Concrete floors are extremely durable, but stained and coated concrete needs the same care as any other floor: regular dust mopping, wet mopping (or auto scrubbing in larger commercial spaces), and periodic professional recoating. The goal is to protect the urethane, acrylic or epoxy sealer on the surface. It makes the floor tougher, but it looks worn quickly if it isn’t maintained.
Finishes we maintain include acrylic stained concrete with a urethane sealer, epoxy coatings with a urethane top coat, metallic epoxy with a urethane sealer, and acid stained concrete with a urethane sealer.
Dry cleaning
Remove dust, dirt and pebbles once or twice a day. Grit under shoes slowly sands the seal dull and can embed in it.
- Dust mop all walk areas daily with a mop at least 3 feet wide.
- Use an oil-free dust mop spray. Oil-based sprays can harm the finish.
Wet cleaning
On the 1 to 14 pH scale, 1 to 6.5 is acidic, 7 is neutral and 7.5 to 14 is alkaline. Most concrete finishes are sensitive to both ends.
Common acids to keep off the floor:
- Toilet bowl and bathroom cleaners
- Vinegar
- Some degreasers
- Most fruit juices
- Ammonia
- Alcoholic beverages
- Many household cleaners
Use a cleaner labeled pH neutral for routine cleaning. A higher-pH product is fine for an occasional deep clean. Always test a cleaner somewhere out of sight first.
