Polished concrete is popular partly because it is easy to look after. A simple routine plus occasional professional attention is enough to keep a floor looking the way it did on handover. Here is what that routine looks like.
Daily and weekly cleaning
- Clear dust, grit and spills regularly — loose grit is what scratches a polished surface underfoot
- Dust mop with a microfibre mop, dry or with clean water
- Sweep with a soft-bristled broom; stiff bristles are unnecessary and less effective at lifting fine dust
- Wet mop as needed with warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner
What to avoid
- Never wax a polished concrete floor — wax is a contaminant, builds up, and is difficult and costly to strip
- Avoid acidic or harsh cleaners; they attack the finish
- Check mopping products for added wax before you use them
- Avoid leaving tape or glue on the surface — painter’s tape left down for long periods can damage the finish
- Do not drag a bucket or heavy furniture across the surface
High-traffic areas
Entries, lift lobbies and cafeteria areas wear faster than the rest of the floor. In industrial settings, vehicle and machinery routes take the most punishment. Mats at entryways catch grit before it reaches the floor and are the cheapest protection available.
Where a scrubber or buffer is used, follow the manufacturer’s guidance on pads and water volume — the wrong pad density will do more harm than good.
When to call a professional
Polished concrete does not need the stripping and waxing cycle that many high-sheen floors require. If you keep up the routine cleaning, professional attention is occasional rather than scheduled. Dullness appearing in traffic paths is the usual sign that it is time. Unless there are scratches or cracks to deal with, it is generally a short job.
This guide is general information based on our experience on the Mornington Peninsula, not advice for a specific project. Every slab is different, product performance depends on the manufacturer’s specifications, and we assess each floor on site before quoting.
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