The holiday season brings an influx of customers and employees into retail stores, restaurants and commercial spaces. While this is great for business, the increased foot traffic can take a toll on your floors. Polished concrete is a popular flooring choice for these high-traffic areas due to its durability and low-maintenance benefits, but with the holiday rush, it’s important to take a few extra steps to keep your polished concrete floors looking pristine. Here are some tips from Custom Concrete Omaha on how to maintain your floors, and ensure they remain bright throughout the season!
Regular cleaning
During the holidays, your floors will likely see an increase in dirt, salt and moisture—especially in retail stores and restaurants where customers constantly come and go. To prevent dirt and grime from settling into your polished concrete, it’s essential to clean your floors regularly. Sweep or vacuum daily to remove debris, sand and dirt that can scratch the surface over time. Use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum designed for hard floors to avoid damaging the finish.
For deeper cleaning, use a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for concrete. A mild, non-abrasive cleaner will effectively clean the surface without dulling the high-gloss finish. Make sure to mop the floors with a damp mop and ensure you don’t leave excess water standing, as moisture can cause water spots or damage the concrete.
Place mats and rugs at entryways
One of the easiest ways to protect your polished concrete floors during the busy holiday season is to place absorbent mats or rugs at all entry points. These will catch dirt, snow, salt and moisture before they make contact with your floors. In retail and restaurant environments, where customers are constantly coming in and out, mats are especially important. Be sure to clean the mats regularly to prevent them from becoming a source of dirt themselves.
Consider using heavy-duty mats in areas where high volumes of traffic occur, such as in front of entrances or near restrooms in commercial spaces. They will act as your first line of defense against damage from snow, dirt, and debris. Plus, it’s a safety feature that protects your customers and employees from slipping when they have snowy shoes.
Address spills right away
During the holidays, spilled drinks, food or oils are more likely to occur, particularly in busy restaurants and cafes. It’s crucial to address any spills on your polished concrete floor immediately. Allowing spills to sit for too long can lead to stains that may be difficult to remove. Use a clean, soft cloth or mop to blot up liquids as soon as possible.
If a spill has left a stain, use a concrete-friendly cleaner to gently scrub the affected area. Make sure to dry the surface completely afterward to avoid water spots or streaking.
Keep floors dry
Polished concrete floors are prone to streaking when exposed to moisture, especially in retail stores and restaurants where customers may bring in wet boots or shoes. To prevent streaks, dry the floors quickly if they become wet from snow, slush or spills. Use a dry mop or cloth to wipe down any areas that have collected moisture.
Protect your polished concrete floors
In high-traffic environments like retail stores or restaurants, the constant flow of customers can wear down the floor’s finish. While polished concrete is highly durable, you can protect high-traffic areas by using area rugs, mats or furniture pads to distribute the weight of objects and prevent direct contact with the floor. This is particularly important for areas like checkout counters or near entryways, where the heaviest traffic occurs.
In addition, schedule periodic cleaning and buffing of your polished concrete to maintain its shine and appearance. This helps maintain the aesthetics of your space, particularly during the busy holiday season when your business is seeing more foot traffic than usual.
Seal your floors before the rush
If you haven’t already, ensure your polished concrete floors are properly sealed before the holiday rush. A fresh coat of sealant will provide an extra layer of protection against moisture, stains, and dirt, making your floors easier to clean and maintain. Commercial spaces with polished concrete floors often require resealing every 1-3 years, depending on the level of traffic. A good-quality sealant will not only improve the floor’s durability but will also enhance its shine, keeping your space looking fresh and inviting to customers.
Consider professional maintenance
With all the added traffic, a professional maintenance service may be just what you need to keep your floors in top condition during the holidays. A professional cleaning, polishing and sealing service can ensure that your floors remain spotless and shiny, even under heavy use. This service can also help extend the life of your floors, keeping them looking new for years to come.
Custom Concrete Omaha
The holiday season is a busy time for retail stores, restaurants, and other commercial spaces, and your polished concrete floors are likely to see a lot of traffic. By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your polished concrete floors looking their best, even during the busiest time of the year! With a little extra care, your floors will continue to shine, helping to create a welcoming environment for your customers throughout the holiday season and beyond. Contact Custom Concrete Omaha today with any questions!