Whether for interior floors, feature walls, or even huge exterior panels, polished concrete is increasingly becoming a popular choice of homes in Perth. This material is very versatile as it has sleek aesthetics that nicely complement numerous interior designs.
An increasing number of Aussies are polishing their concrete interiors to revamp their homes. This has been the case as there has been a shortage of paints and other decorating materials, especially in Perth, due to the unfortunate pandemic. Polished concrete is mainly used for flooring as it requires low maintenance and is quite resistant to daily wear and tear.
Nevertheless, it still needs regular upkeep. Despite this material being hard-wearing, it is not fully indestructible. It needs to be looked after routinely to retain its quality for as long as possible. This article will discuss the benefits of concrete polishing and simple ways of treating polished concrete in Perth homes.
What is Concrete Polishing?
Concrete polishing is a technique used to transform the standard concrete texture into elegant glossy surfaces. Besides the enhanced aesthetics, it also improves its resilience to heavy wear and tears. The process requires multiple steps and is recommended to be done by professionals like Pro Concrete Polishing Perth.
Benefits of Concrete Polishing
There are numerous advantages of concrete polishing, one of which is affordability. Polished concrete does not require any waxing or coatings and is an effective alternative to painting. You do not have to worry about slaving over multiple coatings of wax and other protectants.
The low porosity of the surface and the glossy finish enhances the durability. It also strengthens the impact resistance. The sleek surface also makes it easier to clean and maintain. The high lustre surface establishes a minimal yet captivating avant-garde aesthetics. Polished concrete floors are a great option for decorative floorings that are also minimal.
Maintaining Polished Concrete
For both businesses and homes, polished concrete elevates the beauty of the interiors and makes them look more exquisite. This surface can last more than a decade and will not need any intense repairs if looked after properly.
Fortunately, the maintenance of polished floors is not tedious or difficult. It may require some planning and effort, but when done properly, it does not take much time and resources. Simple routine maintenance will ensure that these surfaces can serve you well for a long time.
1. Schedule Regular Cleaning
The urban development of Perth gave rise to numerous climate change issues. Hence, the locals often opt for polished concrete as a sustainable and green alternative. It does not require any additional materials and toxic paints. Cleaning this material is quite simple and does not require any harmful solvents that have a significant negative effect on the environment
Moreover, polished concrete is more cost-effective than tiled walls and floors, since it is more durable and requires low maintenance. Regular cleaning is the bare minimum of its maintenance. The cleaning attempts should be set on the basis of the amount of traffic it receives. Since floors receive a significant amount of traffic, they should be cleaned every day.
Routine cleaning is essential for the upkeep of polished concrete floors since the dust particles and other tiny debris can settle and build upon the surface. Such accumulation can dull the aesthetics and diminish the sleek finish. The smoothness of the surface can be transformed into sandpaper texture upon the collection of dust and debris over time.
It is wise to dry mop the concrete floors regularly to get rid of the usual dust and dirt particles. At least once a week, you should also wet mop the floors. Use a mixture of cleaning solution and warm water when wet mopping. A microfiber mop is recommended since it is more effective and will not leave any streaks.
Walls should be cleaned at least once a month. Use mops with long stands so that you can reach the ceilings and the corners from afar. Dry mopping the walls is sufficient. If you wet mop the wall, turn on fans and keep the windows open for proper ventilation.
Proper ventilation will dry out the moisture and prevent any formation of moulds. If you have the means, you can also opt for professional cleaning services from a company that specializes in polished concrete once a year.
2. Protect the Surface with the Right Tools and Products
All your cleaning and maintenance efforts will go in vain if you do not use the right products and equipment. There are mainly two ways of cleaning the polished concrete surface, cleaning manually and cleaning with automatic equipment. Precautionary measures should be taken in both forms of cleaning.
Cleaning Manually
Regular sweeping is essential for getting rid of dirt and dust particles. It also prevents the build-up of such debris. Opt for a microfiber cloth when wiping and mopping the surface. The microfiber will not disrupt the smooth surface and will not leave behind any unsightly scratches.
Spills should be wiped as soon as possible to prevent any hazards like slipping. Wiping the spillage immediately will also prevent any formation of stains. It is best to use cleaning solvents that have a neutral pH. Take some time and allow the solvent to sit on the surface to loosen the dirt.
Wipe it clean before the solvent dries. If the solvent is left on the surface and not wiped, then it will dull the lustre and cause discolouration. It is recommended to apply the solvent in moderate amounts and in small areas. This way you can keep track of the cleaning liquids and will not overlook any spots.
When using a wet mop, always ensure that both the water and the mop are clean. No one wants to cause more harm than good when cleaning any surfaces.
Using Automatic Equipment to Clean
Automatic scrubbers can be used, but it should be ensured that they are equipped with non-abrasive and soft pads. If hard pads are used, then they will leave behind etch marks and scratches that will ruin the finish. You need to make sure that the wheels of the cleaning device are made of rubber or other soft material. Rubber wheels will not form any scratch marks or any form of damage on the polished surface.
There is a wide range of cleaning pads available in most local stores. You should be mindful about the type of pad you are using as most pose a risk of forming etch and scratch marks on the veneered surface. The following options are commendable for cleaning polished concrete:
1. White Pads
The soft texture of these pads is gentle on the floors but also can remove dirt effectively. Cleaning with these pads ensures proper cleaning without harming the floor. It also helps to maintain the glistening finish.
2. Soft Beige Pads
These pads are also soft and gentle. They prevent the discolouration and dulling of the shimmering of the polish.
Do Not Use Any Damaging Solvents and Substances
Always bear in mind to never apply wax on polished concrete. Some people make the mistake of waxing their polished concrete floor and find that the damage is irreversible. Application of wax will nullify the warranty. Since the warranty is crucial and will be needed at some point in time, it is best to avoid waxing.
In addition, the wax will accumulate over time. This build-up will reduce the lustre and make the finish look dull. Moreover, the wax will also trap more dust, debris, and dirt particles. It will be very difficult to remove such grimy substances.
You also need to keep in mind that attaching tape to the floor will cause damage to the polished surface. The adhesive of the tape will leave behind an awful-looking stain and it will also disrupt the veneer. Hence, it is wise to not place any tape on polished concrete.
You should also keep away from applying degreasers as they are harsh and abrasive chemicals that can cause discolouration of the polished texture. Any acid-containing cleaning solutions should also be avoided. The acids diminish the gloss of the smooth surface and also cause etch marks.
Always remember to read the labels of the cleaning solvents and only opt for the ones with neutral pH when it comes to polished concrete. Newly polished floors should not be in contact with any water or other liquids for three days.
It is best to avoid entering the newly polished room and keep the doors and windows closed for the initial three days. The closed doors and windows prevent any dust and debris from entering the room. Within these initial waiting days, the sealers will cure and form a protective layer on the surface.
Final Thoughts
Whether you want to revamp the interiors of your home or office within a budget, polished concrete surfaces are the way to go. Polished concrete is amazing to look at and it is one of the easiest materials to look after. Simply keep a few aspects in mind like regular cleaning and avoiding waxing to ensure the long life of this beautiful feature.
Salman is a prolific environmental writer, and has authored more than 500 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management, sustainability and conservation all over the world.
Salman can be reached on salman@cleantechloops.com
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Interesting! Polished concrete is a good substitute for painting since it doesn’t need any coats or waxes. You won’t need to spend hours slaving over several waxes and other protective applications.