How Do You Clean Concrete After Construction?
Hence, one of the most daunting tasks is cleaning up after concrete dust settlement, seemingly on every square inch of real estate in your construction or renovation project. Concrete dust is very unsightly, and it's dangerous to inhale. Fortunately, with the right tools and techniques, you can effectively clean concrete dust and get back your space like it used to be.
First, put on protective gear: dust mask and some goggles so you don't breathe that dust. Open some windows and doors first to let it blow out a little—that dust. Next, take out your vacuum with a HEPA filter. These filters trap particles very finely, so you're not blowing dust back into the air. It'll get sucked through the floor, the walls, and other places.
After vacuuming, dampen a microfiber cloth and use it on all surfaces. Microfiber is very effective in trapping dust particles and preventing them from becoming airborne again. Naturally, in several spots, further care will need to be taken by frequently rinsing a cloth in water and adding a mild cleaning solution. Don't forget to get into the out-of-sight places like your vents, light fixtures, and behind your appliances.
Clean up the space and make sure to gather all necessary materials before you start cleaning the floors. First, clear construction materials, tools, or furniture that might be left over in order to gain easy access to the concrete surfaces. Afterward, prepare your cleaning equipment: broom, dustpan, vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, dust mop, bucket, pH-neutral cleaner for concrete, mop, scrub brush, and microfiber cloths. For professional help with a thorough cleaning, you can rely on Sparkly Maid Miami to ensure every inch is spotless.
Safety First: Keeping Safe from Concrete Dust
Being a silicate particle, concrete dust can be very dangerous to inhale. Thus, it is very necessary to prepare a post construction cleaning and protect yourself with a dust respirator that has an N95 filter at minimum, gloves, and protective clothing to prevent the substance from coming into contact with your skin. Keep the area well-ventilated by opening windows and running an air purifier to remove airborne particles.
Preliminary Dust and Debris Removal
First, sweep the concrete floor with a broom to remove large pieces of debris and dust. Then vacuum up well with a vacuum cleaner, fitted if possible with a HEPA filter that catches fine dust particles and does not return them into the environment.
Dry Dust Mopping for Fine Particles
After sweeping and vacuuming, go over the concrete floor with a dust mop to pick up any remaining fine dust particles. This step is essential for ensuring a thorough clean and preventing dust from spreading during the wet cleaning process.
Check the surface of the concrete for hard-to-remove stains that would require special treatment. On such spots, apply a small amount of pH-neutral cleaner. Use a scrub brush to rub in the solution into the stains. If it's a stubborn stain, let the cleaner sit on the area for a couple of minutes to help break up the stain.
Wet Mop and Rinse
Mix warm water in a bucket with the recommended amount of pH-neutral concrete cleaner. Dip your mop into the solution and wring out excess water. Begin mopping the floor in sections. After you have cleaned the entire surface, wring out the mop really well and fill the bucket with clean water. Mop with clean water once more to pick up any remaining cleaner residue that will turn the concrete dingy if not swept up.
Dry the concrete surface with clean microfiber cloths after your final rinse to prevent water spots and streaks. Again for that extra shine, buff with a dry microfiber cloth.
Sealing Concrete for Long-Term Protection
Want to protect your newly cleaned concrete from future stains, dusting, and other forms of damage? Then seal it. Use a sealer appropriate for your type of concrete and follow the manufacturer's directions on application. Ensure that the floor is dry, entirely.
Regular Care Tips
Establish regular cleaning of your concrete floors. Daily dust mopping will help control dust and dirt accumulation, while the immediate actions taken at the beginning of a spill or stain will stop it from setting into concrete. The sooner you establish the frequency of cleaning, the fewer headaches you'll have in maintaining your concrete flooring.
Though cleaning concrete after construction may seem to be a difficult job, the proper approach and tools can work wonders. For professional assistance, consider contacting Deep Cleaning Seattle. Follow these step-by-step instructions, and with regular maintenance, you will be able to enjoy your beautifully clean concrete surfaces for years on end.
