Concrete is perhaps the most durable and versatile flooring surface around today. Although expensive, it delivers a unique aesthetic when brushed or polished. It’s also possible to stamp or carve unique designs and motifs into concrete, adding to the surface’s appeal.
Despite concrete’s practicality, it is a porous substance — so regular cleaning and maintenance is essential. Dirt and mould can lead to damage and premature wear and tear over time, but cleaning concrete in the correct way should prolong its already considerable life.
What you’ll need
Before you begin, it’s a good idea to gather together the tools and cleaning agents you’re going to need. While you can adapt your approach to suit your own floor, here’s a list of what most people use to clean concrete floors:
- A stiff-bristle brush
- Washing-up liquid
- Laundry bleach (for mould)
- Cat litter
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
- A mop
- A vacuum cleaner with hard floor attachment
1. Prepare the surface
The first thing you need to do is clear the floor. Remove all mats, furniture and everyday items, as they will make your job harder — and potentially cause damage to your floor as they move around.
Vacuum the floor thoroughly to remove dust and dirt particles. The best vacuum for concrete floors very much depends on the type of concrete and the finish. However, it’s probably best to go with a vacuum cleaner that has a hard floor attachment and a motorised brushroll.
2. Clean stains
Before you attack the entire floor, look for stains caused by food, drinks and dirty shoes. In most cases, a solution of washing-up liquid and water should be enough to cut through most stains. However, if you’re dealing with a greasy stain, you might need to scrub it with soapy water and a little vinegar. And if the stain is particularly stubborn, scrubbing with vinegar and baking soda might be necessary.
If you find mould on your concrete floor, pour some hydrogen peroxide and laundry bleach over it, and wait for around 20 minutes. Wearing gloves and eye protection, scrub the stain with your stiff-bristled brush.
Some greasy stains can prove very difficult to remove from concrete. If dishwashing detergent, vinegar and baking soda have failed, cover the affected area in cat litter — which will gradually soak up the grease over several hours.
3. Clean the floor
Once you’re happy that the stains have been removed, you can start cleaning the whole floor. Thankfully, this isn’t rocket science. In most cases, a mop and bucket with hot, soapy water should suffice. You can use stone cleaners or dedicated floor cleaners if you wish, but for brushed, polished and stamped concrete they’re probably not necessary.
Clean the floor in small sections, and start in the corner of the room opposite the door you’re going to leave through. This way, you won’t need to walk over the floor you’ve just cleaned. Clean around a square metre of floor at a time, before wringing out your mop and moving on.
Tip: You can forget about the wringing out by using a steam mop for the job. A consistent jet of superheated steam cuts through dirt and kills bacteria. Your floor will be almost dry immediately after cleaning, and you won’t need any cleaning agents.
4. Protect your concrete floor
The best thing you can do to prolong the life of your concrete flooring is to wipe up spillages, food and dirt immediately. It’s also important to ensure the floor is sealed properly. Remember, concrete along is porous, and it WILL take on water if it isn’t protected. For indoor concrete floors, use a water-based sealant.
You also have the option of waxing your concrete floor — although you should consult the installer before doing so. Wax can add a great finish to concrete, and prevent the build-up of stains. In addition, wax can add another layer of protection. However, you don’t want to make your floors slippy. Apply your wax with a microfiber mop every once a year.
Concrete floors are becoming increasingly popular in homes, thanks to their durability, low-maintenance qualities and unique aesthetic appeal. However, to keep your floor in the best possible condition, cleaning and maintenance are essential.
