How to Clean Sealed Concrete Floors

Concrete isn’t just for the driveway.

Sealed concrete is a prevalent flooring option for basements, outdoor shops, and large commercial spaces. Its shiny appearance can give a room a high-end luxurious feel.

Plus, this type of flooring is highly durable and easy to care for.

If you’re not familiar with caring for concrete, here’s how to clean sealed concrete floors. To clean sealed concrete floors, you’ll first need to sweep. You can do this with a broom and dustpan or a vacuum. After the floors have been thoroughly cleaned, mop your sealed concrete with a mild mopping solution. Stuck on dirt can be scrubbed off with a soft-bristled brush.

Cleaning Sealed Concrete Flooring: Step by Step

Step 1: Sweep the floors

You need to sweep sealed concrete floors regularly. If not swept, dirt and debris can act like fine sandpaper, eventually wearing down the sealant and etching the concrete.

For everyday cleaning, run a dry mop over the floors to pick up dirt.

Step 2: Mop the floors

After you’ve swept the floors, it’s time to mop. You can use any type of mop you like on your sealed concrete floors. (Our favorite are microfiber mops.)

Allow the floor to air dry.

How Do You Remove Stains from Sealed Concrete Floors

Removing greasy or oily stains from concrete – If you’re dealing with a greasy or oily spot, cover the stain with cat litter, allow it to sit for 24 hours, and then vacuum.

Removing other stains from sealed concrete – For other stains, mix a bit of dish soap with water and scrub the stain with a soft-bristled brush until removed.

What’s the Best Mopping Solution for Sealing Concrete Floors?

Sealed concrete creates a barrier that repels water and protects the floor from absorbing liquid and forming stains.

Without sealant, concrete is highly porous and stains easily.

This is why when you’re choosing a mopping solution for your sealed concrete floors, you want to choose one that protects the sealant.

If you’re not sure what that is and are looking for some general recommendations, the cleaners below are safe for sealed concrete floors:

• Zep PH Neutral Floor Cleaner
• Concrete DNA Polished Concrete Cleaner
• Simple Clean Multisurface Floor Cleaner

When choosing a cleaner, the most important thing is to select a mild solution. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you buff a sealed concrete floor?

When sealing concrete, you’ll generally need 2-3 layers of sealant with buffing in between each layer. Buffing and resealing will need to happen every 2-5 years.

Can you leave concrete floors bare?

Leaving concrete floors bare isn’t a good idea. This is because concrete is porous and can easily absorb liquids. Plus, acidic substances can eat at concrete.

Sealing your concrete will not only make it look nicer but will make it easier to clean and last longer.

How long after sealing concrete can I walk on it?

Depending on the type of sealer you’ve used, it may take up to 48 hours before your concrete can handle any foot traffic. However, some sealers only take about 10 hours.

It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations because even though some sealers feel dry to the touch within a couple of hours, they aren’t ready to be walked on.

Conclusion

Cleaning sealed concrete flooring is pretty straightforward. The main thing you need to do is dry mop your floors daily.

Once per week or as needed, mop your floors with a mild detergent. As long as you follow these steps and avoid using any acidic cleaners, your sealed concrete will stay in fantastic shape.