Cleaning Concrete
Some Tips for Cleaning Concrete
It is important to know the best ways for cleaning concrete because concrete is a part of many homes these days and it is used in traditional places like driveways and it is also increasingly used as a decorative accent. Whether you have a concrete floor in your garage or a concrete fireplace surround, the best way to get the most out of your concrete is to keep it clean. The build-up of dust and grime on concrete happens over time and it is sometimes hard to see the slow damage this does to the surface. So, be pro-active in setting up a cleaning schedule for your concrete surfaces and do not wait for the filth and stain to become apparent before dealing with them.
Exterior concrete is exposed to dust and dirt and there are also the weather elements. So sun and rain and even hail and snow will have an impact on the concrete surface. Depending on whether it is a concrete pavement or a narrow garden path, there may also be vehicular and foot traffic to consider. The extent of use and abuse will always cause wear and tear in the concrete. Plan on cleaning such exterior surfaces at least once a year and make sure to use a good concrete sealer to finish the process. Without the sealer, it is like leaving the job half-done.
Interior concretes also need regular cleaning although they do not have the same exposure pattern. Dirt can still be an issue and if you have a concrete slab in the kitchen, there is the risk of food and related stains reducing the impact of the concrete. As a general rule, you can use water and scrub the surface with a non-abrasive, non-metallic brush. This will help remove the surface dust and as a next step you can use a mild soap to deal with grease. You may need to increase the strength of the cleaning solution depending on the level of grease or stain on the concrete surface.
Whether it is exterior or interior concrete, you should talk your contractor before proceeding with the cleaning. Or a professional concrete cleaner can give you tips so that the finish of your surface does not get destroyed in any way. By doing a little bit of preliminary research you can choose the right kind of cleaning process for your concrete surface.
If you have polished concrete, you will need a very simple maintenance program. Dust and wipe the area with a damp cloth and use a neutral cleaner to bring out the shine of the concrete surface. Depending on the type of cleaner that you choose, you may need to do some buffing or not. Sometimes experts use fine-grit abrasives to make the shine come out in polished concrete.
Concrete is a hardy, versatile surface that works well in industrial and domestic settings. They are seen as funky and stylish and go well with different décor styles and different settings. By investing a little bit of time and effort in cleaning concrete, you can make your concrete surfaces last longer and not lose their initial drama. As in any other surface, regular maintenance is a lot easier than actually removing stains once they seep into the surface. By dealing with cracks promptly and ensuring that the surface is not abused, you can have a worry free time with the concrete elements of your home or office.
If the surface is large, it is worth considering the use of professional concrete cleaners who have the equipment and expertise to deal with the situation effectively.