How to Deep Clean and Reseal a Polished Concrete Floor

✔ Step-by-Step: How to Deep Clean and Reseal Polished Concrete

1. 1

   Sweep and Dry Mop to Remove Grit

   Start by dry cleaning the floor thoroughly. Use a microfiber mop or soft broom to remove all loose dust and grit. Skipping this step means you’ll grind dirt into the surface during wet scrubbing — which causes dulling and swirl marks. Clean edges and corners with care.

2. 2

   Scrub the Floor with a pH-Neutral Deep Cleaner

   Use a pH-neutral concrete cleaner designed for polished floors. Apply with a mop or auto-scrubber using soft white or red pads. Avoid acidic or alkaline cleaners — they’ll damage the existing sealer or polish. Let the solution dwell for 3–5 minutes before scrubbing, then extract immediately with clean water.

3. 3

   Remove Old Guard Residue or Build-Up

   If you’re reapplying a guard product, remove any buildup first. Use a white pad or diamond-impregnated pad (non-cutting) to strip off old residue. On large areas, a low-speed rotary buffer or autoscrubber works well. If the surface has streaks or haze, repeat with clean pads and fresh solution.

4. 4

   Let the Floor Fully Dry

   After deep cleaning, let the floor air dry completely. Any leftover moisture in the surface will block the new sealer or guard from bonding properly. Open windows or use fans to speed up the process. Wait at least 1–2 hours before applying sealer, longer in humid conditions.

5. 5

   Apply a Thin, Even Coat of Sealer or Guard

   Use a pump sprayer to lightly mist the floor, then spread with a microfiber pad in even passes. If applying a penetrating sealer, let it absorb and don’t let it puddle. If using a guard product, apply thinly and work in sections. Overapplication leads to hazing, streaking, or cloudiness — less is more.

6. 6

   Let Cure, Then Burnish (If Using Guard)

   Guard products need time to cure before burnishing — usually 30–60 minutes. Once dry, burnish with a high-speed buffer (1500–3000 RPM) using a white, thermal, or hog’s hair pad. This blends the guard into the surface, restores clarity, and enhances gloss. Don’t burnish too early or you’ll smear the product.

7. 7

   Inspect for Missed Areas or Residue

   After sealing or burnishing, inspect under low-angle light. Look for missed spots, streaks, or cloudy zones. If needed, spot apply a small amount of sealer and reburnish. Avoid walking on or cleaning the floor for 24 hours to allow full cure and bonding before foot traffic resumes.

8. 8

   Resume Daily Cleaning and Maintenance

   Once resealed, resume your regular cleaning routine with pH-neutral products. Avoid mopping with dirty water, abrasive pads, or acidic cleaners. Re-sealing doesn’t replace maintenance — but it gives your floor the protection it needs to stay looking great for another 12–24 months depending on use.