How to Clean Concrete Floors and Surfaces

Concrete surfaces are common in nearly every home, whether they're part of the floor, countertops, patios, driveways, or other indoor and outdoor areas. Although concrete is highly durable, it can still fall victim to stains and dirt. Fortunately, maintaining concrete is easy with the right cleaning tools. Here are some tips for cleaning concrete and tackling stains from oil, rust, mildew, and more.

How Often to Clean Concrete

The sooner you address stains, the easier they are to remove. If you spot oil or grease stains, don't wait for a convenient time to clean the entire surface—tend to them immediately. For indoor concrete floors, dust-mop at least once a week, and clean concrete countertops daily after food prep. Be sure to regularly clear debris from concrete driveways, patios, and walkways, giving them a deep clean annually or when necessary.

Considerations Before You Begin

Before you start cleaning concrete, keep a few things in mind. If you're cleaning painted concrete floors, avoid excessive water, as it can damage the paint and cause peeling. If using a commercial cleaner, verify that it's recommended by the manufacturer for concrete surfaces.

A power or pressure washer isn't required, but it can be quite useful if the concrete is heavily soiled or covered in moss. Just be cautious—never add vinegar or baking soda to the power washer, as it could clog the nozzle.

If you're struggling with tough stains or deep cleaning, don't hesitate to call in a professional. A power-washing service can effectively clean concrete or handle large or hard-to-reach areas.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

Materials

Instructions

How to Clean Concrete

Cleaning a patio is easy with just a few basic household cleaning tools and some effort. It's best to pick a mild, cloudy day for outdoor concrete cleaning so that the solution doesn't dry up too fast.

Clear the Concrete

• Clear the area by moving all items (cars, patio furniture, grills, plants, toys) off the concrete surface.
• Use a broom or leaf blower to remove any debris or leaves.
• Wet the surface with a garden hose and nozzle to prepare it for cleaning.

Prepare a Cleaning Solution

• In a bucket, combine 1 cup of baking soda with 2 cups of distilled white vinegar.
• The mixture will bubble, but stir gently until the foam subsides.

Spread, Scrub, Rinse, and Dry

• Evenly distribute the cleaning solution over the concrete using a mop and let it sit for 30 minutes.
• Scrub the surface with a long-handled, stiff-bristled nylon brush.
• Rinse the area thoroughly, ensuring you remove any solution splashed onto nearby grass or plants.
• Allow the concrete to dry completely before replacing any furniture or plants to avoid staining.

How to Clean Sealed, Painted, and Polished Concrete

Many people apply a sealant to their concrete surfaces to safeguard them. Paint adds character, while polishing can help maintain a glossy finish. Although sealant, paint, and polish offer protection and extend cleanliness, sealed, painted, and polished concrete still requires regular cleaning.

Sealed Concrete Floors

• Use a broom or dust mop to remove loose dirt from the floor.
• For mopping, mix 2 gallons of warm water with 2 teaspoons of dish soap in a bucket or sink. Avoid using harsh cleaners as they can damage and dull the sealant.
• Rinse the floor with clean water and allow it to air dry.

Polished Concrete Floors

• Use a vacuum or a dust mop to clear away dirt and debris.
• For cleaning, use a damp mop with a pH-neutral commercial cleaner designed for polished concrete. Most cleaners don’t require rinsing, but always follow the instructions on the label.

Painted Concrete Floors

• First, remove any loose dirt with a dust mop or vacuum.
• Clean with a damp mop, making sure not to use excess water. Use a mild mixture of warm water and dish soap.
• Rinse the floor with a clean, damp mop and allow it to air-dry.

How to Remove Stains from Concrete

Getting rid of stains on concrete can range from simple to difficult, depending on the type of stain. Concrete surfaces are vulnerable to mold, mildew, oil, grease, tire marks, and rust, and each requires a unique cleaning method.

Mold and mildew. Prepare a solution by mixing 1 part chlorine bleach with 2 parts water in a plastic bucket or spray bottle. Apply the solution using a mop or spray it directly onto the stained areas. Let the bleach mixture sit for 5 to 30 minutes, depending on how stubborn the stains are. Afterward, scrub the surface with a nylon-bristled brush and rinse with a garden hose.

Grease stains. Cover the stained area with a thick layer of kitty litter or cornstarch, about 1-inch deep. Let it sit for at least 24 hours, or up to three days. Afterward, sweep up the litter and inspect the stain. If it persists, add another layer of kitty litter. Once the stain is nearly gone, spray the spot with a commercial degreaser and scrub it with a nylon-bristled brush.

Tire marks. Moisten the affected area and apply a degreaser over the stains. Let the cleaner sit for at least four hours before scrubbing the marks with a stiff-bristled nylon brush.

Rust and red mud stains. For light rust and mud stains, pour undiluted distilled white vinegar onto the stain and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Scrub the area with a stiff brush and rinse it clean. For older or larger stains, use a commercial rust remover with oxalic acid instead of vinegar. Follow the instructions on the product label to apply the cleaner, then scrub with a nylon-bristled brush.

How to Keep Concrete Clean Longer

To maintain concrete's cleanliness, regular upkeep is essential. Promptly clean up spills to prevent them from soaking into the concrete and causing discoloration. Additionally, make it a habit to remove debris regularly to avoid abrasions or stains. The more frequently you clean, the longer your concrete will stay in excellent condition.

Taking preventive steps, such as applying a premium sealant to shield the surface from dirt, stains, and moisture, can help keep your concrete looking fresh. Also, periodically inspecting the surface for signs of damage or wear allows you to address issues early, preventing further deterioration.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How can I restore the white color of my concrete?

  If you want to bring back the white appearance of your concrete, try cleaning it with products like bleach and laundry detergent. Mixing bleach with powdered laundry detergent and hot water can create a solution that helps lift stains and whiten the concrete. To achieve the best results, you might need to scrub the mixture into the surface using a bristle brush to thoroughly clean away dirt and grime.

• Is it safe to clean concrete with pool chlorine?

  Yes, you can safely use pool chlorine to clean concrete. Pool chlorine, made from calcium hypochlorite, is effective at removing tough stains and grime. However, it’s important to dilute the pool chlorine with water before applying it to the concrete surface.

• What cleaning methods do professionals use for concrete?

  Professionals use a variety of cleaning tools and products for concrete surfaces. Some cleaners prefer degreasers to remove dirt and grime, while alkaline cleaners are especially useful for eliminating soot. In general, professionals follow similar steps as those mentioned above to achieve clean concrete surfaces.