Polished concrete floors are considered one of the more affordable flooring systems and are a top choice for many when considering flooring options. However, polished concrete floors require upkeep, and the Concrete Polishing Council—a specialty council of the American Society of Concrete Contractors—states that working with maintenance plans performed by installation contractors can significantly extend the life of a polished concrete floor.
Contaminants that could damage polished concrete floors
Here is a list of several contaminants the Concrete Polishing Council identifies as threats to polished concrete floors:
- Corrosive chemicals
- Acid
- Overuse of detergents
- Salt
- Improper cleaning chemicals
According to the Concrete Polishing Council, “routine use of pH-neutral cleaners suspends and removes contaminants. Cleaning with water only is a form of neglect.”
Additionally, the polishing council said bristle brushes with significant stiffness could damage polished concrete floors by scratching the surface. Dirt left on the surface can also be ground into the polished concrete over time by foot traffic if maintenance is not undertaken.
Here are some daily, weekly, monthly and annual steps the Concrete Polishing Council recommends to ensure proper maintenance of a polished concrete floor.
