The basics of maintaining stained concrete
Every type of floor requires maintenance. While there is a long-term maintenance expense in reapplying sealer and wax, the daily cleaning of stained concrete is easy.
Cleaning
The following regimen will help keep your residential stained concrete floor neat at all times:
- Use a dry dust mop regularly to remove dirt from the floor.
- Use a moist mop with a pH- neutral cleaner to remove stains resulting from spills.
- Use a stained concrete sealer and wax to protect the floor by filling the pores in it. Do it after every two to three years.
Note: Commercial buildings with stained concrete floors require shorter durations between the application of sealer and wax owing to high foot traffic. Apply as soon as the floor starts showing signs of fading to reduce wear and tear.
Sealers:
Purchase a good stained concrete sealer from a genuine dealer. The sealer improves the impermeability of the floor and aids in resisting stains, abrasion, and water. Sealers also enhance sheen and color besides extending the lifespan of your stained concrete floor.
Wax:
Wax is applied on top of the sealer to provide an extra layer of protection against moisture, stains, abrasion, and dirt. Wax also evens out the floor by filling minor scratches. Be sure to apply good-quality wax for stained concrete floors.
Concrete floors are strong and last much longer than floors made of such material as ceramic tiles, vinyl, wood, carpet, and stone. Stained and polished concrete are the main types of concrete that are widely used to make floors for both residential and commercial houses. While stained concrete is relatively expensive to maintain, it is customizable and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Polished concrete is slippery and it is advisable to only use it indoors in places that are not prone to water to avoid slipping. But that aside, polished concrete is easy to maintain and has an attractive finish.
Staining concrete may look easy but cannot be done by everyone. Remember there is no correcting mistakes once they have been made. The stains penetrate concrete and bond with its chemical composition permanently. Look for a stained concrete pro to do the work and maintain your floor for better results.