How to Clean Concrete Floors

How to Clean Sealed Concrete Floors

Since sealed concrete floors are nonporous, they are resistant to most stains, making cleaning very simple. You'll need a broom, vacuum, or dust mop along with dishwashing liquid, a bucket, and a wet mop.

1. Remove Surface Dust and Debris

   Sweep, vacuum, or dust mop the floor to help prevent scratches from dirt and grit.

   Tip

   Using a robotic vac and mop system like the Yeedi Vac and Mop with Self-emptying Station will make caring for indoor concrete floors quick and easy.

2. Mix a Cleaning Solution and Mop

   Mix 2 gallons of warm water and 2 teaspoons of dishwashing liquid in a bucket or sink. Mop the floor with the solution.

   Warning

   Do not use harsh cleaners, which can break down and dull the sealant. Reseal as recommended by the installer.

3. Rinse and Dry

   Go back over the floor with clean water and a wet mop to rinse away any soapy residue. Allow the floor to air-dry.

How to Clean Polished Concrete Floors

This type of concrete is the easiest concrete to care for, as it never needs to be resealed. To clean polished concrete, you'll need a broom, vacuum, or dust mop along with a commercial polished concrete cleaner and a wet mop.

1. Remove Surface Dust and Debris

   Use a dust mop or vacuum to remove dust and debris from the floor's surface.

2. Clean With Commercial Cleaner

   When soiled with dirt or spills, damp mop with a commercial polished concrete cleaner that is pH-neutral. Most cleaners do not require rinsing, but always read the product directions to determine if it's necessary.

How to Clean Painted Concrete Floors

Painted concrete floors can have sealed or unsealed surfaces. To protect the paint and the sealant, it is important to avoid harsh or acidic cleaners that may damage the finish. You'll need a broom, vacuum, or dust mop along with a mild all-purpose cleaner, a bucket or sink, and a microfiber mop.

1. Remove Surface Dust and Debris

   Dust mop or vacuum the floors to remove surface grit and soil that can scratch the painted finish.

2. Mix a Cleaning Solution and Mop

   After removing dust, mix a cleaning solution of warm water and an all-purpose cleaner like Whole Foods Market 365 All-Purpose Cleaner. Use a microfiber mop that is only slightly damp with the cleaning solution. Do not use excessive moisture, which can break down the paint and cause it to peel.

3. Rinse and Dry

   Rinse the floor thoroughly with a mop dampened with plain water to remove any soapy residue, then air-dry the floor.

How to Clean Unsealed Concrete Floors or Exterior Concrete

Even though it is easy to care for, the unsealed concrete used for garage floors, sidewalks, and patios will look better with a good cleaning. You'll need a stiff-bristled broom or shop vac, rubber gloves, trisodium phosphate, and any necessary stain removers. A pressure washer is optional (and ideal), but the job can easily be completed with a standard hose or a bucket of water.

1. Remove Surface Dust and Debris

   Start by removing any loose dirt on the concrete. Sweep away any debris with a stiff-bristled broom or use a shop vac.

2. Pressure Wash or Scrub

   The easiest way to clean exterior concrete is with a pressure washer filled with a solution of trisodium phosphate and water. Wearing rubber gloves, follow the mixing directions on the product.

   If you don't have one, wet the concrete with a garden hose and use a stiff-bristled brush like a push broom to distribute the trisodium phosphate, then scrub debris away.

3. Rinse and Dry

   Complete the cleaning with a good rinse, ensuring the cleaning solution is thoroughly removed from the concrete surface. Allow the area to air dry fully, which may take about three hours depending on the sun exposure the concrete receives (if outdoors).

Tips to Keep Concrete Clean Longer

Most sealed, polished, and painted concrete surfaces are very hardy and resistant to dirt. If your floors are particularly susceptible to developing a buildup from daily use, keep your concrete clean longer by sweeping them daily and planning for weekly cleanings with water and the cleaner of your choice. Most importantly, your concrete floors will stay clean best when air-dried completely before any members of your household walk on them.

Removing Stains From Unsealed Concrete

Unsealed concrete floors—like those found in exterior walkways, patios, and some garages—are more prone to developing stains than finished concrete. Stains can come from grease, food and beverage spills, tire marks, rust, and mildew. Thankfully, it's easy to remove several different types of stains with the following methods:

• Grease stains: Remove grease or oil stains by sprinkling the stained area with a layer of cornstarch or dry kitty litter. Let it remain on the stain for at least three days to absorb the oil. It takes time because unsealed concrete is porous and the oil goes very deep. Vacuum away, then repeat if needed.
• Food and beverage stains: Mix 2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid with 1 quart of water. Using a stiff brush, apply the mixture and scrub well. If the stain is oily, apply the liquid directly onto the stain and scrub. Rinse well with plain water.
• Tire marks: Wet the area first, then spread a degreaser over the stains. Let the cleaner work for at least four hours before scrubbing it with a stiff brush. Rinse well.
• Rust stains: If the rust stains in concrete are light, pour distilled white vinegar on the stains and let it work for at least 30 minutes. Scrub it with a stiff brush and rinse. If the stains are large and dark, use a commercial rust remover that contains oxalic acid.
• Mildew stains: Wearing rubber gloves, mix 2 tablespoons of powdered laundry detergent, 2 tablespoons of trisodium phosphate (TSP), and 1 quart of water. Scrub the mildewed area with a stiff-bristled brush and the cleaning solution, then rinse well. For extremely heavy mildew stains, use a chlorine bleach and water solution instead. Mix 1 cup of bleach per gallon of water and scrub the area with a stiff brush before rinsing.