Cleaning Concrete

Concrete patios and floors become dirty and require cleaning just like other floors, but concrete floors are usually dirtier and more difficult to clean. That's because concrete floors that haven't been sealed more readily absorb dirt, grease, and stains. Concrete absorbs like a sponge.

You can clean your concrete patio and floors and seal them so they are easier to clean in the future. With proper cleaning and care, your concrete floors will look like new for many years to come.

Sweeping Tips

Sweeping concrete floors isn't always an easy task since unsealed floors can be very rough. To make sweeping more effective, invest in sweeping compound. It will keep dust under control, and it will help you see where you've swept as well as where you haven't. You can find sweeping compound in most hardware stores, home improvement stores, and online.

Sealed concrete can be waxed to make the job of sweeping easier. Consider sealing your concrete garage floor or patio and waxing it occasionally. The surface will be smooth, and you'll be able to easily sweep away dust that would otherwise end up trapped in nooks and crannies.

Precautions Before Cleaning Concrete

Always use mild soap when cleaning concrete. Although concrete seems indestructible, it can be etched by harsh cleaning products and chemicals. In addition, always thoroughly rinse away any soap used in cleaning.

Cleaning a Concrete Patio

Do you grill on your concrete patio? As a result of grilling, is your patio spotted with grease? You can get rid of unsightly grease spots simply and easily. All you need is dishwasher detergent and boiling water.

Begin by wetting spots of grease with tap water. Sprinkle the spots with a generous amount of dishwasher soap, and let it work for several minutes to dissolve grease and grime. Pour boiling water over the soap-covered spots, and watch the grease magically disappear.

Wash the rest of the patio by first hosing it down and then scrubbing it with a push broom and a solution of mild soap and water. Rinse away any dirt and soap with a high-pressure hose.

Cleaning a Concrete Garage Floor

Begin cleaning the floor by sprinkling oil spots and other wet areas with absorbent clay litter. Allow the litter to soak up the spills for several minutes before sweeping up the litter.

Clean the rest of the floor by hosing it down and scrubbing it with a push broom and mild grease-cutting soap and water. Hose away the soap and dirt, and allow the floor to dry completely before parking in the garage.

Sealing and Protecting Concrete

Even if your concrete garage floor or patio isn't new, you can seal it. Purchase penetrating concrete sealer from your local home improvement or hardware store, and after properly cleaning the floor, follow product label instructions for best results.

After sealing a concrete garage floor, further protect it by applying several layers of acrylic floor wax. It will look almost too good for a garage, and it will be much easier than ever to keep clean.