How to Use Concrete to Do Anything!

Posted on: 31 May 2017

Polished concrete floors require minimum maintenance when compared to other flooring materials, such as vinyl composite tiles. However, concrete floors can easily lose their glossy appearance if the wrong maintenance practices are used. This article discusses some suggestions that you can implement in order to avoid unwittingly destroying the glossy appearance of that polished concrete floor.

Select Cleaners Carefully

Floor cleaners that are too acidic or too alkaline will have an adverse effect on the concrete floor. You will then start seeing the floor looking dull despite undergoing frequent cleaning. It is advisable to select cleaners with a neutral pH. Such a cleaning product will not react with the surface of the concrete. The cleaner will also easily suspend any dust that was on the floor so that it can be removed before it causes micro-scratches on that polished floor.

Buy Appropriate Floor Pads

Not every floor pad that you find on the market will be suitable for maintaining the glossy appearance of polished concrete floors. The best pads to use are impregnated with diamond powder and other ingredients. That combination of ingredients grinds off any particles that may have penetrated the polished surface. Consequently, your floors will retain their appearance without any blemishes. However, you should not use these pads during each cleaning session. Only use them once you notice that the floor is starting to look dull. Halt their use as soon as the floor is glossy again. This may take several cleaning sessions, so don't expect immediate results.

Deal With Stains Appropriately

Stains, such as oil stains, can mar the appearance of polished concrete floors. Some stain removal methods, such as using abrasives, can cause more harm than good to polished floors. Use a poultice to get rid of stains without damaging the surface of the floor. This cleaning method entails dipping an absorbent material, such as sawdust or kitty litter, in a strong solvent such as acetone. Place this poultice over the stain and cover it for several hours using a plastic sheet. The solvent will break the stain as the absorbent material sucks it out of the floor. You can then clean that area using plain water and a mop.

Maintaining polished concrete doesn't have to be expensive. Consult a polished concrete expert for help in case you notice that your maintenance costs are spiraling out of control. That expert will visit your property and establish the changes that you need to make in order to bring those maintenance costs down.