How to Clean Polished Concrete Floors: an Extensive Guide
Most commercial and industrial businesses nowadays utilize polished concrete floors, thanks to their low maintenance and high-durability features for high foot traffic areas. In this article, we’ll take a look at what you should consider before scheduling polished concrete floor cleaning, the basics of polishing and cleaning overall, and as well as processes professionals use to thoroughly remove stains.
CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE CLEANING POLISHED CONCRETE FLOORS
- Type of flooring: It’s important to ensure that the cleaning won’t damage the surface or alter the floor’s appearance.
- Traffic volume: Areas with high daily traffic may require more frequent, more intense cleaning to maintain their appearance.
- Cleaning schedule: Depending on the traffic volume and the type of flooring, this may mean daily, weekly, or monthly cleaning to maintain cleanliness and presentability.
- Safety considerations: Cleaning floors can be hazardous, so one should utilize warning signs, safety barriers, and protective equipment for the cleaning crew to prevent accidents.
- Environmental impact: Some cleaning products can be harmful, and it is important to choose environmentally-friendly products.
THE BASICS OF CLEANING AND POLISHING CONCRETE FLOORS
One of the key components of maintenance is regularly mopping polished concrete floors. Use a vacuum or dust mop to remove dirt and debris, then use a damp mop to clean the surface. To disinfect your concrete floors, apply a solution of one part chlorine bleach and nine parts water with a sponge. Make sure to keep the sponge and mop head not overly soaked; too much water can damage the floor’s finish. Next, rinse thoroughly with plain water and pick up any remaining moisture with a dry cloth or microfiber mop.
Polishing concrete floors is a great way to give them a sleek and professional appearance. To begin, it’s essential to clean the floor and repair any cracks or imperfections thoroughly.
Next, the grinding process commences, starting with a coarse diamond abrasive and progressively working up to a finer grit. After the desired level of smoothness is achieved, a sealant can be applied to protect the surface and enhance the shine. It’s important to note that proper safety equipment, such as eye and ear protection, should be worn during the polishing process. Regular maintenance can help keep the floor looking its best.
Are you a commercial or industrial business looking for a partner to clean polished concrete floors in your space? Intelli-Clean has got you covered.
HOW TO REMOVE POLISHED CONCRETE STAINS
To keep your flooring pristine for the long haul, take these measures to avoid polished concrete stains. First, sweep and vacuum often, paying special attention to corners and crevices where debris can build up. Also, give the floors fresh polishing at least twice a year, then apply sealant afterward to avoid strange color changes that could cause more significant damage. Finally, invest in high-quality mats or rugs for your entranceways and other high-traffic spots to stop dirt from getting tracked inside.
But when a spill inevitably occurs, act quickly! Blot up liquid messes using paper towels or rags; never rub them vigorously, as this could cause scratches in the floor’s finish. For more stubborn stains, directly apply a solution of one part white vinegar and three parts warm water. Let it sit for 10 minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth or microfiber mop head. Follow these processes for the stains that really take some elbow grease to get the best results:
- Oil: Oil can be tough to remove from polished floors due to their high absorption rate, but it’s possible if caught early enough. Begin by applying baking soda directly onto the stain, followed by an absorbent material like sawdust. This will help draw out excess oil from beneath the surface of the floor’s finish. Wait 24 hours before vacuuming all residue, then treat any remaining discoloration with mineral spirits applied via an applicator pad (or diluted white vinegar if preferred).
- Grease: Removing grease can also be tricky, and it is advised to let a professional handle it. However, it is possible to take care of it on your own. To do so effectively without damaging your floor’s finish, sprinkle baking soda onto the stain, followed by small amounts of dishwashing liquid mixed into warm water. Using gloves, scrub the area gently before blotting away any remaining residue using paper towels or rags. Repeat until satisfied with results before allowing time for drying.
- Paint: Cleaning paint stains off polished concrete floors requires special attention to prevent further damage. Start by scraping away as much dried paint as possible using either a plastic scraper tool (for thick layers) or steel wool (for thin layers). Once most of it has been removed, gently scrub the area using mineral spirits applied via an applicator pad. Rinse the area thoroughly using plain warm water and allow time for drying before regular foot traffic resumes.
- Rust: Rust stains are never fun, but getting rid of them is relatively straightforward. All that’s required is mixing three parts baking soda with one part hydrogen peroxide into paste form. Begin by evenly spreading the mixture over the stained area, then allow time for the paste mixture to dry completely before removing it from the polished concrete floor.
Note: If you are looking for help at any point during the process or don’t want to deal with it at all, contact a provider like Intelli-Clean, who are experts at cleaning polished concrete floors.
PARTNER WITH INTELLI-CLEAN FOR THE BEST POLISHED CONCRETE FLOOR CLEANING IN FLORIDA
For over 25 years, Intelli-Clean has been dedicated to providing unmatched concrete staining services in the Florida area. Our team of professionals is always ready to prioritize your satisfaction and ensure you receive the highest standard of care. With us, you can trust that we’re licensed and insured with every job. Contact us today for polished concrete floor cleaning.