7 Easy Tips on How to Maintain Polished Concrete for a Pristine Finish
Do you want your polished concrete flooring to remain in pristine condition? Here are easy aftercare tips that will help you protect and maintain the look of your polished concrete.
Key Takeaways:
- Polished floors need regular maintenance
- This can be anything from minor daily touch-ups to more infrequent, complex care
- Active aftercare can prevent unnecessary repair expenses and prolong the life of the concrete
- Standard aftercare practices include daily dust mopping, regular cleaning, instantaneous spill management, avoiding harsh chemicals/abrasive mats, using entry mats, and resealing regularly
- Hire an experienced contractor for proper polished concrete aftercare
Polished concrete is a resilient, attractive, and stylish flooring option. It is durable, easy to maintain, and has high reflectivity, reducing the need for artificial lighting. However, even the most resilient surfaces require care and maintenance to keep them pristine.
Proper aftercare for polished concrete is vital to ensuring a spotless, long-lasting finish. It demands diligence and teamwork from the contractor and owners alike. They must stay vigilant about the floor’s condition and keep up the maintenance to prevent any problems from becoming more prominent.
Cracking, spalling, pitting, and discoloration are the most common issues that can befall a polished concrete floor if neglected. If you’re looking for some practical advice, here is a comprehensive guide that offers seven simple tips on how to maintain polished concrete.
Polished concrete is durable, so why does it need aftercare?
Durability is one of the main selling points of polished concrete. It’s resistant to punctures and impacts, resists moisture and deicing salts, maintains its appearance for years and requires minimal maintenance. However, even a highly durable material like polished concrete needs love and attention.
Maintaining a high-quality polished concrete floor is ongoing and not a one-time job. Over time, dirt, sand, and other abrasive particles can work their way into the surface and cause scratches, cuts, and discoloration.
Additionally, spilled substances such as paint, oil, or grease can create unsightly stains on the surface if left untreated, turning your floor into an eyesore. Even if your polished concrete is finished with a sealer, it can still attract dirt, grime, and scuffs.
Moisture can enter the surface, causing the floor to crack or spall, reducing luster, sheen, and reflectivity. You can avoid these problems with proper polished concrete aftercare to maintain your floor’s signature shine, gloss, and dazzling reflective quality. So, how do you maintain polished concrete?
Top 7 tips on maintaining polished concrete
While polished concrete requires low maintenance, it does need attention from time to time. For a long-lasting and pristine finish, you must understand how to look after it properly. Here are 7 simple tips that will help you maintain polished concrete:
1. Regular sweeping and dusting
Dust, dirt, and sand can scratch, scuff, and dull the surface of your polished concrete floor. Regularly sweep and dust mop to remove any debris that is tracked in from outside. Doing this daily will help keep dirt and grime from building up and damaging the finish. Use a soft broom with synthetic bristles or a dust mop with soft cotton or microfiber heads.
Microfiber dust mops have an electrostatic charge that attracts dust, dirt, and debris, trapping even the smallest particles. Collect all the dirt in a dustpan and dispose of it in the trash. A dust mask will come in handy when dealing with large amounts of dust. You don’t want to compromise your health for a clean floor.
2. Vacuum frequently
Vacuuming effectively extracts dirt, dust, and other particles lodged deep in the pores of your polished concrete floor. It also eliminates any dust or dirt missed during sweeping and dusting.
Use a vacuum cleaner with low suction power and a soft brush attachment.
The low setting and soft brush will prevent the suction from damaging your floor or dislodging any loose stones, dirt, or debris embedded in the surface. As you vacuum, guide the brush head along the surface in a slow, back-and-forth motion. Vacuum at least twice a week.
3. Mop with water and a neutral pH cleaner
Mop your polished concrete floors using a damp mop, water, and a neutral pH cleaner. Make sure the solution is diluted correctly. Certain soaps and detergents contain harsh chemicals that can damage the sealer of your polished concrete. The harsh chemicals wear away the sealer, exposing the surface to dirt and grime that could damage the finish.
Neutral pH cleaners are specially formulated for cleaning polished concrete without damaging it. Mop your floor in sections, wringing out the mop often to avoid oversaturation. Follow the cleaning with a second pass using only clean water to rinse off any residue.
4. Clean spills immediately
Polished concrete is resistant to spills, but it is not immune to them. Spills from grease, oil, soft drinks, solvents, and paint can seep into the surface and cause permanent staining. Clean any spills as soon as they happen to prevent damage.
Blot the stain with a paper towel and then use a damp cloth soaked in warm water and a neutral pH cleaner to eliminate the stain. For tough stains, use a soft-bristled brush or nylon scrubber. Follow with a damp mop and dry with a clean cloth.
5. Avoid using harsh chemicals and abrasive pads
Harsh chemicals, such as bleach and other strong cleaning agents, have corrosive properties that can damage and discolor polished concrete. The same goes for abrasive pads and steel brushes, which can scratch the floor’s surface and dull its shine. Stick to neutral pH cleaners and soft-bristled brushes for effective but safe cleaning.
6. Use entry mats
Putting entry mats at ingress and egress points will help reduce the amount of dust, dirt, and grime that is tracked in. They will also absorb liquid spills, which helps reduce the risk of staining.
Choose mats with a non-slip backing to reduce the risk of slips and falls, and ensure they’re made from a material that won’t scuff or scratch the polished concrete. Select one that matches the style and decor of your space.
7. Reseal regularly
Resealing your polished concrete every 2 to 5 years will help protect it against spills and stains. Resealing helps maintain your floor’s color, durability, and sheen by adding a layer of protection against the elements. It also helps make cleaning easier, preventing dirt and grime from embedding in the concrete.
A professional contractor will advise you how often to reseal, depending on the condition of your floor and how much traffic it receives. They will also help you choose the best sealer for the job.
Maintaining a polished concrete floor isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. With the right cleaning regimen and the occasional reseal, you can ensure your polished concrete floor remains spotless, beautiful, and pristine. Follow these simple tips to maintain your floor’s shine, luster, and stunning reflective quality.
Hire an experienced contractor for proper polished concrete aftercare
Maintaining a polished concrete floor requires dedication, knowledge, and skill. To ensure your floor stays in pristine condition, hire an experienced contractor to help you with the aftercare process.
Experts at Concreate have over a decade of experience polishing, sealing, and maintaining concrete surfaces, and they do everything but pour it!
We use high-quality, eco-friendly products and advanced techniques to ensure your floor looks its best. Contact us today for a tailored maintenance package for your polished concrete. You can also visit our website thisisconcrete.com to learn more about our concrete services.