How To Clean Concrete Floors (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Clean Concrete Floors PDF download Download Article Explore this Article parts 1 Preparing Any Concrete Surface 2 Cleaning Stamped or Polished Concrete 3 Cleaning a Garage Floor or Exterior Concrete 4 Protecting Concrete Floors + Show 1 more... - Show less... Other Sections Expert Q&A VideoWATCH NOW Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Kadi Dulude

Last Updated: May 28, 2025 Approved

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This article was co-authored by Kadi Dulude. Kadi Dulude is a House Cleaning Professional and the Owner of Wizard of Homes, a New York City-based cleaning company. Kadi has over 10 years of experience and manages a team of over 90 registered cleaning professionals. Her cleaning advice has been featured in Architectural Digest and New York Magazine. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 440,404 times.

Concrete is durable and versatile, making it a popular material for both interior and exterior flooring surfaces. Because it is stain-resistant and can be left plain and smooth or stamped with unique designs, concrete also offers a great deal of flexibility in terms of functionality and decor in a variety of spaces. Since concrete is porous, regular cleaning is necessary to prevent mold and dirt from building up. [1] The cleaning method does vary slightly depending on the type of concrete you’re working with, but proper maintenance will keep your floor clean and fresh, and help increase its longevity in your home, garage, shop, or workplace.[2]

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 4:

Preparing Any Concrete Surface

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  1. Step 1 Gather your cleaning equipment. 1 Gather your cleaning equipment. To do a basic cleaning of any concrete floor and to remove stains, you will need some basic cleaning supplies, including:
    • A broom and duster (or a vacuum)
    • A nylon-bristled brush for scrubbing stains
    • Dish soap and water to remove stains
    • Trisodium phosphate, laundry bleach, and detergent to remove mildew
    • Kitty litter or cornstarch to remove grease stains
    • Degreaser to remove tire marks
    • Bleach, ammonia, or hydrogen peroxide for stubborn stains
  2. Step 2 Clear the floor. 2 Clear the floor. Remove any furniture, decorations, rugs or mats, shoes, and anything else that’s on the floor. Move everything out of the room so you’re not cleaning around furniture or constantly having to move furniture around to clean. Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Sweep and dust the floor. 3 Sweep and dust the floor. Get up all large dirt and debris with the broom, and then go over the surface again with a duster to remove fine particles and dust.[3] Dusting should be done daily, and sweeping or vacuuming on a weekly basis.
  4. Step 4 Spot clean stains. 4 Spot clean stains. For regular food and beverage stains, scrub the area with hot, soapy water.[4] Use one to two tablespoons (15 to 30 ml) of a mild dish soap or Castile soap, diluted into a half-gallon (1.9 liters) of water. For oil or oil-based stains, wet the area with water and cover the stain with dish soap. Dip a brush in warm water and scrub the area to work up a lather. Blot the suds with a rag or towel and rinse it down with clean water.[5]
    • To remove mildew, mix one ounce (28.3 grams) each of laundry detergent and trisodium phosphate with one quart (946.4 ml) laundry bleach and three quarts (2.8 liters) of water. Scrub the area with a soft brush and rinse with clean water.[6]
    • To remove tire marks (in a garage), spray the area with water and apply a degreaser. Let sit for three to four hours, scrub with a brush, and rinse.
    • To remove grease, spread kitty litter or cornstarch over the area and let it sit for about three days. After you’ve let it sit, vacuum or sweep up the kitty litter and dispose of it in accordance with the type of grease it was (such as in the garbage or through a proper recycling facility).
  5. Step 5 Use stronger cleaners for tough stains on plain concrete. 5 Use stronger cleaners for tough stains on plain concrete. If your concrete floor is plain and you don’t have to worry about damaging a finish, you can use harsher cleaners like bleach, ammonia, and hydrogen peroxide to clean stubborn stains.[7] Dilute one part cleaner in three parts water and spray on the affected area. Let it sit for about 20 minutes, and then scrub with a brush. Rinse the area with clean water.
    • Always wear gloves and proper protective gear when using harsh cleaners, and make sure the room is well-ventilated.
    6. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 4:

Cleaning Stamped or Polished Concrete

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  1. Step 1 Gather your supplies. 1 Gather your supplies. You will need a mop and large bucket, warm water, and a mild, pH neutral cleaner.[8] Do not use ammonia, bleach, or any other highly acidic or alkaline cleaner, as it may damage the concrete finish. Good neutral cleaners to use include:
    • Mild dish soaps
    • Castile soap
    • Neutral stone cleaner
    • pH neutral floor cleaners or detergents
  2. Step 2 Fill a large bucket with water. 2 Fill a large bucket with water. Use about one gallon (3.8 liters) of warm water. Stir in one-eighth to one-quarter cup (30 to 60 ml) of mild soap or pH neutral cleaner (or the amount recommended by the manufacturer).
  3. Step 3 Dunk a clean mop into the cleaning solution. 3 Dunk a clean mop into the cleaning solution. Once it’s saturated, wring it out thoroughly. The mop should be only slightly damp for cleaning the floor: you want the water to dry quickly, and don’t want excess water sitting on the concrete.
  4. Step 4 Mop the floor in small sections. 4 Mop the floor in small sections. Start in a corner farthest from the door and make your way toward the door, cleaning small areas at a time. As you mop, frequently re-dip the mop in the water and wring it out thoroughly. Consider having an oscillating fan blow air into the room to help the floor dry quicker.
  5. Step 5 Remove excess soap or cleaner. 5 Remove excess soap or cleaner. When you have cleaned the entire floor, dump out your cleaning water, rinse the mop and bucket, and refill the bucket with clean, warm water. Mop the floor again in the same way with the clean water, dunking and thoroughly wringing out the mop often.
    • Start at the farthest corner and work toward the door again, working in small sections.
    6. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 4:

Cleaning a Garage Floor or Exterior Concrete

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  1. Step 1 Gather your cleaning supplies. 1 Gather your cleaning supplies. You will need a power washer, a push broom with stiff, nylon bristles, and a cleaning product, such as trisodium phosphate or other concrete cleaner. You can use a regular garden hose if you don’t have a pressure washer. Use the hose on full power with a high-powered nozzle.
    • A pressure washer is recommended for this kind of concrete cleaning as it will do a better job. Pressure washers can be rented from home and garden or building stores.
    • Use a regular scrubbing brush with nylon bristles if you don’t have a push broom.
  2. Step 2 Remove any moss or roots that have grown on exterior concrete. 2 Remove any moss or roots that have grown on exterior concrete. Pull them up with your hands and then sweep, hose down, or pressure wash the surface to remove dirt and debris.[9]
  3. Step 3 Spray the concrete. 3 Spray the concrete. Open your garage door if applicable. Start at the end closest to the house and work your way toward the garage door or lawn. Use the pressure washer or hose and spray the floor in broad, sweeping strokes to remove dirt and debris. Be sure to spray corners, cracks, and crevices as well.
  4. Step 4 Cover the floor with a dusting of cleaner. 4 Cover the floor with a dusting of cleaner. Place your broom at one end of the garage or patio, and begin sprinkling cleaner on the floor starting at the other end, working your way toward the broom. Make sure the floor is still wet when you do this.
  5. Step 5 Scrub the floor. 5 Scrub the floor. Use your broom or brush to work the cleaner into the entire floor surface and lift out any dirt, grime, and debris.[10]
  6. Step 6 Rinse the concrete with clean water. 6 Rinse the concrete with clean water. Starting at the inside and working your way toward the open door or lawn, power wash away any excess cleaner and debris. Leave the door open and allow the floor to dry.
    7. Advertisement
Part 4 Part 4 of 4:

Protecting Concrete Floors

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  1. Step 1 Clean spills immediately. 1 Clean spills immediately. This will stop people from slipping on the floor and prevent staining. Wipe up spills with a clean rag or towel as soon as they occur.[11]
  2. Step 2 Seal the floor. 2 Seal the floor. A high-quality sealant will last a few years, so you should re-seal your floor every three to four years. Sealing your concrete floor will protect it from scuffs and stains.
    • Choose a sealant that’s right for your concrete surface.
    • Use water-based sealants for indoor flooring.
  3. Step 3 Wax the floor. 3 Wax the floor. Not only will a wax finish protect the floor from dirt build-up, stains, and abrasion, but it will also protect the sealant underneath so it lasts longer.[12]
    • Apply floor wax in a thin layer and spread it out with a rayon or microfiber mop. Re-apply every year or so.[13]
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How do you dust concrete floors? Kadi Dulude Kadi Dulude House Cleaning Professional Kadi Dulude is a House Cleaning Professional and the Owner of Wizard of Homes, a New York City-based cleaning company. Kadi has over 10 years of experience and manages a team of over 90 registered cleaning professionals. Her cleaning advice has been featured in Architectural Digest and New York Magazine. Kadi Dulude Kadi Dulude House Cleaning Professional Expert Answer Use a vacuum if you have a good one available, as this will be faster and more efficient, and prevent dust and dirt particles from being spread around. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
  • Question How can I make my concrete floors shine? Kadi Dulude Kadi Dulude House Cleaning Professional Kadi Dulude is a House Cleaning Professional and the Owner of Wizard of Homes, a New York City-based cleaning company. Kadi has over 10 years of experience and manages a team of over 90 registered cleaning professionals. Her cleaning advice has been featured in Architectural Digest and New York Magazine. Kadi Dulude Kadi Dulude House Cleaning Professional Expert Answer Keep them clean! Vacuum your floors, then dry dust them. A dry microfiber cloth attached to a Swiffer mop will work great, for example. Mop by spraying floor cleaner directly onto the floor, such as a 50/50 vinegar-water solution, or use a very lightly damp mop. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
  • Question Can I use a vacuum cleaner to clean a concrete floor? Community Answer Community Answer Of course. You may need to use a broom to dislodge caked on dirt before you vacuum. A shop type vac would work best. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 8
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-concrete/#.Vkp6tuLU0g4
  2. ↑ Kadi Dulude. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ Kadi Dulude. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://lehighhansoncanada.com/concrete-maintenance
  5. ↑ https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/use-dish-soap-concrete-floors-18058427.php
  6. ↑ https://lehighhansoncanada.com/concrete-maintenance
  7. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-concrete/#.Vkp6tuLU0g4
  8. ↑ https://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/interiorfloors/caring.htm
  9. ↑ https://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/painting/concrete-painting/
More References (4)
  1. ↑ https://www.pinesol.com/cleaning-surfaces/how-to-clean-concrete/
  2. ↑ Kadi Dulude. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/interiorfloors/wax.html
  4. ↑ https://www.everything-about-concrete.com/how-do-i-reseal-a-concrete-floor.html

About This Article

Kadi Dulude Co-authored by: Kadi Dulude House Cleaning Professional This article was co-authored by Kadi Dulude. Kadi Dulude is a House Cleaning Professional and the Owner of Wizard of Homes, a New York City-based cleaning company. Kadi has over 10 years of experience and manages a team of over 90 registered cleaning professionals. Her cleaning advice has been featured in Architectural Digest and New York Magazine. This article has been viewed 440,404 times. 1 votes - 100% Co-authors: 15 Updated: May 28, 2025 Views: 440,404 Categories: Featured Articles | Concrete | Cleaning Floors Article SummaryX

Before cleaning a concrete floor, move any furniture, rugs, and other objects out of the way. Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove loose debris, then go over it with a duster. Spot clean stains with a scrub brush dipped in a solution of hot water and dish soap. You can also tackle tougher stains with cleaners like bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or ammonia as long as your floor is plain concrete. For painted or finished floors, avoid these harsh cleansers. Rinse the area with clean water when you’re done. For a deep clean, mop the whole floor with warm water and mild soap or a pH neutral stone floor cleaner. For outdoor concrete or unfinished garage floors, blast the floor with a power washer, then scrub it with a solution of water and a concrete cleaner, such as trisodium phosphate. Use a brush or push broom with stiff nylon bristles. Rinse the floor thoroughly with your power washer when you’re done. Keep reading to learn how to clean stamped or polished concrete! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Kadi Dulude Co-authored by: Kadi Dulude House Cleaning Professional Co-authors: 15 Updated: May 28, 2025 Views: 440,404 100% of readers found this article helpful. 1 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote Merika Skirko

Merika Skirko

Oct 23, 2017

"I wasn't sure how to approach my concrete balcony floor. I learned to use a mild cleaner, and do a couple of..." more Abdulsamad B.

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"I found your stuff interesting, informative and productive. Can you please guide is the protocols that are required..." more James Jones

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Yolanda Garza

Nov 12, 2019

"Thank you, I learned a lot from reading this article. It helped me to know what to use to clean my concrete." Unnikrishnan S.

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"It may help me because I am going to do this. This article gave me some ideas. I am sure it will help me." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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