Polished concrete floors are a beautiful and durable flooring choice that has made them very popular among homeowners and business owners. Along with that also comes the common misconception that because of their durability, they require no maintenance; however, that’s not entirely correct. Sure, the amount of maintenance is substantially less than with carpet, vinyl or tiles, but it still has some maintenance needs if you want to ensure they keep the same top-quality finish for many years.
Today, let’s have a look at four essential steps on how to maintain polished concrete and making it last without having to go overboard.
Step 1: Regular Cleaning
It doesn’t take a whole lot of effort to maintain your concrete flooring, starting with regular and thorough cleaning. Take the time every day to sweep the floor with a dust mop and a microfibre dust pad. Using a clean pad every time will protect the polished surface and prevent dirty pads or rougher brushes or brooms from scratching and damaging the floor. Dirt and debris left behind for longer periods might scour and scratch the surface and damage the floor. Especially in high-traffic areas, it’s also a good idea to check during the day to ensure dirt doesn’t accumulate, for example, on windy and dry days or if you live in an area that sees a lot of dust or sand getting blown around.
If you want to do a deeper cleaning, choose a clean mop and clean water. If you have some more stubborn dirt, use a neutral-pH cleaner. Harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners can damage the concrete surface and cause unsightly dulling or discolouring. If you use cleaning solutions, rinse thoroughly with clean water to eliminate any residue. Allow the floor to air dry, or use a clean mop to speed things up.
Step 2: Stain Prevention
While concrete generally has a high resistance to staining, it’s not perfect, and some substances can leave marks if you don’t address the spill immediately. Oil, grease, food and beverage spills, and acidic liquids like vinegar or citrus juices are common culprits. If left on the floor too long, they can cause surface etching and leave lasting marks.
If your floor is in a high-risk zone, such as a kitchen or a workshop, consider placing absorbent mats to provide an additional barrier and minimize direct contact between the spilled substance and the concrete surface. In the case of a spill, use absorbent cloths or mats to blot up the substance and, if necessary, use a mild detergent and microfibre mop to clean the area to remove any remnants and prevent them from permeating the surface.
Step 3: Routine Maintenance
As mentioned above, regular maintenance of your polished concrete floor can save you a lot of headaches. In addition to daily sweeping and prompt spill removal, schedule periodic buffing or burnishing to restore the shine and smoothness of your polished concrete. How often you should buff it depends on a few factors, such as foot traffic and wear, so if you have high-traffic areas, you might have to pay attention to them a bit more often.
Not everybody has the necessary equipment available, so consider hiring a professional concrete publishing contractor for your maintenance, especially in a large commercial setting or if you have particularly heavy foot traffic. They have the experience, training, and equipment to efficiently get the job done with the best results, helping you extend the lifespan of your polished concrete floor.
Step 4: Protecting the Surface
The final important step is to protect the surface wherever you can. While it is durable, adding some extra protection to strengthen it against stains, scratches, and wear can never hurt. There are many penetrating sealers and topical coatings which can add an additional layer of protection.
If you want to go down this route, ensure that you adhere closely to the manufacturer’s instructions, give thorough coverage, and allow for enough curing and drying time for the best results. Also, check the surface for signs of wear and damage regularly so you can address any problems quickly and efficiently.
Professional Concrete Polishing
So, if you’ve been wondering how to maintain concrete floors, you can see that it’s not that difficult or time-consuming. As long as you follow the steps above, you should be able to maintain its great look.
If you are looking for expert assistance with your maintenance, require restoration from stains, or have areas where a liquid has left etch marks, consult the specialists of TTM Finishes. We have the equipment, materials, and expertise to expertly help you with any polished concrete floor needs.
TTM Finishes is fully bonded and insured and only uses high-quality products, environmentally-friendly techniques, professional equipment and WHMIS-trained and certified personnel on all painting and concrete floor finishing projects.
Contact TTM today for a free, no-obligation consultation at 905-850-0335 or complete our online form to learn how to transform your concrete floor from drab to stunning!