Karl Palmer • June 1, 2022
How To Clean Polished Concrete Floors
Concrete floors offer both low maintenance and modern aesthetics . The combination of a simple floor care routine and professional service is all that’s needed to keep your floors as good as they look new.
Continue reading and learn what products you should use to clean your concrete floors and why they may need to be professionally serviced.
The Basics of Concrete Floor Care
KEEP YOUR FLOOR FREE OF DUST, DIRT, AND GRIME
- The secret to your floors long life is keeping the surface of your concrete floor free of dust, dirt, and grime.
- Excessive surface contaminants act as abrasive, dulling, and discolouring decorative concrete floors. Frequent concrete floor cleaning will dramatically prolong the interval between professional service calls.
- We recommend high quality robotic vacuums designed for hardwood flooring to perform routine floor cleaning duties. They’re reliable and efficient and can keep up with contaminants from foot traffic.
- Dust mopping is your second best choice if a robot vacuum is not an option. We recommend using a microfiber dust mop, both dry and with clean water. These dust mops are machine washable and reusable.
USE THE CORRECT MOPPING SOLUTION
- When mopping polished concrete floors, it is essential to use the correct cleaning solution.
- We recommend Ameripolish® Rejuvenating Floor Cleaner. This product is designed for polished concrete floors, and increases stain resistance when used regularly.
- Never use cleaners such as Pine-Sol, ammonia, vinegar, or bleach as they will dull, discolour or etch polished concrete and stained concrete floors.
How Often Should You Professionally Clean Your Polished Concrete Floors?
We usually recommend professional inspections every two years and servicing atleast every six years.
If your concrete floors are looking dull, especially in high foot traffic areas, it may be time for your floors to be serviced. If your floors look different from those installed, a professional inspection is needed.
In our standard residential servicing, we deep clean your floors with a specialized automatic floor scrubber and then use a high-powered buffer to bring back their original lustre. This one-day service will revitalize your floors.
How to Minimize Concrete Maintenance Costs
A polished concrete floor with a grouted saw cut line. These contrasting grout lines both accent the decorative cuts and eliminate cleaning issues.
ALWAYS REMEMBER TO KEEP YOUR FLOOR CLEAN!
- Use a mop or vacuum to remove surface contaminants such as dust and dirt. We generally recommend a robotic vacuum over a dust mop, as they can clean both concrete and rugs, and clean concrete is the key to long service life.
USE RUGS - BUT NEVER WITH A RUBBER RUG BACKING
- Rugs are a great idea on concrete floors, especially in entryways. They’ll reduce the volume of contaminants tracked onto the floor from daily foot traffic.
- However, rubber rug backings can dull the shine of polished concrete flooring. Instead, use felt-style rug backers. Because polished concrete isn’t slippery, you may find no need for a rug backer.
NEVER WAX YOUR POLISHED CONCRETE FLOORS
- Wax is considered a contaminant on polished concrete flooring and can cause costly repairs. Wax buildup is difficult to strip and will only temporarily improve the appearance of your floor.
- Take care not to use a floor cleaner with added wax. Mop & Glo is the primary culprit. Again, a damp mop with a small amount of gentle soap is required.
NEVER STICK TAPE TO A DECORATIVE CONCRETE FLOOR
- Even blue painter’s tape can damage the surface of a decorative concrete floor if installed for an extended period. This is one of the most common and costly maintenance issues of concrete flooring.
CHOSE THE CONCRETE FLOOR INSTALLATION THAT BEST FITS YOUR NEEDS
- In 2022, most decorative concrete installations will be polished concrete. Unlike stained concrete floors, polished concrete does not utilize a film-forming sealer, so it has the lowest long-term maintenance requirements of any concrete flooring.
CLEAN SPILLS PROMPTLY
- Always clean liquid spills as soon as possible. Spills allowed to dry on polished concrete can seep into the floor, causing stains.
- Pay special attention to reactive liquids such as vinegar, soaps, or wine. These liquids are notorious for damaging polished concrete fl, and oil Oil stains are common, especially in kitchens.
HAVE YOUR FLOOR PERIODICALLY INSPECTED BY AN EXPERIENCED CONCRETE FLOOR POLISHER
- If the surface of your floor looks different from when it was installed, it’s probably time to have it professionally evaluated. Worn floors are more prone to staining and discolouration than properly maintained floors—leading to expensive repairs.
Explaining Polished Concrete Floors Polished concrete consists mainly of a mix of stone or gravel aggregate, cement, and water. This blend creates a versatile and robust flooring material. Once it hardens, the concrete is ground and polished to a smooth finish before a protective layer is applied. This finishing process enhances the concrete's strength and aesthetic appeal. The Rise of Polished Concrete in Design Once confined to industrial settings, polished concrete is now a sought-after flooring option in homes and commercial spaces. Its surge in popularity is due in part to its raw, minimalistic charm which suits the increasingly popular industrial design trend. Additionally, consumers appreciate its environmental benefits since concrete is a sustainable and long-lasting material. Affordability of Polished Concrete Contrary to misconceptions, the cost of polished concrete flooring is surprisingly reasonable. Its affordability extends to both installation and upkeep. For properties that already possess a concrete base, renewing the existing surface can be particularly cost-efficient, combining longevity and cost-effectiveness. Benefits of Polished Concrete for Businesses Polished concrete is favored in various commercial environments due to several advantages. These include its relatively quick installation time, minimal maintenance, and resistance to wear and tear. Its contemporary aesthetic also contributes to a business's marketability. Utilizing Polished Concrete in Residential Areas Versatility and low maintenance make polished concrete suitable for any part of a home. From kitchens and bathrooms to general living areas, this flooring option offers both functionality and a stylish aesthetic. It pairs well with floor rugs and can even accommodate underfloor heating systems for added comfort. Temperature Regulation of Polished Concrete Floors Polished concrete possesses excellent thermal storage properties, allowing it to absorb and retain heat. This means that homes with such floors can benefit from steady warmth, even after heating systems are turned off, debunking the myth that concrete floors are inherently cold. Comparing Exterior and Interior Polished Concrete The variety of polished concrete flooring includes options tailored for either indoor or outdoor use. Outdoor surfaces are generally finished coarser to prevent slipperiness, whereas indoor floors typically have a smoother finish. Honed concrete and grind and seal finishes are alternative options for outdoor areas, combining aesthetics with practicality. Maintenance of Polished Concrete Cleaning and maintaining polished concrete is straightforward, with few steps required. Routine sweeping and mopping suffice for regular upkeep. Using a neutral pH cleaning agent is recommended to ensure easy dirt removal. Installation Process of Polished Concrete The creation of a polished concrete floor is an intricate process that calls for professional expertise to avoid structural issues. This process can vary depending on preferences such as desired hydronic heating or level of grind exposure. Installation generally entails surface preparation, potential placement of heating elements, concrete pouring, and the necessary finish work. Laying New Concrete Over the Old Revitalizing an aged concrete floor by adding a new layer on top is viable, but not without challenges. Proper preparation is crucial to prevent improper bonding and ensure durability. If not done correctly, this could lead to a compromised surface that's more prone to cracking.
How To Do Polished Concrete Floors Concrete floors shouldn't have to look dull or dirty. Using a grinder and your own elbow grease, you can brighten up your concrete floors and make them appear sleek and shiny. When done correctly, polishing concrete floors will instantly improve their appearance. The key is to know how to polish the floors properly. We have designed a comprehensive guide that will explain how to polish concrete floors for those wanting to take on the task themselves. Step 1 – Prepare the Floor for Polishing Before any work can be done with the concrete floor, it is essential you prepare the area. The amount of prep work involved will vary depending upon the current condition of the floors and how much dirt or dust is present. Preparation work you may need to do before you can polish concrete floors includes: Mopping and sweeping the area to remove all dirt and dust Removing any sealer or coatings that have previously been applied to the floors Repair cracks or blemishes on the floors Step 2 – Polish the Concrete Floors Using a Coarse Grit Abrasive Disc When the concrete floors have been cleaned and fixed, it is time to start the polishing process. This step will involve using both a concrete grinder and various types of diamond abrasive discs. All required equipment can be hired from a machinery rental firm. First, you will start by polishing the floor using a coarse grit abrasive disc, and this will help remove any surface stains or rough areas on the floor. When polishing the floors, it is essential to make sure you are using the proper technique, which will be used for all steps involving a concrete polisher. Proper technique involves doing the following: Moving the concrete grinder in circular motions Starting in one section of the room and moving slowly and methodically to the other areas Make sure to cover the floor and not miss a spot Step 3 – Polish the Concrete Floors, Using a Fine Grit Abrasive Disc After polishing with a coarse grit abrasive disc, you will polish with a fine-grit abrasive disc. A fine grit abrasive disc will give the floors that glossy, sleek look associated with polished concrete. Step 4 – Polish the Floors with an Extra-Fine Grit Abrasive Disc The final step in the polishing process is to use the concrete grinder with an extra-fine grit abrasive disc on the entire surface. This step will make sure any blemishes are removed from the surface, and you are left with a smooth, sleek concrete floor. Step 5 – Apply a Coat of Concrete Floor Polish Once the floors have been thoroughly polished, you need to ensure it is protected against further damage. A coat of concrete floor polish will add the protective layer you need to protect the newly polished floor.