CLEANING AND MAINTAINING YOUR FLOOR

Polished concrete is one of the easiest floors to live with—simple tools, simple routine, beautiful results. Here’s a clear care guide from NZ Grinders to keep your floor looking showroom-ready year after year.

Quick-Start Checklist (print this bit!)

• Dust mop daily with a microfibre pad.

• If wet mopping, always use clean water and clean mops.

• Clean spills immediately.

• Never use harsh chemicals. Use a neutral pH cleaner only (we can supply one).

 

Your Simple Routine

Daily

• Dry dust mop with a microfibre flat mop. This lifts grit that can act like sandpaper and dull the shine.

• Spot-clean spills right away. Coffee, wine, citrus, cola, oils—remove fast to avoid etching or staining.

Weekly (or as needed)

• Wet mop using a neutral pH cleaner mixed to label directions.

• Use two buckets (one for solution, one for rinse) or a microfibre spray mop so you’re not pushing dirty water around.

• Rinse the mop frequently and change water as soon as it looks cloudy.

Monthly / Quarterly

• Machine clean high-traffic areas. A low-speed auto-scrubber with soft white pads or microfibre heads and a neutral cleaner works beautifully (great for commercial spaces).

• Burnish (if applicable). Mechanically polished floors can be burnished to refresh gloss. For grind & seal floors, follow the sealer’s care instructions.

 

Do’s and Don’ts

Do

• Use entrance mats at exterior doors to catch grit and moisture.

• Fit felt pads to furniture feet; lift—don’t drag—heavy items.

• Use a neutral pH cleaner—we can supply the right one for polished concrete.

• Squeegee or towel up big spills, then mop with neutral cleaner.

Don’t

• Don’t use vinegar, bleach, ammonia, citrus, “all-purpose” degreasers, solvent-based cleaners, or anything labelled “heavy duty”.

• Don’t use abrasive pads (green/black), scouring powders, or steam mops.

• Don’t apply waxes or topical polishes unless we’ve recommended a specific maintenance coat for your system.

• Don’t leave rubber-backed mats in place long-term—some rubbers can mark. Use non-staining backings.

 

How to Wet Mop (the 60-second method)

1. Vacuum or dust mop first (always).

2. Mix neutral cleaner with warm water (per label).

3. Damp mop, not soaked—work in small sections.

4. Rinse the mop often; replace water when dirty.

5. Air dry—no need to buff. Streaks? You used too much product or dirty water.

 

Stain & Mark Tips

• Food & drink (acidic): Blot immediately, then neutral cleaner + water.

• Oils/grease: Lift with neutral cleaner; avoid solvent degreasers.

• Tyre marks/heel scuffs: Lightly agitate with a white pad and neutral cleaner.

• Hard water haze: Use fresh, clean water and a tiny amount of neutral cleaner; avoid “lime removers”.

If something won’t shift, call NZ Grinders before trying stronger chemicals—strong products can etch or dull the finish.

 

Mechanical Polished Concrete vs. Grind & Topical Seal Polished Concrete —what’s different?

• Mechanically polished concrete (Superfloor/mechanical diamond polish): The sheen comes from polishing the stones and the concrete itself. Keep grit off and use neutral cleaner; periodic burnishing can revive gloss.

• Grind & Topical Seal systems: They rely on a protective sealer.  Think of it like a coat of clear nailpolish lacquer.   Avoid harsh chemicals; when traffic eventually dulls the finish, and you see scratches, we can rejuvenate and re-coat to bring it back.

 

Protect Your Investment

• Chair glides: Felt on sliders for hard floors. Replace pads as they wear.

• Wheels: Use soft, non-marking castors where possible.

• Sun & water: Wipe wet areas; use mats at entrances.

• Construction sites: If other trades follow, keep the floor covered with breathable protection.

 

Recommended Cleaner (We Can Supply It)

NZ Grinders can supply a neutral pH polished-concrete cleaner that’s safe for both mechanical polish and grind-and-seal finishes. It leaves no sticky residue and helps maintain slip resistance and gloss. Ask us about pickup from our Tauranga showroom.

 

Troubleshooting

• Streaks or tacky feel: Too much cleaner or dirty water—use less product and change water more often.

• Hazy patches: Usually residue—re-mop with clean water only.

• Loss of gloss in traffic lanes: Book a professional clean/burnish (polished) or evaluation for re-coat (grind & seal).

 

Need Help or Supplies?

We’re here to keep your floor looking amazing. NZ Grinders can advise on products, set up scheduled maintenance, or carry out a professional refresh.

Access the Husqvarna Superfloor® commercial cleaning brochures—select a download below