For several years now, polished concrete has become more prevalent in public and commercial buildings alike, most notably for being a low-maintenance flooring option. White polished concrete floors, for example, are becoming very popular for homes with a minimalist aesthetic.
It is important to regularly keep the shine and quality of polished concrete, especially in areas with high traffic. After all, you don’t want your floor to get scratches and dirt months into the installation.
There are various methods and techniques in polishing concrete, which you can implement depending on your time and resources. Here are some things to keep in mind when cleaning this flooring material.
Wipe up spills and remove debris regularly
First, you should set aside some time every day for general cleaning. It will preserve your floor’s quality and allow you to use it for a long time. Immediately wipe up spills and any mess to avoid staining and etching of the floor. Remove large pieces of debris that may also scratch the flooring when kicked around.
You must clean the floor with a dust mop at the end of each day – either microfiber or cotton works well. If no mops are around, regular or soft-bristled brooms can do.
Use a polish specifically for the material
As for the polish, use one specially designed for polished concrete, and use a high-speed burnisher for buffing. You can do this after a few months of regular cleaning. You can also polish it if it has recently been exposed to heavy traffic and abrasive substances, such as sand.
Be cautious about dry burnishing as it may not fully restore the gloss of the floor. If this happens, mop the floor with a solution of one part cleaner to one part water, then while the floor is still wet, run a high-speed burnisher over it. Enlisting concrete cleaning services could make this process more efficient.
Perform a deeper clean once a week
Additionally, once a week after dry-mopping, mop the floor with a solution of warm water and polished-floor cleaner or mild detergent to remove remaining small debris and dirt on the floor. Avoid using ammonia, bleach, vinegar, and other alkaline or acidic cleaners; instead, use products with a neutral pH level.
Clean the floor by parts, ensuring that the floor is dry and that you have wrung out the mop before moving on to the next area. Replace the cleaning solution when it becomes dirty. Finally, damp mop the floor with fresh, clean water to remove any residue from the cleaning solution.
Consider high-traffic cleaning
You might also look into high-traffic cleaning, which is suitable for areas with high foot traffic or vehicle and machinery movement. In these areas, you should use an auto-scrubber with the recommended cleaning solution and pad.
Use 4 ounces of the solution per gallon of water for general cleaning and 8 ounces for heavy cleaning. The manufacturer should approve the pad. Alternatively, you can use an 800-grit buffer. It will also be useful to place mats or rugs in entryways of high-traffic areas to catch dirt before it spreads on the floor.
Conclusion
Concrete is a versatile material that lends itself well to various building styles. It is also durable and relatively easy to clean, making it an economical choice compared to other flooring options.
For top-notch concrete floors in Phoenix, get in touch with AZ Polished Concrete. We provide our clients with various options for their flooring that would reflect their home or establishment’s personality. Get in touch with us today for more information.
