Polished concrete can transform boring concrete floors into one that can look similar to marble, granite and other more expensive natural stones at a much lower cost. One of the best benefits of polished concrete floors is the fact that they are easy to clean and require minimal to low maintenance to increase longevity. Do you know how to clean a polished concrete floor in Los Angeles?
It takes minimal effort to clean polished concrete floor. The first thing to remember is to have a cleaning schedule to prevent dust from scratching the floor and to maintain its luster even in high traffic areas. Cleaning your polished concrete floor will keep it in top condition and always looking new.
Daily Cleaning
- Dust mop (microfiber map) polished concrete floor to prevent the accumulation of dirt, debris and grime. You may also use a broom or vacuum. Soil getting on the floor from shoes and vehicle tires are abrasive and may affect the shine of the floor. You may also use a broom or vacuum.
- Immediately wipe off liquid spills or any particle that may stain or etch the floor as quickly as possible.
- Pick up large pieces of debris on the floor as soon as possible. It may be kicked or stepped on and may cause scratches on the floor.
Occasional Cleaning
- Wet mop with clean water and clean mops. For small areas use a bucket and mop. For larger areas use a floor scrubber with a non-abrasive pad.
- Use a neutral floor cleaner to loosen dirt particles for easy removal.
- After applying floor cleaner, leave it for some time to allow it to break down grease, oil and other grime before mopping or vacuuming.
- Do not allow cleaning solution to dry on the polished concrete floor. Work on small areas at a time.
- Allow floor to dry before mopping with a really wet mop. Work on small sections at a time.
- Damp mop the floor with fresh and clean water to get rid of any remaining residue from the cleaning solution.
How to Clean a Polished Concrete Floor by Deep Cleaning
As a result of not regularly cleaning your polished concrete floor, heavy build-up of grime will develop. Under this circumstance, deep cleaning is in order. Deep cleaning is also needed for busy commercial establishments and industrial establishment.
Deep cleaning is recommended to be done monthly or every three months depending on the foot, vehicle and equipment traffic the floor is subjected to. Amount of oil, gas, grease and chemicals used in the area also determines how often deep cleaning should be done on the polished concrete floor.
Deep cleaning is done using non-abrasive buffer pads and mild floor cleaner.
How to Clean Spillages
Polished concrete floors are durable and can last for long years. It is however highly recommended that spillages are quickly cleaned. When left on the floor for a long time, spillages may penetrate the surface.
As soon as you notice any spills on the polished concrete floors, immediately clean it up.
- Wipe off as much of the spill with a cloth, any absorbent material or even paper towels.
- Mop off with warm water spillage that were not wiped off.
- Acidic spillages (vinegar, lemon juice, wine, animal excrement or bird droppings should be wiped off with water added with an alkaline cleaner or PH neutral cleaner. These cleaners should be able to neutralize the acid and prevent damage on the polished concrete floor.
To prevent spills from seeping deep into the polished concrete floor, make sure the floor is sealed after installation. A sealed polished concrete floor will not seep into the floor even if you do not quickly wipe it off.
How to Clean High-Traffic Areas
Polished concrete floors can withstand high foot, vehicle and equipment traffic. Although high traffic will not damage the polished concrete floor, the floor will still get dirty.
Dirt, dust and grime in polished concrete floors can be cleaned by an automatic scrubber. It is recommended that you use only cleaning solutions that are suitable for the auto scrubber.
For cleaning high traffic areas 8 ounces of cleaning solution for every gallon of water is recommended. It is recommended that you use an 8-grit buffer or any pad recommended by the auto scrubber manufacturer.
To maintain the sheen of polished concrete floor experiencing heavy traffic, burnish the dry floor with a polisher with an attached white buffing pad.
Things to Avoid when Cleaning Polished Concrete Floor
- Never use vinegar, bleach, ammonia and other cleaners that are acidic and alkaline.
- Avoid using floor cleaners with detergent. Detergents leave residue on the floor which is difficult to rinse.
- Never use harsh chemicals.
- Avoid using dirty water when cleaning polished concrete floors. Dirty water will only spread more dirt on the floor.
- Avoid using abrasive materials when sweeping the floor to prevent scratches.
- Avoid use only one mop for all areas with polished concrete floors in your home or business. This is to prevent contamination.
Proper knowledge on how to clean a polished concrete floor in Los Angeles, California will ensure that it will maintain its luster and always look as good as new for many years.
