How To Clean Concrete Floors the Right Way

Practical tips for every type of mess you’ll find on your concrete floors.

Concrete floors are built to endure the daily grind, but they still need a little love. Regular cleaning is the secret to keeping your concrete looking great and lasting longer – whether you’re dealing with a garage full of grease or a basement battling moisture.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to clean concrete floors the right way based on where they are, how they’re finished, and what kinds of messes you’re up against to avoid the wrong results.

First Things First: What Type of Concrete Floor Are You Dealing With?

Cleaning strategies vary based on whether your concrete floor is sealed or unsealed, so before you break out the mop, take a closer look:

• Sealed concrete has a protective coating, which makes it more resistant to stains and easier to clean.
• Unsealed concrete is more porous and prone to soaking up spills, requiring more caution with water and harsher cleaners.

Garage floors and basements are often unsealed, while indoor floors in living spaces are usually polished or sealed.

Second Things Second (and Beyond): How Often Should You Clean Your Concrete Floors?

If you want your concrete floors to stay beautiful for the long haul, regular maintenance is the name of the game. Think of it as preventive care that keeps the grime from building up over time.

Your Weekly Concrete Floor Care Routine:

• Sweep or vacuum to remove loose dirt and debris.
• Mop with a pH-neutral cleaner (it’s gentle on concrete and gets the job done).
• Dry the surface with a microfiber towel to avoid moisture stains.

Bonus Tips:

• Add rugs or mats in high-traffic areas to catch dirt before it hits the concrete.
• Use furniture pads to protect the floor from scratches.

Related Resource: How to Maintain Concrete

How to Clean Concrete Garage Floors

Concrete garage floors take a beating. Oil, grease, road salt, and who-knows-what from the car all end up here. Here’s how to bring them back to life:

1. Sweep or vacuum to remove dirt, gravel, and loose debris.
2. For fresh oil stains, sprinkle cat litter or sawdust and let it sit for a few hours, then sweep it up. Apply a concrete-safe degreaser to older stains.
3. Mix and apply a solution of warm water and a mild detergent to the floor. Scrub with a stiff-bristle brush or heavy-duty mop and rinse with clean water.
4. Allow to dry thoroughly before putting things back on the floor to prevent moisture from soaking into the concrete and getting trapped.

How to Clean Concrete Basement Floors

Basements bring a whole different set of cleaning challenges. Since many basement floors are unsealed, they’re extra vulnerable to soaking up liquids and harboring mold or mildew…

Here’s how to clean them safely:

1. Sweep or vacuum thoroughly, especially near edges and corners.
2. Mix a mild detergent or pH-neutral concrete cleaner for general cleaning. Mop the solution evenly across the floor. For musty odors or organic stains (like pet accidents), consider using enzymatic cleaners.
3. Use a soft-bristle brush for stains or scuff marks.
4. Rinse with clean water and allow to dry completely before adding anything back to the floor, especially rugs and furniture.

How to Clean Interior Polished or Sealed Concrete Floors

Indoor concrete floors that are polished, stained, or stamped require a more delicate approach to keep their finish intact.

1. Mix a gentle cleaner, like dish soap or a mild floor cleaner specifically for concrete floors, with water in a mop bucket. Avoid harsh chemicals like ammonia, bleach, or acidic cleaners as they can dull or damage the finish.
2. Mop the floor using a soft mop dipped in your cleaning solution.
3. Rinse the floor by going over it again with clean water and a fresh mop. Allow the floor to dry completely before replacing items like furniture or rugs.

How to Remove Stains in Concrete Floors

Concrete floors are tough, but they’re not immune to life’s little accidents. When stains strike, here’s how to fight back based on what kind of culprit you’re dealing with:

Oil and Grease

• For fresh stains, start with cat litter or baking soda to absorb excess oil.
• Follow up with a degreaser or dish soap solution and scrub it in with a brush.

Organic Stains (Food, Pet Urine)

• Use enzymatic cleaners to naturally break down bacteria and odors.

Rust

• Combine lemon juice and table salt to form a mild acid scrub. Or, consider a commercial concrete rust remover.
• Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before gently scrubbing and rinsing.

General Tough Stains

• Try a paste of baking soda and water, let it sit, and scrub gently.

Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous spot to avoid surprises like discoloration or surface damage.

Last Things Last: Keep It Clean!

Concrete floors are low-maintenance, not no-maintenance. Regular sweeping, gentle mopping, and stain-spotting go a long way in keeping your floors looking great.

Whether you're sprucing up the garage, refreshing the basement, or just staying on top of things with your indoor concrete floors, regular maintenance is key.

Ready to level up your concrete care routine? Request a free estimate from the A-1 Concrete Leveling team near you and let the pros help keep your concrete in great shape, inside and out!