Why Use Floor Buffing Pads and Other Remedies for Concrete Floors

Concrete is one of the most durable and dependable materials around, which is why so many builders and construction experts use concrete when laying basement floors. You can now opt for a range of concrete dyes that add color to those floors and stamps that add texture to the surface, but you may wonder how to best remove stains and clean those floors. With floor scrubber pads and some other basic supplies, you can make those concrete floors look sparkling and new again.

Removing Stains

Ordinary bleach is often strong enough to remove most surface stains. While wearing gloves, apply a diluted combination of bleach and cold water to the stain. Use floor scrubber pads to scrub the stain with the bleach before rinsing with clean water. If that combo doesn’t work on the stain, use equal parts flour and hydrogen peroxide. Apply the mixture to the concrete and let sit for several hours or even overnight. Use a plastic scraper or chisel to scrape the dried mixture off the floor.

Cleaning With Bleach

Cleaning your concrete floors with bleach is a smart way to kill bacteria and remove odors. Make sure that you open the windows in the basement to let in more air. Bleach can make you sick because of the fumes that it produces. Use around one to two cups of bleach per gallon of water that you use. Mop the floors with this solution at least once a week. The bleach will remove odors from the floor and pull off more dirt than water alone would.

Power Washing

If you have more serious stains on your floor, you can try using a power washer. The heavy stream of water produced by these machines makes power washing best for untreated floors. Using one on a stamped concrete floor can damage the surface. When using a power washer, make sure that you follow the directions to avoid any accidents or injuries.

With proper care and maintenance, concrete floors can last for decades or even longer. Bleach, flour and hydrogen peroxide are suitable for regular cleaning and stain removal. Use floor buffing pads and power washers to remove larger and more complex stains.

Sources:

How to Clean Concrete Floors
DIY Network

6 Ways to Get Your Dirty Basement Floor Sparkling Clean
Reader’s Digest