Polished concrete floors are becoming an increasingly popular choice for homes, office spaces, and other types of properties. Though generally low-maintenance, bad cleaning habits can dull that sparkle and shorten the life of your investment. At Reinforced Concrete, we have observed how cleaning can go awry despite good intentions. So, to make sure your seats and surfaces are as clean as they can be, be sure to avoid these common cleaning mistakes.
1. Using Harsh Chemicals or Acidic Cleaners
Scrub polished concrete with an abrasive or acid-based cleaner — one of the worst things you can do! Ammonia, bleach, vinegar, and lemon or orange juice can break down the finish and allow for etching, dulling, or discoloration to occur. Always use a pH-neutral, polished-concrete cleaning solution.
2. Ignoring Daily Dusting
Walking over dust and small grit creates a sandpaper effect on the finish, causing the shine to fade gradually. However, avoiding your daily dry sweep or dusting brings micro-scratching damage that removes the lustre of the finish over time. Even a basic microfiber mop used consistently can be very effective.”
3. Using Too Much Water
Needlessly wetting polished concrete floors when cleaning has no rationale and can be damaging. Too much water can seep into joints or cracks, undermining the floor or causing a stain. Instead, mop with a damp mop or an auto-scrubber that uses minimal water.
4. Using Dirty Mops or Pads
Spraying and cleaning with a dirty mop or pad pushes that dirt around and may also leave streaks or even spray behind. Never let the mop head or pads become so messy that you are going around grime, which will scratch the polished surface.
5. Skipping Routine Maintenance
Even a polished concrete floor needs to be maintained regularly to keep the shine in place. This premature marring will occur if maintenance, such as deep cleaning or added wear layer protective coatings, is neglected. Regular professional maintenance will keep your surfaces looking as shiny and resilient as they did the very first day.
6. Applying Wax or Sealers Not Meant for Polished Concrete
Many people assume that every floor requires a wax finish — but not polished concrete. Waxing can itself cause haziness and can interfere with the reflective quality of the finish. Stick with what your installer or concrete polishing professional advises.
7. Not Addressing Spills Promptly
Polished concrete is less porous than unpolished surfaces, but if you let spills, particularly of oil or acidic liquids, sit, they will stain. Be sure to clean up spills at once to avoid staining or long-term damage.
Final Thoughts
Polished Concrete Floors are Durable and Stunning, but Need Maintenance to Keep Their Shine. By steering clear of these typical blunders, your floor will survive and shine like new.
Our team at Reinforced Concrete can provide you with professional advice for cleaning and maintaining your polished concrete floors. Whether your request is general maintenance, refinishing, or simply cleaning, feel free to ask our knowledgeable staff for help! Maintaining Sanding & Refinishing Cleaning
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