What was once the domain of outdated industrial buildings and warehouses, concrete has finally come full circle as the hip, go-to flooring for modern homes and commercial establishments. Sleek and beautiful polished concrete floors are valued in restaurants and retail centers alike. A polished concrete floor may easily last more than 100 years with the proper care.
At ACT Restoration in the Twin Cities, we can help you keep your polished concrete floor looking remarkable for generations to come. Follow these steps to maintaining your glossy, beautiful polished concrete floors.
As Needed: Clean Spills Right Away
Spills are an inevitable part of life no matter how careful you are. Although concrete floors are incredibly durable, it’s essential to remain vigilant about spills and remove any unwanted substances before they have a chance to damage your concrete.
When spills are allowed to sit on your concrete floors, they can penetrate the floor’s porous surface. Once this happens, stains can form that are extremely different to remove. Acidic or caustic spills can cause more significant damage to the surface of your polished concrete floors.
To avoid serious damage to your floors, clean up spills as soon as they occur. This is a good practice anyway as concrete floors can become quite slippery when wet. If a spill is acidic, be sure to clean the surface as well.
Daily: Remove Debris with a Dry Mop
The first step to keeping your polished concrete shiny is dusting it daily to remove any debris, grime, dust, and dirt. These gritty layers can behave abrasively, eventually sanding off the top layer of your floor’s fabulous shine. They can also obscure your beautiful concrete floor staining.
For dry mopping, use a microfiber pad or dust mop. Soft pads will help protect the floor against scratches or marks.
Weekly: Clean with a Wet Mop
You will also need to wet mop your polished concrete floor regularly. Be sure to use clean, fresh water and supplies every time you mop. Concrete floor experts recommend using a pH neutral floor cleaning product because bleach, ammonia, and other harsh chemicals can damage your beautiful concrete.
For smaller spaces, a mop and bucket will work fine. In a large commercial space, an automatic floor cleaner should work well. Give your cleaner plenty of time to work, but don’t allow it to harden, which can damage your floors.
Use these guidelines for handling tough spots.
Deicer
Never leave deicer spills on your concrete floors as they can damage the surface. Use a concrete floor cleaner after removing.
Adhesives
Use a gentle adhesive remover to remove tapes, glues, stickers, and other types of adhesives that have become stuck to your floor. Avoid using acetone or a razor blade on your floors as these can be damaging.
Alkaline Spills
Alkaline chemicals like ammonia or detergent should be wiped up and then cleaned with a gentle concrete cleaner as soon as possible.
Oil and Grease
Wipe up greases and oils as soon as possible. Use a gentle degreaser that’s safe for concrete for these spills.
Acidic Spills
Acidic juices like orange juice, tomato juice, and pickle juice or acidic foods like ketchup or tomato sauce need to be cleaned as soon as possible. Use a gentle concrete cleaner for these spills.
Twice a Year: Seal Your Floor
Sealing your floor regularly will help it retain its shine and protect the look of your floor’s stain. A sealed surface will have a glossy wet look, but it also serves to protect your floor. Concrete is naturally porous, meaning it will easily absorb stains and damaging chemicals.
Sealant can also help retain the structural integrity of your concrete. Our team of concrete floor specialists can re-apply sealant to keep your floor looking its best.
Sealant can protect your floor from the following:
● Liquids
● Dust accumulation
● Stains
● Foot traffic
Twin Cities Floor Polishing Specialists
At ACT Restoration in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, we are the experts in concrete floor resurfacing. Whether you are in need of floor restoration or plan to stain your concrete for a fantastic look, we can help.
When it comes time for your regular maintenance, we can help keep your floor sealed and beautiful on schedule with your needs. For a free estimate, give us a call at 612-750-5360, or contact us for more information.