A pH-neutral cleaner is always a good option for a final cleanse or to routinely mop with. No matter what is used to clean, it's crucial to allow the unsealed concrete to fully dry.
Wash the floor
Grab a mop and a bucket and mix up one of the following solutions: Baking soda (1/2 cup) mixed into a large bucket of warm water. Liquid dish soap (2 tsp) + white vinegar (1 cup) mixed into one gallon of warm. Tide [or other powdered laundry detergent] (1/3 cup) mixed into one gallon of warm water.
Simply sweep or vacuum up dust and loose debris off the floor. Then, mix one gallon of water with 1/8 cup of mild liquid dish soap and mop the floor with the solution. Proceed with caution, as the floor will likely be slippery.
For indoor concrete floors that are polished or stamped, you'll need to take a gentler approach to how to clean it. You'll just use a mop and a bucket of water mixed with a mild cleaner.
A pH-neutral cleaner is always a good option for a final cleanse or to routinely mop with. No matter what is used to clean, it's crucial to allow the unsealed concrete to fully dry.
Sweep off or vacuum up any loose dirt, dust, and debris from the concrete surface. Using a garden hose, wet the concrete. Then, apply a mixture of trisodium phosphate and water, scrubbing the solution onto the surface using a stiff-bristled broom. You can also use a pressure washer for this step.
Microfiber Mop: Microfiber mops are great for concrete floors as they are gentle on the surface and can effectively trap dirt and dust particles. They can also be used dry or dampened with water or a cleaning solution.
Oil leaks, blood, and sticky residues can absorb and result in stubborn stains. However, using a driveway sealant after pressure washing can help prevent these stains from becoming permanent features in your driveway.
To seal your concrete floor, pour a small amount of concrete sealer into a painting tray and apply the sealer evenly to your floors using a paint roller. Use a paintbrush to seal around the edges of the room. Always work from the furthest area of the room toward the exit so that you don't box yourself in!
The best way to clean concrete floors in your home is with microfiber, which grabs onto dirt and other particles — including bacteria — and holds onto them until you wash them out. Curious about how microfiber cleans with just water? Read our comprehensive guide on everything microfiber to find out.
Best Overall
If you have sealed concrete floors, Zep Neutral pH Floor Cleaner is an excellent choice. Thanks to its neutral pH formula, it preserves the floor's polish without stripping its protective coating. Zep also improves the overall appearance of floors by restoring their shine.
Use Dish Soap and Warm Water
Start by sweeping your basement floor and then sprinkle the soap on it. Pour warm water on the surface and scrub it with a soft-bristled brush. Use a mop and clean water to rinse the floor. Wring the mop as you rinse until there are no traces of the soap or stains on the floor.
Alternatively, you can use a solution of white vinegar at a ratio of 2:1 and mix properly. Using vinegar is a cheap way to remove odor from concrete floor. Pour the cleaning solution on the floor and scrub using a tough brush. You will notice that the smell grows strong as you continue pre-treating the floor.
The main advantages associated with sealing your concrete driveway include: Protection from stains. Vehicles can often leak fluids like oil, which can easily stain unsealed concrete in just seconds. These stains are difficult to remove, even with high-powered pressure washers.
As a general rule it takes 28-30 days for each inch of concrete to dry under the right environment. Higher temperatures and lower humidity conditions above the slab reduce the dry time.
Many construction specialists recommend watering it down five to ten times per day, for the first week, starting 2-4 hours after it has been poured. The first two to four hours lets the concrete “finish”, which refers to the setting process.
If your concrete has been newly poured, make sure to wait until it has fully cured. The curing process, if done correctly, typically takes around thirty days to properly dry and set to its full strength.
Detergent or Dish Soap
Dish soap like Dawn and water has grease-cutting power, and it's safe and easy to use. This method works great for the entire floor before targeting specific areas with more powerful, stain-specific cleaners. Use soap and water on all concrete floors, but always rinse well.
No, you cannot use a Swiffer on a polished concrete floor. Swiffer's solution in their cleaning products is acidic based and will harm the polished concrete.
Short answer: yes! Steam vapor can be used on both sealed and unsealed concrete surfaces. As for the "why", there are plenty of reasons: No extra chemicals.
Use a detergent such as Dawn or Ajax dishwashing liquid mixed with water to brighten a concrete patio that hasn't been cleaned in a while. Use a detergent such as Dawn or Ajax dishwashing liquid mixed with water to brighten a concrete patio that hasn't been cleaned in a while.
If your area is more prone to algae and mold, then you may want to wash your concrete more often. You should pressure wash your concrete at least once a year to protect your concrete and the value of your home. Using a concrete sealer can also prevent damage to your concrete after it has been washed.