Concrete and cement floors are durable, stylish, and surprisingly easy to maintain. From a garage or basement to a porch or indoor finished concrete, using the right tools and methods makes all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to polish cement floors, how to wash concrete floors, and how to mop concrete floors for a spotless, long-lasting finish.
Why proper concrete floor care matters
Concrete may be tough, but it’s also porous. Dust, oils, and grime can settle into the surface over time, dulling the appearance and reducing longevity. Regular cleaning keeps your floors looking fresh and helps protect your investment.
Types of concrete floors and the best way to clean them
Not all concrete floors are the same. The level of finish, sealant and location all affect how you should clean and look after them. Understanding which type you have ensures you use the right method and avoid accidental damage.
Sealed concrete
Sealed concrete is common in homes, basements and finished indoor spaces. A protective coating sits on the surface, helping to repel stains and moisture.
How to clean:
Use a pH-neutral cleaner and a damp mop. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads, as these can break down the seal over time.
Polished concrete floor
Polished concrete has a smooth, glossy finish created through grinding and buffing. It’s durable, stylish and relatively low maintenance.
How to clean:
Stick to gentle cleaners and microfibre mops. For deeper cleans, a hard-floor cleaner can safely lift dirt without scratching the shine.
Unsealed or unfinished concrete
Common in garages, utility rooms and some basements, unsealed concrete is more porous and absorbs spills easily.
How to clean:
You can use slightly stronger cleaners or degreasers, especially for oil spots. Rinse thoroughly to avoid residue. Consider sealing the surface to make future cleaning easier.
Stained concrete floors
These floors are coloured with a decorative stain and then usually sealed to protect the finish.
How to clean:
Treat them like sealed concrete. Use mild detergents, avoid acidic products, and mop regularly to keep the colour vibrant.
Outdoor concrete (porches, patios and driveways)
Outdoor concrete is exposed to weather, dirt and algae, so it often needs more robust cleaning.
How to clean:
A hose, outdoor-safe cleaner and a stiff brush work well. For heavy grime or moss, a pressure washer on a low-to-medium setting can help but avoid getting too close to the surface to prevent etching.
How do you clean concrete floors?
Cleaning concrete floors depends on their location and level of finish, but the general process is simple.
Step 1: Remove loose dirt
Sweep or vacuum the surface thoroughly. A vacuum with a hard-floor setting or a floor cleaner help remove fine dust that brooms often leave behind.
Step 2: Choose the right cleaner
Mild is best. Warm water mixed with a gentle, pH-neutral detergent works for most sealed or polished indoor concrete floors.
For unfinished or outdoor concrete, you can use slightly stronger cleaners, just avoid anything overly acidic that could etch the surface.
Step 3: Spot-treat stains
Use a spot washer or a soft brush and a small amount of detergent. For oil stains, apply a degreaser and let it sit before scrubbing.
Step 4: Mop the floor
· Use a damp (not soaking wet) microfiber mop.
· Work in small sections.
· Avoid harsh chemicals or overly fragranced cleansers that may leave residue.
For convenience and deep cleaning, a Hoover hard-floor cleaner can scrub and suction away dirt in one step, ideal for busy households.
Tips for keeping concrete floors clean
· Use mats at entryways to reduce grit.
· Avoid bleach or acidic cleaners on indoor finished concrete.
· Clean spills immediately to prevent staining.
· Maintain your sealant every 1–3 years depending on foot traffic.
· Use soft pads on furniture legs to prevent scratches.
How to polish cement floors
Step 1: Clean the surface
Start with a thorough wash as described in the steps above
Step 2: Use a polishing compound
Pick one designed specifically for concrete.
Step 3: Buff the surface
You can use a high-speed burnisher, a floor polisher, or a polishing pad attachment.
Step 4: Seal the floor
This is optional but we recommend a concrete sealer to protect against moisture, stains and future dulling.
When to call a professional
If your concrete is deeply scratched or has never been polished before, professional diamond polishing may be needed for a high-gloss finish.
A clean concrete floor is a long-lasting concrete floor
Whether you’re figuring out how to wash concrete floors, how to polish cement floors, or simply how to mop concrete floors for everyday upkeep, consistency is the key. With the right routine, and the right tools from Hoover, your concrete floors will stay beautiful, durable, and easy to maintain for years to come.