Concrete is durable and versatile, these qualities make it one of the most used materials for flooring internal and external surfaces. Concrete is also very flexible in terms of functionality and decoration, lends itself to many different environments because it is stain resistant, can be smoothed or customized with unique engravings and treatments. Since it is also a porous product, it needs to be cleaned regularly to prevent mold and dirt from building up. Cleaning techniques vary slightly depending on the type of concrete, but good maintenance ensures a clean floor is always in great condition and increases the life of your home, garage, shop or workspace.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Prepare any Type of Concrete Surface
Step 1. Prepare all the necessary materials
To perform a cleaning treatment on any concrete surface you need normal tools and materials, including:
- A dust-proof broom and duvet (or a vacuum cleaner);
- A brush with nylon bristles to treat stains;
- Dish soap and water to remove stains;
- Sodium phosphate, laundry bleach and mildew cleaner;
- Cat litter or cornstarch to absorb grease stains
- Degreaser to eliminate the marks left by the tires;
- Bleach, ammonia or hydrogen peroxide for stubborn stains.
Step 2. Clean the floor
Remove all furniture, decorations, rugs, shoes, mats, and anything else on the floor. Move everything to another room, so you don't have to wash only the surface around the furniture or you don't have to constantly move it to clean under it.
Step 3. Sweep and dust the floor
Collect any larger debris with a broom and then go over the surface with a dust-proof down to remove even the smallest particles. You should dust the surface every day, while you should sweep or vacuum it at least once a week.
If you have a good, powerful model, you can vacuum the floor as it allows you to get the job done faster and more efficiently. Furthermore, in this way, you prevent the particles from spreading into the surrounding environment
Step 4. Treat the stains individually
To clean up normal food and drink traces, scrub the area with very hot, soapy water. Use about 15-30 ml of neutral dish soap or Sapone_di_Castiglia Castile soap diluted in 2 liters of water. If the stains are oily or greasy, then wet the area with water and then cover it with dish soap. Dip a brush in hot water and rub it into the stain to create a thick lather. At this point you just have to absorb the detergent with a rag or towel and rinse the floor with clean water.
- To get rid of mold, mix 30g of laundry detergent with the same amount of sodium phosphate, one liter of bleach and three liters of water. Scrub the area to be treated with a soft bristle brush and then rinse with clean water.
- If you need to remove tire marks (in the garage), wet the area with water and then apply a degreaser. Let it sit for three to four hours, brush the surface, and then rinse.
- If there are traces of grease, you need to sprinkle the affected area with cornstarch or cat litter. Wait for the product to absorb the greasy material for about three days. After this time, you can sweep or vacuum the litter or starch and dispose of it according to the type of fat it has absorbed (in some cases you can throw the product in the garbage at home, but much more often it is necessary to take it to a collection center of hazardous waste).
Step 5. For stubborn stains on undecorated concrete, you need to use a strong cleaner
If it's a smooth surface and you don't have to worry about ruining the finish, then you can use stronger products, such as bleach, ammonia, or hydrogen peroxide. Dilute one part of detergent in three parts of water and spray the mixture on the area to be treated. Wait for it to work for 20 minutes and then scrub the concrete with a brush. At the end rinse with clean water.
Always wear gloves and protective gear when using harsh chemicals and make sure the area is well ventilated
Part 2 of 4: Clean Stamped or Polished Concrete
Step 1. Gather all the material
You will need a mop and a large bucket, warm water, and a mild pH-neutral detergent. Never use ammonia, bleach or other highly acidic or alkaline products to clean decorated concrete, as this could damage the finish layer. Here are some examples of suitable natural cleansers:
- Neutral dish soap;
- Castile soap;
- Natural stone cleaner;
- Soaps and detergents with neutral pH for floors.
Step 2. Fill a large bucket with hot water
Pour in about 4 liters and add 30-60 ml of mild or pH-neutral soap (or follow the dosage recommended by the manufacturer).
Step 3. Dip the clean mop into the cleaning solution
When it is well soaked, squeeze it completely. The mop must only be slightly damp to clean the floor, in fact it is necessary that the surface dries quickly and that the water does not stagnate for too long.
Step 4. Wash the floor in small sections at a time
Start at the corner opposite the exit and clean small areas. As you go, dip the mop several times into the cleaning solution and squeeze it carefully. Consider turning on an oscillating fan to dry the floor faster.
Step 5. Remove excess soap or detergent
When you've cleaned the entire surface, throw away the soapy water, rinse the mop and bucket, then fill the bucket with warm, clean water. Mop the floor again, exactly as you did before, but by dipping it in clean water.
Always start from the corner opposite the exit and rinse the floor in small sections at a time
Part 3 of 4: Cleaning the Exterior and Garage Floor
Step 1. Gather all the necessary materials
You will need a pressure washer, a scrubbing brush with stiff nylon bristles, and a cleaner such as sodium phosphate or another product suitable for concrete. If you don't have a pressure washer, you can use a normal garden hose; in this case, open the tap to the maximum and use a high pressure nozzle.
- For this kind of concrete surfaces, a pressure washer is generally recommended because better results are obtained. Consider renting one from a home improvement or garden center.
- If you don't have a scrub brush, use a regular brush with nylon bristles.
Step 2. Remove any moss and roots that may have grown on the exterior concrete
Tear it all off with your hands and then scrub the area with a mop, garden hose, or pressure washer to remove any remaining residue.
Step 3. Wet the concrete
If possible, open the garage door. Start at the corner closest to the house and work your way to the exit or lawn. Use the pressure washer or garden hose to wet the surface with sweeping strokes to remove dirt and debris. Pay special attention to corners, crevices and cracks.
Step 4. Sprinkle the powdered cleaner on the floor
Place the mop on one end of the garage or patio and start dispensing the cleaning product from the opposite corner, moving towards the mop itself. During this phase, check that the floor is still wet.
Step 5. Brush the surface
Use the mop or brush to clean the floor also taking advantage of the chemical action of the detergent. Do not overlook any section and lift all traces of dust, dirt and debris from the concrete.
Step 6. Rinse the floor with clean water
Start from the inside and move towards the exit or towards the lawn. Thanks to the power of the water jet, it eliminates all traces of detergent and dirt. Leave the door open for the floor to dry.
Part 4 of 4: Protecting Concrete Floors
Step 1. Clean up any splashes of liquid immediately
This prevents people from slipping on the floor and at the same time prevents the formation of stains on the surface. Rub the area immediately with a clean rag or towel as soon as any substance spills onto the floor.
Step 2. Refine the floor
A high-quality sealant lasts for a long time, so you'll only need to apply it every three to four years. The finish also protects the floor from stains and scratches.
- Choose a sealant suitable for your concrete surface.
- For interior floors, use a water-based product.
Step 3. Spread the wax
It protects not only the floor from dirt accumulation, stains and abrasion, but also the sealant layer which, in this way, will last longer.
