The Ultimate Guide on How to Clean a Cement Floor

Ways to Clean Cement Floors – Step by Step

1. Gather Your Supplies

Before diving into the cleaning process, you will need to go and gather the following supplies:

• Broom: Start by sweeping away loose dirt, leaves, and debris.
• Concrete Degreaser: For oil stains and grease spots.
• Bucket: To mix your cleaning solution.
• Deck Brush or Stiff Bristle Broom: Ideal for scrubbing tough stains.
• High-Pressure Hose Nozzle: If you have access to a pressure washer.
• Water: For rinsing.

3. Apply a Concrete Degreaser

Soak the concrete with a degreaser or cleaning solution. This step is crucial for removing oil stains and grease. You can use a commercial concrete degreaser or create your own by mixing warm water with baking soda. Apply the solution generously to the stained areas.

4. Scrub the Surface

Use a deck brush or stiff bristle broom to scrub the concrete thoroughly. Pay extra attention to oil spots and any other stains. If you have access to a pressure washer, it makes this process easier and is more effective for removing stubborn stains.

5. Rinse Thoroughly

After scrubbing, rinse the garage floor thoroughly with water. Make sure to remove all traces of the cleaning solution. You can use a high-pressure hose nozzle for this step if you have it available.

These are the basics of how to clean the cement floor, now let’s take a look at some specific scenarios that can assist you in keeping your driveway and garage clean. For instance, if you’re dealing with oil-based stains, wet the area with water and cover the stain with dish soap. Use a brush dipped in warm water to scrub the area and work up a lather. Then, blot the suds with a rag or towel and rinse with clean water.

For mildew stains, a mixture of laundry detergent, trisodium phosphate, a very small amount of laundry bleach, and water can be used. Scrub the area with a soft brush and rinse with clean water. If you’re dealing with tyre marks in a garage, apply a degreaser, let it sit for a few hours, scrub with a brush, and rinse.

In addition to our suggested methods, there are commercial cleaning products available on the market specifically designed to clean cement flooring in a commercial space such as car parks. These products can be particularly useful for tackling stubborn stains or when you require deep cleaning.

Keeping a Regular Routine

Just as we keep a home cleaning schedule and routine, the same should apply to our external cement cleaning. Here are a few things you may wish to consider incorporating into your routine:-

• Regular Maintenance: Mix half a cup of baking soda in 4.5 litres of warm water and use it as an all-purpose cleaner for routine cleaning.
• Avoid Acid-Based Cleaners: Acid-based cleaners can dissolve the glue that holds concrete together, leading to more staining.
• Efflorescence Removal: If you notice white, dusty material (efflorescence) on the surface, it’s best to clean it off. The easiest way to remove efflorescence is to scrub the area with clear water. Using any products can worsen the situation.

Tips for Maintaining Cement Floor

Keep your cement floors in optimal condition by doing the following:-

• Avoid harsh cleaning products such as bleach, vinegar, or ammonia as they can cause the pores of the cement to open up causing dirt to get trapped.
• Don’t oversaturate the floor when mopping inside the home. Work in sections and wring the mop out well to avoid puddles. 
• Address stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting in.
• Seal your concrete floors to protect them from stains and wear.
• Regularly sweep or vacuum to prevent dirt and debris from scratching the surface.

   

When you clean the cement floor effectively you can help prolong its lifespan and maintain its aesthetic appeal for many years to come.

For routine maintenance, clean your internal cement floors bi-weekly by mopping them and tending to any stains immediately. As for your garage and concrete driveway, a deep seasonal clean is advised.

Don’t have the time or desire to clean your driveways or garage cement floors after a long week? Our profession house cleaning team of  at Simply Spotless can take care of the dirty work for you! Contact us today to book your cleaning service.