FAQ: How To Clean Concrete Floors Before Staining?

What is the best way to clean concrete floors?

You’ll just use a mop and a bucket of water mixed with a mild cleaner. Don’t use ammonia, bleach or any highly acidic substance on polished or stamped floors. Some good cleaners include Castile soap, liquid dish detergent, stone cleaners and mild floor cleaners.

Do you have to sand concrete before staining?

If the concrete floors are particularly smooth or have been polished, you should sand them before staining. The best concrete surface for staining is rough and porous to allow good color penetration. Smooth, glossy surfaces will prevent all types of stains, even acid stains, from properly sticking to the floor.

How do you clean unsealed concrete floors?

How to Clean Unsealed Concrete Floors

  1. Sprinkle sawdust on grease and oil stains.
  2. Sweep the floor with a push broom.
  3. Dust mop or vacuum the floor.
  4. Apply detergent and water on the stains.
  5. Scrub the stained spots with a brush.
  6. Mop with a baking soda solution.
  7. Rinse and wipe the floor dry.
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What is the best chemical to clean concrete?

Five Concrete Cleaning Products To Use

  1. Soda. Soda can be used to remove grease stains.
  2. Detergent. This is recommended for smaller grease spills.
  3. Vinegar and Baking Soda. Cleaning concrete with vinegar or baking soda is a good option if you are looking for a natural cleaner.
  4. Concrete Cleaner or Degreaser.
  5. Bleach.

Does white vinegar clean concrete?

Yes. Vinegar makes a great cleaner for stained concrete floors. Because of its acidity, you should dilute it 50/50 with warm water to avoid damaging the floors. However, you can use small amounts of full-strength vinegar for touch stains, followed by a quick water rinse.

What does vinegar do to concrete?

Vinegar does not dissolve concrete itself but can degrade the cement that binds concrete together. As a weak, dilute acid, vinegar will cause only minor damage to concrete but can take the shine off polished surfaces. It can, however, be used to remove small amounts of cement from tools.

How long will stained concrete last?

With stained concrete, the concrete itself will last for many years, potentially over 100 years. However, in order for the stain to last, the floors will need to be sealed or waxed once or twice per year.

How do you prepare a concrete floor for staining?

Neutralize the floor.



This will help pick up the gunk that was scrubbed up. This will clean and sanitize the surface of the floor to prepare for prepping. Mix a concrete cleaner and degreaser in a large mop bucket. Pour or spray the diluted solution on the floor.

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Can you stain old concrete?

Your existing old concrete should be fine to stain, so long as it is not contaminated with glue, paint, oil, grease, sealers, waxes, or anything else that would prevent the stain from soaking into the pores of the concrete.

Can vinegar clean concrete floors?

A natural, all-purpose cleaner, white vinegar is one of the best ways to clean concrete, especially if your floor has stubborn stains caused by mildew or grease. Vinegar also works as a phenomenal spot treatment and stain remover.

Does OxiClean clean concrete?

The active ingredient in OxiClean is sodium percarbonate, a powder that, when mixed with water, releases hydrogen peroxide and soda ash. The powder mixes best into warm-to-hot water. Mop that onto the walkway and wait five to 30 minutes. During that time, you can scrub the concrete to make the cleaning more effective.

Can you use Pine Sol on concrete floors?

You can use PineSol® Cleaners on most concrete floors. PineSol® Cleaners are concentrated formulas that you dilute for most jobs. For general concrete cleanup, use a 24 oz. bottle of PineSol® for 12 gallons of cleaning power.

What product cleans concrete?

Vinegar is the go-to natural cleaner and it works on patios. Mix it equal parts of vinegar and water to clean stains, or use full-strength vinegar on heavily soiled patios. Baking soda is another good natural cleaner. Mix 1/2 cup baking soda to one gallon of water for a gentle cleaning solution.

How can I make my concrete white again?

Apply vinegar or bleach to the discolored areas. If you use vinegar, do not dilute it. Pour it onto the concrete and scrub it into the surface with a scrub brush. If the discoloration starts to fade, repeat until it disappears completely.

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Does bleach clean concrete?

Concrete floors are commonly used in basements, patios and garages. Since these areas are prone to dirt, residue, mold or mildew, you should clean them with bleach. Bleach effectively removes many stains, deodorizes and kills mold and mildew when used properly.

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