Concrete is durable, cost-effective, and easy to maintain.
Concrete isn’t waterproof, but it can be stained. Concrete needs to be cleaned regularly. You can clean concrete floors with these tips, whether cleaning up a spring cleaning or looking for a solution to a problematic stain.
Concrete Floors: General Maintenance
Concrete floors should always be cleaned once a month to maintain their good looks. Make sure you remove any clutter from the area. Test your cleaner in an inconspicuous place to ensure it does not cause further damage or discoloration.
Concrete floors can be cleaned in sections. First, move the items to one side and then turn around to clean the rest.
Before beginning the cleaning process, inspect your floors for cracks and chips and make any repairs.
Steps to Clean Concrete
What You Will Need:
- Broom or leaf blower.
- Stiff nylon brush
- Spray bottles
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Washing detergent
- Safety goggles
- Pressure washer
Step 1: Remove All Loose Dirt, Debris, and Other Materials
Take out any loose dirt from the concrete. It would help if you also inspect your basement. These toxic chemicals can be eliminated using the guidelines below.
Step 2: Spot Treat Stains
You can spot treat stains using liquid laundry detergent, water, and a toothbrush. This is the most cost-friendly way. You can target the area with the soap by pouring it directly onto the stain.
Step 3: Repeat if Necessary
If the stain still persists, mix some water with white vinegar, baking soda, or water. Rinse the area with water and a garden hose to rinse it off.
Step 4: Obtain a Power Washer
You can use a pressure washer if the stain does not go away. The attachments you need to turn your garden hose into power washers are available at most hardware stores. Or, rent a machine. You can rent a machine to use, but be careful not to damage concrete inadvertently. Wear safety glasses to protect plants and windows. High water pressure can cause them damage.
For more specific concrete stains, see this guide:
Grease, Oil Stains
To remove oil from concrete, you can sprinkle cornmeal, baking soda, and sawdust directly onto the stain. Then, scrub the powder off the concrete with a broom.
Apply more baking powder to the stain. The oil stain may not be completely removed if it is deep-seated or old. You can also use a degreaser as directed by the manufacturer to help get rid of any residual grease.
Rust Stains
Rust stains can be removed from concrete using concrete oil remover. It’s an eco-friendly method that works well even with decades-old concrete. The white vinegar should be poured directly on the stain. After 20 minutes, scrub the area with stiff, bristled brushes.
Water Stains, Mold, and Mildew
Cleaning concrete floors from a basement with mold or mildew differs from cleaning concrete patios. Do not sweep basement floors with mold or mildew problems. You’ll spread mold spores all over the place, which can lead to a larger problem.
When cleaning, open all windows and let fresh air flow. Spray the problem areas with mold-killing detergent, water (or a mixture of bleach and water if you aren’t concerned about potential discoloration), and scrub the area thoroughly with a brush. Rinse with a clean mop.