Concrete is a durable material that is also very porous. Keeping it clean will help maintain its beauty and extend its life. The methods used to clean concrete floors depend on the location and the type of concrete you are cleaning.

Decorative interior concrete is becoming increasing popular as a flooring material because of its durability and resistance to stains.

Standard concrete is the type of flooring material typically found in garages, basements, and warehouses.

Stains that result from oil, grease, and chemical spills pose a greater cleaning challenge.

Applying the appropriate sealant to concrete will make it resistant to many types of stains. Sealants generally need to be re-applied every three or four years.

When spills are left on the floor, they can permeate the seal over time. Wiping up spills immediately will prevent stains from occurring.

For large surface areas that are exposed to spills regularly, industrial floor scrubbers can be used to remove spills before they reach the area below the concrete surface and become “set in.”

Sweeping dirt from the floor is the first line of defense for protecting it from scratches to the finish. Particles of dust and dirt are rubbed into the floor over time, leading to scratches and the opportunity for spills to get below the surface.

The more traffic there is on the floor, the more often it will need to be swept.

Large floors, such as those in warehouses, often require daily sweeping that can be efficiently performed with a professional quality floor sweeper.

To clean decorative concrete in homes, a microfiber mop will pick up dust and dirt without damaging the floor’s finish or causing dust to become airborne.

Garage floors and warehouses where there is exposure to grease and oil from automobiles and other equipment are the most difficult to clean.

Kitty litter is a valuable tool to keep handy for absorbing oil and grease that has spilled onto the concrete.

Power cleaners that use hot water are the best tools for removing grease and oil that has soaked into the surface.

Water is often the best cleaner for concrete, especially when there is minimal exposure to oil, grease, and chemicals.

Since concrete is porous, puddles on the floor can result in moisture being pulled through so that the concrete molds and cracks. This is especially problematic when the surface is exposed to extreme temperature changes.

Professional floor scrubbers that pick up the water used to clean the concrete will prevent damage from moisture from occurring.

In most situations, water is the only cleaner you will need for concrete. The pressure or scrubbing action that is applied is what makes the difference in whether the dirt is removed or not.

Avoid using homemade cleaners with vinegar or ammonia that can whiten the floor or damage the finish.

Use only green cleaners designed for use in pressure washers or scrubbers that are made for use on concrete floors.

Stains may not become apparent until after the floor has been cleaned.

To remove oil stains, apply bleach directly to the area and let sit for twenty minutes. Use a scrub brush to loosen the stain. Once clear, rinse and dry.

To remove grease stains, apply a layer of kitty litter to the affected area and let sit for several days. If the stain remains after sweeping the kitty litter away, sprinkle dry concrete mix over the area and let it sit for a few days before sweeping.

Tire marks in the garage or warehouse can be removed with a degreasing product. Apply and let sit for a few hours before scrubbing and rinsing the area.

For concrete surfaces that are not sealed, stronger cleaning methods are often required. Regular sweeping and cleaning with an auto scrubber to prevent penetration of the concrete is required to preserve the concrete material.

Do not apply muriatic acid to floors to remove stubborn stains that seep into unsealed concrete except as a last resort.

Preventing water from standing on an unsealed concrete floor is even more important than with those that have a barrier of protection on the surface. Use professional cleaning equipment that will remove water from the floor’s surface and prevent absorption.

At Performance Systems Janitorial Supply, we supply high quality, refurbished janitorial machines that are reliable and made by top manufacturers. Our variety of Clarke, Tomcat, Tenant, and Clarke floor scrubbers and sweepers make it easy for businesses on a budget to get the quality equipment they need to keep their business looking its best.

We also sell new floor machines and parts, in addition to providing repairs and rentals to make maintaining your floors as easy and cost-efficient as possible. Visit www.psjanitorial.com for more information or call us at 1-800-747-5096 to ask about any of our products or services.

1. http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-hints-tips/cleaning-organizing/floor-cleaning-tips4.htm

2. http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-concrete-floors/

3. http://floorbuffers.wordpress.com/2011/07/05/cleaning-concrete-floors/

Sources

Summary

• Concrete is a versatile, durable flooring material that is easy to maintain. The primary cleaning need is to keep dust and grime off the floor surface by sweeping regularly. Water is often the only cleaner needed when the appropriate pressure is applied, such as that from a professional floor scrubber.