If you’re new to having a basement, you may be confused about the best way to clean an indoor concrete floor.
Fortunately, it’s very easy – even if you haven’t sealed your concrete floors or if there’s no drain in your basement.
Key Takeaways:
Start by sweeping your floor thoroughly. Then, use a damp mop to apply a PH-neutral cleaner and gently clean the floor. Avoid mopping the floor entirely, and try sticking to the spots that need cleaning. Finish by drying the floor with a clean cloth. Always sweep regularly – and never wet-mop unsealed concrete – use a dry mop instead.
How to Clean a Concrete Basement Floor
To clean a concrete basement floor, start by sweeping with a broom and dustpan or a large dry mop. You can use a damp mop and gentle ph-neutral cleaner to wash the floor if you have sealed concrete. If you have unsealed concrete floors, use water very sparingly. Instead of mopping the entire floor, spot clean where needed and then dry the floor.
Advice from the Expert: From my experience, regular maintenance is key when taking care of concrete basement floors. I can’t stress enough the importance of frequent sweeping, not only does it keep your floor looking neat, but it also prevents the build-up of dust and grime that can harm the concrete over time. With a sturdy broom and a bit of effort, you can avoid complex and costly repairs down the line, saving both time and money.
Top Tips for Cleaning Concrete Basement Floors
The best way to clean concrete basement floors is to sweep them regularly. This will keep them from building up a dusty layer. If you have sealed concrete basement floors, you can mop them with a gentle cleanser as needed.
However, if you have unsealed concrete floors, they are not waterproof.
Here are a few other smart tips for cleaning a concrete basement floor:
Sweep with a Dry Mop
Dry mops are fantastic for concrete basement floors. They pick up dirt easily and are wide, so you can cover large areas with one sweep.
Use PH Neutral Cleaners
Since concrete is porous, it’s essential to use gentle cleaners when mopping it. Acidic cleaners can etch the concrete, causing discoloration and small divots.
If you prefer store-bought cleaners, try Zep ph-neutral or Simple Green multipurpose cleaner.
Expert Advice: Remember that not every cleaner is suitable for concrete floors, especially if they’re unsealed. I have learned firsthand that harsh chemicals or acidic cleaning solutions, such as vinegar, can actually corrode the concrete and cause discolouration. That’s why I always stick to pH-neutral cleaners, like mild dish soap mixed with water – they’re just as effective and much safer for your floor.
Never Use Vinegar on Your Concrete Floor
There’s no denying it – vinegar is a great multi-use cleaner on most types of flooring. However, concrete is not one of them.
The only time you should use vinegar on concrete is if you’re trying to remove rust stains.
How to Clean a Concrete Basement Floor Before Painting
When you paint concrete floors, any dirt or imperfections that exist will show you through the paint.
So, the first thing you should do is fill in any cracks or imperfections. (If they don’t bother you, it’s not a big deal – just know that they will show through the paint.)
Afterward, you need to clean your floors thoroughly.
If your basement floors aren’t very dirty and you’ve never exposed them to grease or other harsh spills, simply sweep and mop with a gentle cleanser. Then, allow your floors to dry for at least 24 hours before you paint.
Pro Tip: When painting a concrete basement floor, preparation is everything. I always take my time beforehand to fill in any cracks or imperfections with a quality concrete patch product. It may seem like an unnecessary step, but believe me, cleaning and repairing the floor before painting significantly improves the final look. And remember to let the floor dry adequately after cleaning before you dive into painting – patience goes a long way to ensuring a successful result.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean concrete basement floors after a flood?
If your basement has flooded, the first thing you should do is remove any standing water. You can do this with a pump or wet/dry shop vac. After you’ve removed standing water, dry your concrete basement floors with towels.
Place dehumidifiers and fans in the basement to help everything dry quickly.
What kind of cleaning machines can I use on a concrete floor?
There are many commercial-style floor buffers you can use to clean and polish your concrete before sealing. Polishing your concrete will make it look shiny.
There are also floor cleaning machines you can use on concrete. However, since most of these use water, they’re best for sealed concrete.
Does vinegar ruin concrete?
Yes, vinegar can ruin concrete. You should avoid using harsh cleaners like vinegar, bleach, and ammonia unless you’re spot treating a stain. Otherwise, they can eat through the topcoat and soak into the concrete, causing discoloration and damage.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best way to clean concrete basement flooring, just keep it simple. All you need to do is sweep regularly and occasionally mop the floor with a gentle cleanser. A large dry mop makes the job quick and easy.
If you have unsealed concrete floors, you can skip the mopping and spot clean as needed.
