Concrete floors are known for being durable and low maintenance. However, they still need regular cleaning to look polished and in good condition. The best way to clean cement floors will depend on whether they are unfinished, polished, or stained. In this guide, we’ll discuss how to clean a concrete floor in various scenarios.

• What To Use To Clean Concrete Floors
• How To Clean A Concrete Floor
• Tips On How To Clean Concrete Floors
• How To Maintain Concrete Floors

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When learning how to clean concrete floors indoors, you must choose the right cleaning products based on whether the concrete is unfinished, polished, or stained. Here are the types of cleaning solutions and tools you can safely use:

• Neutral pH cleaning solutions: Suspends dust particles for easy removal without causing damage
• Concrete cleaners: Specialized cleaning solutions to remove stains and grime from indoor concrete floors
• Warm water: Effectively loosens dirt particles from the floor’s surface so it’s easier to lift away
• Dust mop with microfiber cloth: Used in regular cleaning routines to remove dust particles without damaging or etching the floor
• Industrial sweepers: Efficiently remove dust, debris, and waste with minimal effort
• Floor scrubber: Suitable for deep cleaning without compromising the floor’s surface

Broom And Mop Vs. Commercial Floor Cleaning Equipment

Traditional cleaning tools like brooms and mops are not the most effective for cleaning concrete floors. They may not remove sand, soil, and dirt particles, leaving behind a film or residue that makes the floor slippery and appear dingy. A dust mop with a microfiber cloth is a better option for manually cleaning concrete floors in smaller areas. 

However, industrial and commercial floor cleaning equipment like sweepers and scrubbers are better suited for larger commercial or industrial areas with greater foot traffic. They are more efficient and offer a deeper clean that removes even the most stubborn dirt and grime. 

Explore our walk-behind scrubber dryers to efficiently clean medium-sized spaces with ease.

Whether you need to learn how to care for polished concrete floors or clean unfinished or stained floors, you’ve come to the right place. Regardless of the floor’s finish, the key to cleaning concrete is a combination of sweeping and scrubbing. You can do this separately or with one machine, like our CS7010, a combination sweeper/scrubber. 

We’ll now provide an overview of how to clean any type of concrete floor. Again, choosing the right cleaning products and tools for the specific concrete finish will ensure proper cleaning and maintenance in any setting. 

How To Clean Unfinished Concrete Floors

Cleaning unfinished, raw concrete floors in warehouses, outdoor retail areas, and gas stations offers unique challenges. The surface is porous, meaning it holds onto dirt particles and absorbs stains more easily. 

Start by sweeping up loose dirt and debris, then pre-treat any stains with the appropriate cleaning solution. Follow this up with an industrial floor scrubber, which can scrub and dry the floor in one pass. This equipment promotes a safe environment for workers and customers, with no dirt or water left behind. 

Because of its porous nature, you may need to scrub unfinished concrete floors more than once to get them clean to your standards. Plus, you can get away with using coarser or more abrasive pads, which will help you remove embedded dirt and debris from the surface. 

Use our manual sweepers to remove dust, dirt, sand, and debris up to six times faster than a broom.

How To Clean Polished Concrete Floors

Polished floors in distribution centers, factories, office buildings, and galleries are typically easier to maintain. This is due to the smooth surface, which isn’t as susceptible to stains. However, routine polished and sealed concrete floor maintenance is still required to keep it in good condition and minimize wear and tear damage. 

Knowing how to clean polished cement floors starts with routine sweeping and dusting to keep the surface clear of abrasive particles. For more deep cleaning, use a wet mop or automatic floor scrubber to tackle grime buildup. Consider using pads with microscopic diamonds or cubic zirconia to leave the floor shiny and polished without causing damage.

Learn about our autonomous floor cleaners to efficiently clean large areas with minimal supervision.  

How To Clean Stained Concrete Floors

Like polished floors, stained concrete floors have a smooth, non-porous finish that repels dirt and grime. But, caring for stained concrete in retail spaces, showrooms, and hotels requires a more delicate, unique approach to avoid damaging the surface color or finish. 

When learning how to care for stained concrete floors, you must first sweep the surface with a soft-bristle brush to avoid damaging the decorative finish. Then, use a scrubber with a non-abrasive pad to gently remove dirt buildup and restore its appearance. 

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With proper cleaning on a regular basis, you can prevent common problems that could damage or discolor the floor over time. Here are some practical tips for cleaning concrete floors:

• Sweep regularly to remove abrasive dust particles that accumulate
• Use appropriate cleaning solutions to remove dirt and grime without damaging the floor
• Address spills quickly to prevent staining

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Aside from daily cleaning activities, there is some long-term maintenance for concrete floors to keep them in top condition. This includes periodic deep cleaning with a commercial floor scrubber, which helps to remove stubborn dirt and stains. Regular upkeep not only keeps the floors looking clean and polished but also helps prolong the floor's life and prevent costly repairs.

With a better idea of how to deep clean concrete floors, you understand the importance of choosing the right tools and cleaning products. For high-performing, durable, and efficient cleaning equipment for your industrial or commercial space, you need Nilfisk.

Whether you’re looking for a versatile walk-behind sweeper to keep your concrete floors clear of dirt and debris or a stand-on/ride-on floor scrubber to efficiently clean large surface areas, Nilfisk has you covered. Our products are designed to help businesses keep their spaces spotless, regardless of floor-cleaning needs.

Contact the Nilfisk sales team today for a custom quote on our top-of-the-line floor scrubbers.