Concrete is the most common material for indoor and outdoor spaces. The material is used as flooring because of it is easy to clean and durable. However, when exposed to various elements, it can begin to discolor losing its initial appeal. The discoloring may be due to stains from accidental spillages that may be cleaned quickly, but others are harder to get rid of. Fortunately, concrete surfaces can be cleaned and get back their original bright color, thus enhancing the flooring in the space.
Typically, cleaning of concrete is done using regular detergents and water, which will remove simple stains. However, if the stain has been on the surface for a while, you may need to invest in a potent concrete cleaner. Fortunately, many cleaners are designed specifically for concrete material and are effective when used as prescribed.
Simple steps for concrete cleaning
The fact that your concrete floor is covered with stains should not discourage you from attempting to clean it. Most times, the stain buildup is because of neglect for an extended period and often requires the right tools and cleaners to bring back its original look. If you are planning to clean concrete indoors or outdoors, here are some steps to follow.
Step 1 – Prepare the area for cleaning
Before starting to clean, you need to remove anything that is covering the concrete area. Depending on the exact location, you may need to move plants, grills, cars, and any other decorations. If there are items that can get damaged during the cleaning process, they need to be covered well, including electrical outlets. Once the area is free of any items, use a broom to sweep it thoroughly and remove any debris or dirt that may have collected over time.
Step 2- Put together the right tools
Making concrete clean requires the use of the right tools and equipment to ensure the results are satisfactory. You will need to buy safety goggles, stiff brushes, and gloves to keep your hands, and eyes safe while washing. If possible, find a power washer that can blast away at grime, mildew and dirt on the concrete, leaving it clean.
Step 3 – Use a concrete cleaner
The right cleaner can make the difference between getting your concrete surface clean quickly and spending the entire day scrubbing away at stains. When using a commercial cleaner, ensure that you spread it across the whole concrete floor, including the hidden areas. Wait for it to soak into the surface for about ten to twenty minutes and weaken any stains for easy removal. Also, if you have no time to wash the entire concrete floor, you can do spot cleaning, which involves tackling stains at different areas of the surface.
Step 4 – Scrub the surface
The best way to effectively scrub the surface is by using a stiff-bristled brush with a long or short handle. The longer handled brush is ideal for outside areas, while the shorter one can be used indoors. Makes sure the entire surface is scrubbed well, including corners so that the final look will be satisfactory. After cleaning, use a power washer to remove all the cleaning solutions to reveal clean concrete. Take your time with the machine to ensure every part of the concrete is clean so that it does not look patchy when dry.
How to choose the right cleaner for concrete surfaces
The need to use concrete cleaners for stain removal on both indoor and outdoor surfaces cannot be ignored. These solutions make cleaning effective and need to be selected with the utmost care for the best results. Here are some things to keep in mind when buying concrete cleaners.
- Type of concrete surface
Concrete surfaces are not the same and need to be washed using the appropriate cleaner. Outdoor spaces have the regular type of concrete, which is hard and rough while indoor spaces have polished concrete and others that are aesthetically appealing. It is therefore vital to choose a cleaner that has been developed for a specific type of cement.
- Type of stain
The stains on concrete depending on whether the surface is outside or within the home. These stains vary from food spills, mold, and even organic stains that need to be cleaned appropriately if the concrete is to be clean again. Some of the stain removal options available include acidic cleaners, alkaline cleaners, pH cleaners, and bacterial cleaners. These cleaners remove various types of stains, regardless of how long they have been on the surface.
- Cost of cleaner
Although washing concrete requires the best cleaners in the market, it is important to consider the cost of the solution. If the concrete surface cannot be cleaned using elbow grease, it is important to invest in various types of commercial cleaners. To find the best one at an affordable cost, you need to research on the available ones and compare prices. Ensure that the cleaner you choose will still be potent enough to remove stains and leave the concrete clean.
- Reliability of cleaner
The majority of cleaners for concrete surfaces do the job of removing stains and other types of contamination. If you are buying cleaners for the first time, you need to read through reviews to hear from other people that used it to clean concrete. Cleaners that have positive reviews from many people are worth considering when shopping for the best solution. You could also ask for referrals from friends, family, or even colleagues that have bought cleaners for various concrete surfaces in their home.
Overall, concrete requires cleaners that have been tested over time and gives the best results after washing. The different types of cleaners give homeowners a chance to choose the most appropriate ones to remove stains and make concrete clean again. Additionally, having a sparkling concrete surface may require help from professional cleaning companies. The companies often have the appropriate tools, cleaning solutions, and experience to remove stains leaving the area looking very clean.
