traffic areas, use walk-off mats and area rugs to catch dirt at entryways.
Deep Cleaning
For a deeper clean, use the following steps:
- Sweep or dust mop the floor to remove loose debris.
- Fill one bucket with cool water and add a pH-neutral cleaner, following label directions. Fill a second bucket with plain cool water.
- Dip a microfiber pad or mop into the cleaning solution, wring it out so it’s damp but not dripping.
- Use overlapping strokes to mop the floor. Rinse the pad/mop in the rinse bucket frequently.
- Let the floor air dry completely. Avoid walking on the damp floor to prevent streaks.
- Once or twice per year, scrub floors with a more concentrated cleaner solution and a stiff scrub brush. Rinse thoroughly.
Restoring Shine
Over time, daily wear and tear can dull the polished concrete’s sheen. Restore it with these steps:
- Deep clean the floor first to remove dirt and residues. Let dry completely.
- Apply a marble/stone floor finish restorer as directed. Use a clean cotton cloth to rub it into the concrete.
- Let the restorer sit for 5-10 minutes. Buff the floor with a microfiber pad or terrycloth towels to bring back shine.
- Repeat buffing and reapplying restorer as needed until you achieve the desired level of gloss.
- Allow the floor to dry thoroughly before walking on it.
Helpful Tips
Follow these additional pointers for keeping polished concrete floors spotless:
- Test cleaners in an inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility with the floor.
- Only use soft microfiber pads and mops to prevent scratches.
- Avoid powdered cleansers, vinegar, ammonia and oils which can etch concrete.
- Blot spills quickly and spot clean to prevent stains and damage.
- Install walk-off mats at entrances to capture dirt and grit.
- Reseal polished concrete every 1-3 years to protect the finish.
- Consider professional polishing services if the floor becomes worn or etched over time.
With the right techniques and regular care, your polished concrete floors can maintain their like-new sheen for years to come. Reach out to Affordable Cleaning Services for professional concrete floor cleaning and maintenance. Our skilled cleaners service the Parramatta region and can restore dull, worn concrete floors with expert polishing services. Contact our friendly team today for instant quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
✓How often should I clean polished concrete floors?
Clean polished concrete floors at least once a week with a pH-neutral cleaner. Sweep and damp mop daily in high traffic areas. Avoid acidic cleaners that can etch the floor.
✓What is the best way to clean polished concrete floors?
Use a microfiber mop and pH-neutral cleaner formulated for polished concrete. Mop in overlapping strokes and rinse the mop frequently. Let the floor air dry completely to prevent streaks.
✓How can I make my polished concrete floors shine again?
Restore shine by deep cleaning the floor, applying a marble/stone floor finish restorer and buffing with microfiber pads or towels. Reapply restorer as needed until the desired gloss is achieved.
✓What should I avoid using on polished concrete?
Avoid powder cleansers, oil-based products, vinegar, ammonia and acidic or alkaline cleaners. Only use microfiber mops and pads to prevent scratches.
