Different types of flooring require different maintenance treatments, but some are much easier and cheaper than the others, like concrete flooring, for example. And if you are concerned with the aesthetics, take a glimpse at the polished concrete floors on Google Image. You’ll find out that such fear is no longer relevant these days. And here are the three essential questions you should ask yourself before you start the maintenance process:
What Products Can I Use?
The coating on the concrete floor is sensitive to both acid and alkaline liquids, even the best brands like Seal With Ease. Hence, if you buy a non-pH-neutral cleaner, you can expect the shiny look on your concrete to fade more quickly than it is supposed to be. Does it mean that a DIY cleaning mixture is the ultimate solution? As long as it does not contain ammonia, citrus, vinegar, and pine extract, then it is safe to use.
How Do I Clean the Floor?
You should dry mop and damp mop the concrete floors at least twice a month. Remember to use microfiber cleaning pads for that task because other kinds of fabric may not lift the dirt effectively. Besides, the less harsh friction there is, the longer the coating on your concrete will last. If the concrete flooring covers a large area, such as in a commercial building, for example, use an auto scrubber to do the job.
However, note that you need to mop the same area multiple times. Concrete flooring uses soil as its material, which makes removing the accumulated smut from the surface difficult.
How Do I Fix Minor Flaws?
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ooner or later, you’ll find some scratches, cracks, and chippings on your concrete floors, especially the ones in the high-traffic area. But worry not! It does not mean that you need to redo the whole floor installation all over again. You can use cement fillers to fix those damages. Or, if you have an artistic taste, you can use wood or plastic chips as the filling materials.
If the floor has lost its shiny look, use a high-speed burnisher, and apply a concrete guard. But remember to handle things carefully and according to the suggested procedures because burnishing works by grinding the dirt. If you use the burnisher too long on one spot, it may create a cavity on the floor. Another option for a fading concrete is to stain it with acid. The result is as gorgeous as coating the floor with epoxy.