How to Seal Concrete Basement Floors
Basement floors, when made from unsealed concrete, are prone to dirt, grime and moisture and will easily pick up stains and become marred due to the porous surface. Feet traveling from basement floors upstairs will trail that same dirt into other areas of your home. A simple way to cut down on dust and filth on your concrete basement floors is to seal them with a concrete sealant, which will put an end to the porous texture, making them easier to clean. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Vacuum cleaner or shop vac
- Alkaline concrete cleaner
- Pole scrubber (or)
- Hard-bristled brush
- Knee pads
- Goggles
- Squeegee
- Mop
- Concrete sealant
Instructions
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1
Clear the area of items and furniture. Thoroughly vacuum the floor with a canister-type vacuum in order to remove dust and dirt hiding in crevices.
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2
Wash the floors with an alkaline concrete floor cleaner, allowing it to soak for several minutes before scrubbing. Scrub by hand with a hard-bristled brush or pole scrubber to remove embedded grime. Be sure to wear gloves and goggles when scrubbing the floor by hand.
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3
Remove the cleanser with a squeegee and towels or a shop vacuum. Mop the floor several times afterwards with clear water until all of the cleanser is thoroughly removed. Allow the floor to air dry before applying the sealant.
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4
Apply a thin coat of the concrete floor sealant with a mop; let the sealant dry for 30 minutes before applying a second coat. Allow the floor to thoroughly dry for 24 hours before returning furniture to the room.
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Tips & Warnings
Repair any holes or gaps in the concrete with a repair compound before sealing.