Maintenance
Concrete & epoxy floor care guide
Simple routines that keep coated, polished, stained and outdoor concrete looking good. Always follow the care instructions for the specific product installed on your floor.
Before you start
Everyday basics for any concrete floor
Concrete and seamless resin floors are among the easiest floors to look after, but low maintenance is not the same as no maintenance. A little regular care keeps the finish looking its best.
- Sweep or dust-mop regularly. Dirt and grit left on the floor act like sandpaper and can scratch a topcoat or sealer.
- Clean up spills promptly, especially oils, fuels and chemicals.
- Use a pH-neutral cleaner, or mild soap and water where the product allows it.
- Follow the care instructions for the coating or sealer on your floor, and try any new cleaner in a small, out-of-the-way spot first.
At a glance
What does each floor type need?
A quick summary of the guidance below. Always follow the care instructions for the product on your floor.
| Floor | Routine care | Avoid | Needs attention when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epoxy & resin | Sweep and spot-clean spills; a diluted, neutral cleaner for general cleaning | Soaps that leave a film, citrus cleaners, vinegar, harsh strippers and degreasers | Chips or worn spots appear: recoat the damaged area |
| Polished concrete | Regular sweeping and an occasional wet mopping with a suitable cleaner | Leaving grit, oils and other dirt on the surface | Shine or clarity fades: re-polish |
| Stained & sealed | Sweep and damp-mop | Vinegar and other acidic products | Water no longer beads: reseal |
| Outdoor surfaces | Sweep or rinse off debris; soap and water | Harsh chemicals on decorative coatings | New cracks appear, or the surface stops shedding water |
Epoxy & resin floors
How do you clean an epoxy, chip or polyaspartic floor?
Seamless floors have no grout lines and do not need stripping or waxing.
Routine cleaning
- Sweep, wipe or spot-clean wherever something has been spilled or tracked onto the surface.
- For general cleaning, use a diluted, neutral cleaner. A mild mixture of dishwashing liquid or a product such as Simple Green with water works for scrubbing.
- Pressure washing is not needed. A very dirty floor can be hosed down.
What to avoid
- Soap that leaves a film. A film can feel slippery when wet and holds on to dirt.
- Citrus-based cleaners and vinegar, which can dull the finish over time.
- Aggressive stripping agents and harsh degreasers unless the coating manufacturer approves them.
Small chips and worn spots can usually be repaired by recoating the damaged area with a compatible material. Contact us and we will take a look.
Polished concrete
How is polished concrete maintained?
Polished concrete is low maintenance, but it is not maintenance-free. Regular sweeping and an occasional wet mopping keep it clean. Use the right tools and a suitable cleaner to remove oils and other dirt from the surface.
Over time, a busy floor may lose some of its shine or clarity. When that happens, it can be restored by re-polishing rather than replacing the floor. Learn about concrete polishing.
For step-by-step cleaning methods, see five ways to clean polished concrete.
Stained & sealed concrete
Caring for stained and sealed surfaces
Sweep and damp-mop
Stained concrete has a smooth surface that does not trap dust. Regular sweeping and damp mopping keep it clean.
Keep the sealer in good shape
Sealer protects stained and decorative concrete from water, dirt and stains. Some sealers, such as acrylics, need resealing more often than others.
Avoid acidic products
Vinegar and other acidic products can erode concrete. Stick to pH-neutral cleaners or soap and water.
See concrete sealing
Outdoor surfaces
How do you care for patios, pool decks and driveways?
Exterior concrete is exposed to sun, water and debris, so it benefits from a simple routine.
- Sweep or rinse off leaves and debris regularly
- Use soap and water for general cleaning
- A pressure washer can remove hardened debris and mold from bare or sealed outdoor concrete; check your coating’s instructions first
- Look for new cracks and have them sealed or repaired early
- Reseal when the surface stops shedding water as it used to
- Keep harsh chemicals off decorative coatings
When to call us
When does a floor need professional attention?
Dull or worn finish
Polished floors can be re-polished and coated floors can be recoated.
Cracks, chips or spalling
Repair damage early, before it spreads. See concrete repair.
Water no longer beads
The sealer may be wearing and need to be reapplied.
If your project came with a warranty, keep a simple record of the care you carry out. See Guarantee / Warranty for general terms.
Free estimate
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Share a few details about your space and the finish you have in mind, and we will help you choose the right system for your home or business.
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