How to Clean Concrete Floors Indoors: The Complete Guide
Whether you’re cleaning an expansive commercial warehouse, a busy automotive shop, a sprawling manufacturing facility, or anything in between, routinely cleaning concrete floors is an essential maintenance task. It prolongs the life of your flooring while keeping it safe and maintaining hygienic conditions.
But how do you clean concrete floors? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the best way to clean concrete floors because there are many different types! That’s why we’ve curated this comprehensive guide on how to clean concrete floors indoors no matter your specific style. You’ll learn:
- How to clean unfinished concrete floors
- How to clean polished concrete floors
- How to clean stained concrete floors
- And much, much more!
From effective detergents to commercial floor cleaning equipment, SweepScrub is your one-stop shop for all things industrial cleaning. You can achieve unparalleled results and efficiency with a commercial floor sweeper machine and/or industrial floor scrubber machine.
Our catalog features the most trusted brands and models at competitive prices with industry-leading customer service along the way. Get in touch today for a personalized recommendation to speed up your cleaning process without sacrificing results!
Our Advice on What to Clean Concrete Floors With
Before we get into how to clean concrete floors indoors, let’s talk about what to clean concrete floors with. Sure, you could get by with the basics like a push broom, a mop, and a strong detergent - but you came here to learn about the best way to clean concrete floors.
That’s why it’s worth investing in commercial floor cleaning equipment, like a sweeper, scrubber, or even a sweeper scrubber. These not only work faster but achieve better results. We’ll help you weigh your options below to set you up for success with concrete floor cleaning.
Basic Cleaning Supplies
If you are cleaning a smaller area a high-quality broom and dust mop may be just fine for you. These effectively remove loose dirt, dust, and debris, preventing them from scratching the floor's surface. Use soft-bristled brooms to avoid damaging the concrete and use dust mops to capture fine particles.
For addressing stains and more deep-seated grime, you can use a mop and bucket with a floor-safe detergent solution. Sponge mops or microfiber mops are excellent choices for concrete floors as they provide good coverage and are gentle on the surface.
Just be sure the mop you use has a removable, washable head so that you aren’t reintroducing old messes to your floor every time you clean. On that note, the problem with these basic cleaning supplies is that they more or less spread the mess around rather than pick it up. That’s why we encourage you to invest in a superior cleaning solution for your concrete flooring.
Commercial Floor Cleaning Equipment
If you have a larger commercial space to clean or have higher standards for cleanliness, sweepers and scrubbers are an excellent investment in efficiency and performance.
You can find both walk behind floor sweeper machines and industrial ride-on floor sweepers depending on the size and layout of your facility. Either way, these are designed to not just sweep the floor but actually pick up the debris through an integrated vacuum. This means they leave behind a spotless floor.
For deeper cleaning, you may want a commercial walk behind floor scrubber or industrial floor scrubber ride on. These scrub and dry the floor in one pass, removing grime, grease, and stains effectively. Look for scrubbers with adjustable settings to handle different levels of dirt and varying floor textures.
You can even find a floor sweeper scrubber that does both jobs in one machine! This consolidates your cleaning equipment while saving time and energy on the process itself.
Depending on the types of messes you have, you may even want a heavy duty commercial vacuum cleaner as part of your arsenal. Vacuums equipped with HEPA filters are excellent for improving indoor air quality by capturing fine dust and allergens.
Wet/dry vacuums can handle spills and deep cleaning tasks efficiently, making them a versatile addition to your cleaning regimen. There are also wide area vacuum cleaners, backpack vacuums, canister vacuum cleaners, and many other styles.
No matter the equipment you need, we have it here for you at SweepScrub. We’ve curated a collection of the top brands and models so you can rest assured that anything you’re buying is of the utmost quality, backed by a stellar reputation and long warranty.
Our advice before you go any further is to simply reach out for a personalized recommendation on the best way to clean concrete floors - we’ll talk about the size and layout of your facility, the type of concrete you’re cleaning, the specific messes you encounter, and your budget. Then we’ll help you weigh your options.
Cleaning Chemicals and Detergents
There’s one more thing you’ll need to streamline your cleaning process - chemical cleaning agents. The specific type you use will depend on the type of messes you have and your specific flooring. Here are a few recommendations to point you in the right direction:
- pH-Neutral Cleaners: These cleaners are safe for most concrete finishes and effectively remove everyday dirt without damaging the surface. They are perfect for routine cleaning of polished and sealed concrete floors.
- Degreasers: Kitchens, garages, factories, and other areas prone to oil and great will need a degreaser. These powerful cleaners break down greasy residues, making them easier to scrub away. Just be sure the degreaser is appropriate for concrete surfaces to avoid doing more harm than good.
- Stain Removers: Specialized cleaners can tackle tough stains like rust, wine, or ink. These are formulated to penetrate and lift stains without harming the concrete. Always test stain removers in an inconspicuous area first to ensure they do not discolor the floor.
Once you’ve got the right cleaning arsenal built, it’s time to get to work. So, let’s walk you through how to clean concrete floors indoors below!
How to Clean Concrete Floors Indoors: Overview of the Best Way to Clean Different Types of Flooring
Cleaning concrete floors requires different approaches depending on whether the surface is unfinished, polished, or stained. So, we’ll break this guide down based on the specific style you have, starting with the easiest to clean - unfinished concrete floors.
How to Clean Unfinished Concrete Floors
Even though there is no special finish on the floor, it still needs a bit of TLC every so often. Start with the basics like sweeping and or vacuuming to remove loose dirt and debris. This will prevent abrasive particles from scratching the surface during deeper cleaning.
Use a microfiber cloth and a mild detergent solution for small spills or stains to clean the affected area. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the concrete. This will work just fine for the occasional spot cleaning.
For deeper cleaning, you can mix water and a pH-neutral cleaner in a bucket. Steer clear of acidic or alkaline cleaners as they can etch the concrete. Then, use either a stiff-bristled brush or your floor scrubber, focusing on areas with heavy dirt buildup.
You may need to rinse the floor with clean water to remove any remaining cleaning solution. Your floor scrubber will handle extraction, but otherwise, you’ll need to use a wet/dry vacuum or a mop to pick up the water so the floor dries completely.
How to Clean Polished Concrete Floors
Polished concrete has a nicer look to it, but requires a bit more specialized maintenance. You’ll need to use a different cleaning solution and gentler pads to preserve its appearance.
Depending on the usage of your floor, we suggest daily cleaning with a microfiber dust mop to remove dust and fine particles. You can also use a floor sweeper for this if you have one, as it will save you a ton of time. This helps maintain the polished look and prevents dirt from dulling the surface.
You’ll also need to periodically use a polishing machine to restore the floor’s shine. These use diamond pads to polish the surface, restoring its original gloss and smoothness. Apply a polishing compound to the floor before using the machine.
When it comes time to do a deeper cleaning and address stains, use a mild, pH-neutral cleaner designed for polished surfaces to remove stains. Avoid abrasive cleaning pads or harsh chemicals that can scratch or dull the finish.
How to Clean Stained Concrete Floors
As far as how to clean stained concrete floors, you’ll still want to implement daily or regular cleaning to remove dirt and debris. This involves regular sweeping or vacuuming.
When it comes to deep cleaning, use a pH-neutral cleaner diluted in water. Stay away from acidic or harsh chemicals that can damage the stained finish. Similarly, use a soft bristled brush or a floor scrubber with gentle pads to clean the floor. Scrub in circular motions to lift dirt without damaging the stain.
You’ll also need to take care to protect the finish. Apply a protective sealer every few years to preserve the color and provide additional protection against stains. A coat of wax or floor finish can restore the original luster of your stained concrete flooring.
Why Routinely Clean Your Concrete Floors?
There you have it, how to clean concrete floors indoors depending on the specific style of flooring you’re working with. But whether it’s factory floor cleaning or cleaning a warehouse floor that brought you here today, why is this such an important aspect of your operation?
Although concrete flooring is more durable and has lower maintenance than other types of flooring, it still requires a bit of regular care to keep it looking its best while protecting your investment.
Dirt and debris can be abrasive on concrete floors, gradually wearing down the surface. Regular cleaning removes these particles, reducing the risk of scratches and surface damage. This helps extend your flooring’s lifespan.
This becomes especially important for polished, stained, or sealed concrete floors. Dust and grime can damage protective coatings, leading to dullness and deterioration.
There are also health and safety concerns at play. Concrete floors can trap dust, pollen, and other allergens, which can negatively impact indoor air quality. Dirty floors can also increase the risk of slips and falls, creating a serious liability for businesses.
Regular cleaning minimizes these particles, promoting a safer and healthier environment for employees, customers, or residents. But let’s be honest, part of cleaning concrete floors is about aesthetics.
Dust, dirt, and spills can dull the appearance of the surface, making it look worn and neglected. Concrete can also absorb liquids and become stained easily. Routine cleaning helps prevent substances like oil, grease, and food spills from penetrating the surface and causing unsightly marks.
Fortunately, you are now equipped with expert insights on how to clean indoor concrete floors. There’s just one more matter to discuss before we wrap things up - how often to clean concrete flooring.
How Often to Clean Concrete Flooring
The frequency of cleaning depends on several factors, including the type of concrete finish, the amount of foot traffic, and the environment. We’ve broken this down into daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly/annual maintenance tasks.
Daily Cleaning Tasks
For all types of concrete floors - unfinished, polished, and stained - sweep or use a commercial floor sweeper daily to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris.
Immediately address spills and stains using a microfiber cloth and a suitable cleaning solution to prevent them from setting in and causing permanent damage. The faster you act, the easier it will be.
Weekly Cleaning Tasks
- Unfinished Concrete: Use a floor scrubber with a pH-neutral cleaning solution to remove built-up grime.
- Polished Concrete: Use a floor scrubber designed for polished surfaces to maintain the shine without causing damage.
- Stained Concrete: Scrub stained floors using a gentle cleaner to protect the finish and enhance its appearance.
Monthly Deep Cleaning
- Unfinished Concrete: Perform a deep clean with a stiff-bristled brush attachment on your floor scrubber to tackle stubborn dirt and grime.
- Polished Concrete: Use a specialized polishing machine to restore and enhance the floor’s gloss.
- Stained Concrete: Conduct a thorough cleaning with a mild cleaner and soft brush to maintain the stained finish and prevent dullness.
Quarterly and Annual Maintenance
Check and reapply sealer as needed for polished and stained concrete to maintain protection and appearance.
You may also want to perform a thorough inspection of your floors for wear and tear, and carry out any necessary repairs to keep the flooring in optimal condition. This prevents small issues from snowballing into big problems.
Closing Thoughts on How to Clean Indoor Concrete Floors
That concludes our guide on how to clean concrete floors indoors. These routine tasks will enhance the appearance, lifespan, and safety of your flooring. We hope you feel confident about the best way to clean concrete floors now!
Daily sweeping, spot cleaning, and weekly scrubbing are crucial for all types of concrete floors, while monthly deep cleaning and periodic sealing ensure long-term durability. If you still have any questions, get in touch with our experts today.
You can learn more about how to clean rubber gym floor, how to clean commercial tile floors, floor scrubber life expectancy, using a floor scrubber on a gym floor, scrubbing vs mopping the floor, floor sweeper repair, and floor sweeper vs vacuum cleaner in our blog.
Otherwise, it’s time to invest in the best industrial floor sweeper, scrubber, or both to make cleaning indoor concrete floors as quick and easy as possible while still achieving good results.
Elevate your cleaning standards with our equipment and cleaning solutions today!