Polished Concrete Maintenance Guide

What is Polished Concrete?

Polished concrete is a durable and visually appealing flooring solution that has gained popularity in both residential and commercial spaces. It involves grinding concrete surfaces with progressively finer diamond abrasives to achieve a smooth and glossy finish. The process enhances the natural strength of concrete while providing a sleek and modern aesthetic. Depending on the desired look, polished concrete can be customized with various levels of sheen, from matte to high gloss, and even include decorative aggregates, stains, or dyes.

One of the standout features of polished concrete is its versatility. It’s suitable for a wide range of environments, including homes, offices, warehouses, retail spaces, and industrial facilities. Its durability, low maintenance requirements, and eco-friendliness make it an attractive alternative to traditional flooring options like tile, wood, or carpet.

How to Maintain Polished Concrete

Maintaining polished concrete is relatively straightforward, but it requires consistency to preserve its beauty and longevity. Here are some essential steps for proper care:

1. Daily Cleaning

• Use a microfiber dust mop to remove dirt, dust, and debris from the surface. This prevents abrasive particles from scratching the finish. For our recommended microfiber dust mop, CLICK HERE.

• For high-traffic areas, consider using an automatic floor scrubber with non-abrasive pads for commercial floors. If you have a small area, or for residential floors, a microfiber wand, with a microfiber pad work amazing. Click HERE for our recommended Microfiber Cleaning KIT. We have used this for years, and it works wonders! Scroll to the bottom of the page for our recommended list of polished concrete & sealed concrete cleaning products, or CLICK HERE to be directed to our Polished Concrete and Sealed Concrete Cleaning Product List.

• Polished & Sealed Concrete Cleaner- When cleaning polished concrete, and sealed concrete, its best to use a neutral floor cleaner. Click Here for our recommended floor cleaner. Other types of cleaners or degreasers can have additional chemicals that may etch, or break down the concrete which will cause more damage than good. Using any other chemicals beside our recommended cleaner will also void you warranty. We don't want that, and neither do you. Our job is to help you preserve your polished concrete floor so that you can enjoy it for years to come.

2. Regular Wet Mopping

• Clean the floor with a neutral pH cleaner diluted in water. Zep has a great and affordable neutral floor cleaner. Click Here for our affordable and effective neutral floor cleaner. Avoid acidic or alkaline cleaners as they can dull the shine over time.

• Use a damp mop or a soft-bristle scrubber pad to apply the cleaning solution. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue. Using our recommended microfiber kit is perfect for cleaning polished & sealed concrete. Click Here for our recommended microfiber kit. Click HERE for our recommended cleaner. This cleaner can also be purchased at home depot for quick pick up and use.

3. Spill Management

• Wipe up spills immediately to prevent stains or chemical damage, especially from acidic substances like vinegar, citrus juice, or wine.

• For oil or grease spills, use a degreaser designed for polished concrete to ensure effective removal.

4. Periodic Re-Polishing

• Over time, high-traffic areas may lose their shine. Schedule professional re-polishing as needed to restore the surface’s luster. We offer a rebuffing and repolishing service that is affordable. We also offer a polished concrete maintenance service. We offer quarterly and yearly polished & sealed concrete maintenance plans at an affordable price. for more information, please CLICK HERE to get pricing.

5. Applying a Concrete Protector

• Consider applying a penetrating sealer or guard every few years to enhance resistance to stains and wear. Scheduling a reseal every 2 years will help with additional stain resistance, and increase shine and keep your polished concrete floors looking fresh and clean for years to come. If you need a polished concrete, or sealed concrete refurbish, or re- sealing, please Click Here. The resealing service is very affordable and will help preserve your floor, and add additional stain resistance, and longevity.

Dos and Don’ts of Polished Concrete

Dos

• Use Floor Mats: Place mats or rugs at entryways to reduce the amount of dirt and debris brought onto the floor.

• Opt for Furniture Pads: Attach soft pads to the legs of furniture to prevent scratches or gouges.

• Stick to Neutral Cleaners: Always use cleaning products designed specifically for polished concrete.

• Maintain Consistency: Establish a regular cleaning schedule to keep the surface looking pristine.

Don’ts

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Steer clear of bleach, ammonia, or acidic cleaners that can erode the finish.

• Don’t Drag Heavy Items: Lift and carry heavy objects instead of dragging them across the floor to prevent scratches.

• No Excessive Water: Avoid leaving standing water on the surface, as it can seep into the concrete and cause damage over time.

• Skip Wax or Acrylic Coatings: These products can leave a residue that dulls the polished look.

Tips and Tricks for Long-Lasting Polished Concrete

1. Prevent Scratches: Place felt pads under chairs and tables, and avoid wearing spiked or hard-soled shoes on the surface.

2. Maintain the Shine: Use a burnisher with a diamond polishing pad occasionally to refresh the floor’s gloss.

3. Control Humidity: Polished concrete is sensitive to moisture levels. Use a dehumidifier in areas prone to high humidity to prevent potential damage.

4. Invest in Entryway Systems: Install grates or mats outside and inside entry doors to trap dirt and moisture before they reach the polished surface.

5. Rotate Rugs and Furniture: Change the placement of rugs and furniture periodically to avoid uneven wear and fading from sunlight.

6. Educate Occupants: If the polished concrete is in a commercial space, inform employees or tenants about proper cleaning and maintenance practices.

Why Choose Polished Concrete?

Polished concrete is not just a flooring choice; it’s an investment in durability and style. With its minimal maintenance needs, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability, it’s a top contender for modern flooring solutions. By following proper care practices and avoiding common pitfalls, you can ensure your polished concrete floors remain stunning and functional for years to come.

Polished & Sealed Concrete Cleaning Products

Zep Neutral pH Cleaner

Affordable and effictive cleaning product for sealed concrete, polished concrete, epoxy floors, and decorative concrete floors

Micro Fiber Cleaning Kit

Easy to use, affordable and effective microfiber cleaning kit. Grreat for small spaces including offices, homes, showrooms.

20" Automatic Floor Scrubber

This is an example of a battery powered automatic floor scrubber for cleaning sealed & polished concrete floors

Full Disclosure : We do NOT get paid or receive any benefit for these recommendations or examples. These are products we have used, or similar.