Tips for Cleaning Unsealed Concrete Floors
Most of us don’t regularly clean unsealed concrete floors, like those in unfinished basements, because we don’t consider them a central area.
If there’s one area of our homes that tends to be neglected, it’s concrete floors. But just because these areas are seemingly low-maintenance doesn’t mean they should continue to be ignored. Here are some reasons why you might want to unseal concrete floors in your cleaning routine, and how to go about it.
Why Bother Cleaning Unsealed Concrete Floors?
Unsealed concrete is commonly found in garages, workrooms, storage rooms, and basements. While it is a hard surface, concrete is naturally very porous, easily absorbing any spills or stains. Most of these types of stains are physically harmless, but when excess water seeps into the concrete, it can cause mold or mildew to form, potentially posing serious health issues. Unsealed concrete can also be quite dusty, adding to the dirt and grime over time. Regularly cleaning concrete floors helps to prevent stains from setting in and keeps out dangerous toxins like mold and bacteria.
How to Clean Unsealed Concrete Floors
The first step in the cleaning process is to remove as much dust and dirt as possible. Use a stiff shop broom to clear up the larger particles, keeping everything dry. If possible, use a hard floor vacuum or shop vac to clean up any residual dust and debris thoroughly. The vacuum will not only help catch all the finer dust, but it can also suck any debris out of cracks and crevices and remove any cobwebs that may have formed. The next step is to add water and elbow grease. For interior concrete floors, be careful to use water sparingly and dry thoroughly.
While there are several cleaning agents you can use for unsealed concrete, be cautious about what you use indoors, particularly in an area that isn’t well-ventilated, such as a basement. Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) is a common choice and is readily available at most home improvement stores. Use a stiff brush to scrub stubborn stains, but be careful to use a brush with non-metal bristles, such as nylon. Using a metal brush can cause tiny metal particles to become trapped in the pores of the cement, which then rust and stain the concrete over time.
For individual stains, such as rust, oil or grease, or efflorescence, choose an appropriate cleaning agent to spot-treat that specific area. For fresh oil or grease stains, applying cornstarch or kitty litter is an effective way to absorb the oil over a couple of days. A pH-neutral cleaner is always a good option for a final cleanse or for routine mopping. No matter what is used to clean, it’s crucial to allow the unsealed concrete to fully dry.
Contact Hard Rock Concrete Coatings
If you’re ready to take your home up a notch, consider sealing your concrete floors. Cleaning unsealed concrete floors is considerably more work, as every spill or stain can seep into the floor. Once sealed, concrete has a water-resistant surface, and it’s much easier to mop up any liquid. Hard Rock Concrete Coatings is Utah’s premier source for all types of concrete sealings and coatings. Whether you want to acid stain your concrete or apply an epoxy coating, we have the expertise to finish the project professionally. Contact us today for a quote on your next project. We serve Salt Lake City, Murray, West Jordan, and surrounding Utah cities.
