Concrete was once just a small part of the housing infrastructure, but it has now become a raw aesthetic in many modern homes. Many people prefer concrete floors for their rugged look and their durability. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains, water, and fire. However, concrete floors must be regularly cleaned to prevent mold from seeping into them and causing damage. Here are some effective ways and products to clean and maintain concrete flooring.

Tips on cleaning concrete floors

These easy tips will help you make your cleaning time more productive. Let’s look at how to clean sealed concrete floors first-

1. You will first want to remove the surface dust and debris on the material. You can use a broom to remove the dust, a vacuum cleaner, or even a plain old mop to clean the floor.
2. Next, use a good and safe cleaning solution that is not too harsh. Add two teaspoons of dishwashing liquid to 2 gallons of water to create a solution. Once done, use a mop to clean the surface using the solution.
3. The next step involves rinsing the surface with clean water and mopping off any soapy residue. Let the surface air dry for some time.

Compared to sealed concrete floors, polished floors are slightly hard to maintain and clean. Here are some tips for cleaning a polished concrete floor effectively-

1. Use a regular dust mop or a vacuum cleaner to remove the dry dust and debris first.
2. For polished floors, you will need commercial cleaning products that are pH-neutral. Use the product on the floor and wipe it with the mop. If there are any stains or spills, apply more of the product into that region and use a damp mop to clean up. Usually, commercial cleaners do not require a rinse; however, every product is different and may have some instructions to follow.

Most concrete floors are resistant to dirt, but if you notice the floors getting messy too often, then build a habit of cleaning them out daily by sweeping. Also, use a wet mop weekly to avoid any buildup; use a cleaning solution when you clean with a wet mop.

Commercial concrete cleaning products

Some popular products customers prefer for cleaning concrete floors are listed below.

Zep Neutral pH Floor Cleaner Concentrate

It is an excellent product for sealed concrete floors. It has up to 128 gallons of cleaning solution, which is enough to keep your floors clean for a long time. It is also pH-neutral, which means it will not strip the floor of its polish and keep the protective layering intact. One can use it on other surfaces like granite, marble, stone, and vinyl. However, it is not suitable for wooden floorings and unsealed concrete floors. With this solution, one does not need to rinse the floor again with clean water. It costs around $13 for one bottle.

Krud Kutter Concrete Clean and Etch

It is a top-rated product for removing stains from your concrete flooring. The product is known to penetrate the surface and dissolve stains like grease, mildew, algae, and oil. Moreover, some customers also recommend this product as a precursor to coating, staining, or even sealing concrete surfaces. Thanks to its biodegradable formula, this cleaning product will not harm any plants or grass on the premises. Some reports suggest that using the product could leave a white trace on floors, so always check for this when using the product for cleaning. The cleaner is priced at around $12. It can be applied on various surfaces, including patios, driveways, basement, and garage floors. 

Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Pressure Washer Cleaner

This product has an EPA Safer Choice certificate, making it an ideal cleaning solution for concrete floors. It comes with a biodegradable formula, so it cannot harm any plants, grass in the lawn, pets, wildlife, or the environment and waterways. You can quickly rinse the floor with clean water and wipe it out into the lawn if needed. It can be applied on most surfaces except for vinyl siding. Also, Oxy Solve has a strong smell, so it is recommended to keep the rooms well-ventilated when cleaning. It is also advised to use this product with a pressure washer and use a low setting to apply it. After letting the product settle on the surface for a few minutes, you can use a high-pressure rinse method to remove the product and dirt. The bottle is priced at around $24 on some e-commerce platforms.

Oil Eater Original Cleaner Degreaser

As the name indicates, this product is ideal for removing grease stains from the concrete. It is again a biodegradable formula and noncorrosive as well, so it will not be harsh on the flooring. Experts advise diluting this formula in water before applying it on the surface; the instructions are mentioned on the back of the bottle. Once you have made a solution, apply it on the greasy stain part of the concrete floor and let it settle for 5 minutes. Once the time is up, use a hose and clear the solution with clean water. The product is priced at $13 on some e-commerce platforms.