If you’re a homeowner, it’s important to remember that your garage floor requires care and maintenance like the rest of your home. Properly maintaining your concrete garage floor can prolong its life and protect it from damage due to spills, weathering, and more.
While you can complete everyday maintenance, the seasoned professionals at Richfield Concrete can offer more extensive treatments and services. Taking proactive steps toward adequately caring for your concrete garage floors can save time, money, and headaches in the long run.
Easy Ways to Maintain Concrete Garage Floors
Maintaining a concrete garage floor is an important task that can have a lasting impact on the aesthetics, durability, and value of your home. In between professional floor coatings, there are several methods for ensuring your garage floor remains in excellent condition.
Sweep and Clean Regularly
Keep your concrete garage floor looking new by regularly sweeping out dirt and debris. Take it a step further every few months and give it a deep clean with a wide push broom to get those hard-to-reach areas. Remember to clean out the de-icing salt during the winter. While convenient, it can take its toll on your garage floor if not taken care of properly.
Remove Stains Immediately
If you want to keep your concrete garage floor looking spotless, tackling rust stains and oil spills is a must. For rust stains, mix an ounce of trisodium phosphate (TSP) in hot water and scrub the area with a push broom. If you can’t get your hands on TSP, you can try undiluted white vinegar. When dealing with oil spills, first absorb any excess oil with kitty litter or sawdust before applying a concrete degreaser and then scrubbing the area with a stiff brush. Finally, rinse the area with water to complete the job.
Promptly Fill In Cracks
If you notice a crack in your garage floor, filling it can restore a seamless finish. Start by removing loose material around the gap with a chisel and hammer and vacuuming the debris. Then apply an epoxy paste using a putty knife, tapping the sides of the crack to remove trapped air. Scrape away excess epoxy before sanding lightly once the paste is dry. This final step will make sure that everything looks brand new.
Use a Concrete Sealer
To help your garage floor stand the test of time, apply a concrete sealer. A sealant will make your garage floor look new while providing extra durability that ensures longevity. You can find products to do it yourself at your local hardware store or contact professional garage floor services to ensure a long-lasting finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still wondering about the best way to take care of your investment? Here are some frequently asked questions on maintaining your concrete garage floors.
What Is the Best Way to Clean a Concrete Garage Floor?
To thoroughly clean your concrete garage floors, start by sweeping to remove any large debris. Then using a hose with a pressure washer attachment, spray the surface starting at one side of the room and slowly moving across in a back-and-forth motion. Be sure to overlap your sprays slightly to ensure that all areas are covered during this step.
How Do You Refresh a Concrete Garage Floor?
To refresh the sealant on a concrete garage floor, clear it and wash it with mild soap and warm water to get rid of any dirt. Using a sander to further smooth the surface is optional, but results in a smoother finish.
After thoroughly cleaning the surface, you’re ready to apply your sealer. Use a high-quality sealant to ensure long-term protection against stains, grease, or oil spills. Brush on an even coat and allow it to dry fully before putting anything else in the garage.
Make Concrete Garage Floor Maintenance a Priority
Taking the time and effort to maintain your concrete garage floor is essential in ensuring a safe, attractive, and lasting surface. By following these tips, you can ensure your garage floor looks great for years.
If your floor needs more work than a simple sweep, Richfield Concrete is always available for professional maintenance and resealing. Contact us today to get started!