Most homes have concrete floors in at least one area, whether it’s the basement, garage, or an outdoor space. However, we don’t always keep on top of cleaning these floors. That’s partially because their locations are a low priority and partially because you can’t clean concrete floors the same way you clean the other floors in your house. Luckily, concrete floors are pretty easy to clean. All you need is a little know-how and a few supplies you can pick up at your local hardware store.
You can clean any concrete floor in three easy steps. Here’s what you need to do.
1. Clear Surface Dust and Debris
Even though your concrete floors aren’t the prettiest in your house, you still want them to stay in good shape. To prevent scratches from dirt and grit, start by clearing the surface of dust and debris. Vacuum, sweep, or dust mop your floor before you start in with any water or cleaning solutions. If you’re cleaning unsealed or outdoor concrete, use a stiff-bristled broom or a shop vac. This first step not only protects your floors but also makes them easier to clean.
2. Use an Appropriate Cleaning Solution
How you tackle this step depends on what kind of floor you are dealing with. When it comes to concrete floors, you have four basic options: sealed, polished, painted, or unsealed. Here’s what you should use to clean each type:
- Sealed: Mix one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid per gallon of warm water in a bucket or sink. Mop the floor. That’s it. Be careful not to use harsh cleaners, as they can break down the seal.
- Polished: Mop the floor with a pH-neutral polished concrete cleaner. These cleaners are widely available at any hardware store.
- Painted: Use a solution of warm water and an all-purpose cleaner to mop the floor. It’s best to use a microfiber mop that is only slightly damp with the solution. Excess water can break down and peel the paint.
- Unsealed: The most effective method is to pressure wash or scrub unsealed concrete. You can use plain water or a solution of water and trisodium phosphate. Use rubber gloves and follow the instructions for safety and effectiveness.
3. Rinse and Dry
Finally, rinse the floor with plain water to remove any soapy residue and let the floor air dry. Depending on the size and location of the floor, this can take a few hours, so do your best to stay away from it until it’s completely dry.
