Concrete Flooring Care and Maintenance

Concrete is enjoying a surge in popularity as a household flooring option, and this isn’t simply because it offers a diversity of finishes and styles, but also because it is one of the easiest surfaces to keep clean and to maintain.

Most concrete floors are finished with a high-quality sealant which is resistant to stains and moisture. It is actually the sealant that is the most important factor in concrete floor maintenance, but there are still some issues that must be addressed outside of the standard surface cleaning treatments.

For example, though concrete is a very hard and durable surface it can still be broken, cracked or gouged if heavy objects, even unprotected table legs, are dragged across its surface. Additionally, the wrong cleaning methods may actually damage the surface and the concrete itself. For that reason there are a few standard “guidelines” for concrete floor maintenance, and these include:

•Regular cleaning with a soft-bristle broom or floor cloth. There are many “shop” style brushes for floor cleaning, and while these will work on traditional concrete applications they may be too harsh for a household floor. It is best to discuss the appropriate cleaning equipment with the installer.

•Vacuuming on a regular basis is an excellent idea, but it is important to pay attention to any debris on the wheels of the machinery to ensure they are not scratching or gouging the sealant or concrete.

•Washing with mild detergents. Most installers will advise strongly against the use of bleach or abrasive cleansing products on concrete surfaces. Not only will such chemicals degrade the stability of the sealant, but they can actually stain or discolor the concrete surface beneath the sealant as well.

•Place area rugs in regions of heavy traffic, and adhere them with small strips of carpet tape. Like other flooring installations, a concrete floor can fade if constantly covered by rugs or carpets, and for that reason area rugs are the best solution. These should be regularly cleaned and moved to allow even aging of the concrete.