How to Clean Concrete Floors with Vinegar (what you must know)

Many of us have stained concrete floors in our homes because they look amazing. But it’s not always clear how to clean them. Here are the steps on cleaning stained concrete floors with vinegar:

To clean stained concrete floors with vinegar use a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and warm water. But you can use undiluted vinegar for tough stains or mix a little baking soda for mild cleaning and whitening. Just be aware undiluted vinegar can etch the concrete if not wiped up quickly.

When it comes to cleaning, it’s not always easy to know what to use. This is especially true of floors with a water-based sealer or waxed floors.

Many cleaning products are readily available on the market. However, many of them contain harsh chemicals that will weaken the durability of concrete floors over time if used frequently or excessively.

This may also be harmful to the environment as well as to your family. So as concrete floors have risen in popularity, many have searched for a cost-effective and eco-friendly way of keeping them clean.

Vinegar is found in almost every household. Its uses are many, including its ability to be used as a cleaning solution. Concrete floors look great when they’re first stained. But traffic, spills, or pets can have them looking bad pretty quickly.

In this post, however, we’re exploring the little-known solution of cleaning stained concrete surfaces with vinegar. You may well find it’s also the best way to keep them clean.

Don’t worry I found it. It’s paint. But, we never seen before, and we are living here for two years. The rain did a good job cleaning the concrete though. We will need to clean the marks now?. Any suggestions? pic.twitter.com/21ZAMhf2ae
— Marithdel Sanchez (@MarithdelS) November 9, 2020

Can you use vinegar to clean concrete floors?

Yes. Vinegar makes a great cleaner for stained concrete floors. Because of its acidity, you should dilute it 50/50 with warm water to avoid damaging the floors. However, you can use small amounts of full-strength vinegar for touch stains, followed by a quick water rinse.

Vinegar is great on stained concrete due to it being non-toxic with no harmful fumes.

It’s also really good for getting up baked-on grease spills or any mold or mildew that may appear. Dilute it with warm water for better cleaning.

Then use a long-handled scrub brush to rub it into the concrete and let it sit for up to 10 minutes, depending on how dirty the floor was. Because of the acidic nature, don’t leave the vinegar on the floor longer than 10 minutes.

When you’re done, simply go back over the floor with a clean damp mop to remove any remaining vinegar.

Does vinegar hurt concrete?

Full-strength vinegar should not be used on unsealed concrete due to staining concerns or on stained concrete as it can eat away at the sealer or wax used. For best results, dilute the vinegar 50/50 with warm water, apply with a scrub brush, allow to sit, and then clean up with warm water.

Having said that, for really tough stains on cement floors, it can work to use full-strength vinegar. Just apply it directly to the stain, scrub, and then rinse with warm water.

For a milder cleaner, you can also use baking soda which naturally starts to neutralize the acid in the vinegar. But it also gives more of a scrubbing feel to the cleaning solution and can help whiten also.

Cement and Concrete floors cleaning. #basementcleaning #parkinglotcleaning #warehousecleaning #greaseremoval… pic.twitter.com/QGClAblEYV
— Mola Maru Cleaning (@PTACleaning) February 20, 2018

So now, let’s get into the . . .

3 Simple Steps to Clean Stained Concrete Floors with Vinegar

1. The Making of the Vinegar Cleaning Solution

There are 3 choices for cleaning stained concrete floors with vinegar:

Use undiluted vinegar for extra tough stains. This option is very strong, and it may affect the strength of the concrete over time. So this should be used sparingly and only for extremely dirty floors. Most importantly, do not leave the vinegar on the floor for more than five minutes.
A 50-50 vinegar and warm water solution is the most commonly used mixture. This is for general cleaning and removal of coffee and other food and beverage stains. This is highly recommended as the water neutralizes the acidity.
A vinegar & baking soda paste solution is best for mild cleaning. It’s also more environmentally-friendly as well. This solution is the weakest as it is the least acidic because baking soda neutralizes the acidity of the vinegar. The combination of the 2 ingredients causes the solution to bubble.

Vinegar has a strong smell.

To help neutralize the smell, you can add a few drops of essential oil to the solution. That way, the concrete floor will have a pleasant smell. Transfer the contents to a spray bottle for easier application.

More importantly, it’s a great way to get those floors smelling great after cleaning stained concrete floors with vinegar

2. Preparing Your Concrete Floor for Cleaning

Sweep the concrete floor thoroughly. Starting with a clean base is good.
Make sure that pets, other people, and animals stay off the floor.
Protect the plants in the room. Vinegar is a non-toxic killer for weeds and algae, but it can have the same effect on plants. Wet them with water to provide them with a protective layer. You can also use a plastic sheet to cover the plants.

3. Cleaning the Concrete Floor with Vinegar

Mop the area with water. This will get it ready for cleaning. For outdoor projects, you can use buckets for water. Warm water helps the cleaning process.
Apply the vinegar solution to the concrete floor. Make sure that the floor gets covered thoroughly.
After covering the floor, scrub the area with a long-handled scrub brush (click to check the current price on Amazon) to get rid of dirt and grime that was stuck on the concrete floor.
After scrubbing, it is best to wait at least five to twenty minutes before rinsing, depending on the concentration of vinegar in the solution. That allows the concrete to absorb the cleaning solution so the vinegar can work best.
Lastly, rinse the area by mopping with clean, warm water. Leaving the vinegar on the floor for too long can weaken the durability of concrete. Thus, it is best to remove it within 25 minutes max. Mop multiple times if you still notice that strong vinegar smell.
For any remaining stains, use undiluted vinegar on the stain and scrub them with the short stiff brush.

Over time, vinegar has proven its usefulness and importance in the kitchen, the beauty industry, the laboratory, and of course, the everyday household. However, we should note that even if it is organic, we must still use it with care as it can erode surfaces.

Despite that, it does not cause long-term damage to the environment unlike commercial chemical cleaners do. It is non-toxic and edible, making it a safer option to use for homes with pets and small children that may accidentally ingest the cleaner.

Vinegar also aids in killing bacteria like E-coli. which can cause diarrhea and other intestinal illnesses. It is also relatively cheap compared to chemical cleaners on the market today.

Interesting in learning how to stain your own concrete floors?

One of the most popular posts on the Middle Class Dad site walks you through the exact steps on How to Stain Interior Concrete Floors (click to read my detailed article).

If you’re considering that and aren’t sure how easy it is, I highly recommend taking a moment to check that out.

How to clean untreated concrete flooring

Cleaning untreated concrete flooring can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done quickly and easily. Here are some tips on how to clean an untreated concrete floor:

1. Start by sweeping the floor with a broom or vacuum cleaner to remove any dirt or debris. This will help prevent any scratches or damage to the concrete surface when cleaning.

2. Next, mix a solution of warm water and mild detergent in a bucket. Use a mop or sponge to apply the solution to the floor and scrub gently in circular motions. Make sure to rinse off any excess soap residue with clean water afterward.

3. For tougher stains, use a scrub brush with an abrasive cleaner such as baking soda or vinegar mixed with water. Scrub the stain until it is removed and then rinse off with clean water.

4. To remove grease or oil stains, use a degreaser such as trisodium phosphate (TSP) mixed with warm water in a bucket. Apply the solution to the stained area using a mop or sponge and scrub gently in circular motions until the stain is removed. Rinse off any excess degreaser residue with clean water afterward.

5. Finally, use a damp mop or cloth to wipe down the entire floor and remove any remaining dirt or debris that may have been left behind during cleaning. Allow the floor to dry completely before walking on it again.

Following these steps will help keep your untreated concrete floor looking its best for years to come!

How to remove wine stains from concrete floors

Removing wine stains from concrete floors can be a tricky task. However, with the right tools and techniques, it is possible to get rid of these unsightly blemishes.

The first step is to blot up as much of the wine as possible with a clean cloth or paper towel. Do not rub or scrub the stain, as this will only spread it further. Once you have blotted up as much of the liquid as possible, you can begin to treat the stain.

Mix together equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the stained area and let it sit for several minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth. This should help to loosen any remaining residue from the concrete surface.

If this method does not work, you may need to use a stronger cleaning solution such as hydrogen peroxide or bleach. Be sure to test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of your floor before using it on the stained area, as some solutions may cause discoloration or damage to your concrete flooring.

Once you have removed all traces of the stain, rinse away any remaining cleaning solution with warm water and dry thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel.

This will help prevent any further staining from occurring in the future.

Can you spot-treat stains on concrete floors?

Spot-treating stains on concrete floors is a great way to keep your floors looking their best. It can be done with a few simple steps and the right products.

Of course, properly sealed floors won’t be prone to concrete stains. But if it’s been a while since it was sealed (that needs to be re-done periodically), your floors may have become susceptible to stains.

The first step is to identify the type of stain you are dealing with. Different types of stains require different cleaning solutions. For example, oil-based stains require a degreaser, while water-based stains can be treated with a mild detergent and warm water.

Once you have identified the type of stain, you can begin spot-treating the affected area.

Start by applying the appropriate cleaning solution directly to the stain and allowing it to sit for several minutes. This will help break down the stain and make it easier to remove. After a few minutes, use a scrub brush or sponge to gently scrub away the stain. If necessary, repeat this process until all traces of the stain are gone.

Finally, rinse away any remaining cleaning solution with clean water and allow the area to dry completely before walking on it or applying any sealants or finishes.

Spot-treating stains on concrete floors is an easy way to keep your floors looking their best without having to do an entire deep clean every time there is a spill or mess.

How to remove grease or oil stains from a concrete floor

Removing deep stains like grease stains or oil stains from a concrete floor can be a tricky task. The first step is to identify the type of stain and its severity. If the stain is fresh, it may be easier to remove than an old, set-in stain.

For fresh stains, start by blotting up as much of the grease or oil as possible with paper towels or a cloth. Then, mix a solution of one part dishwashing liquid and two parts warm water in a bucket. Dip a mop into the solution and use it to scrub the stained area.

Rinse with clean water and repeat if necessary.

For old, set-in stains, you may need to use a stronger cleaning solution. Start by mixing one part trisodium phosphate (TSP) with four parts warm water in a bucket. Dip a mop into the solution and use it to scrub the stained area.

Rinse with clean water and repeat if necessary.

If neither of these methods work, you may need to try using an absorbent material such as kitty litter or sawdust to draw out any remaining grease or oil from the concrete floor. Spread the absorbent material over the stained area and let it sit for several hours before vacuuming it up.

Repeat this process until all traces of grease or oil are gone from the concrete floor.

Finally, rinse off any remaining residue with clean water and allow your concrete floor to dry completely before walking on it again. With these steps, you should be able to successfully remove grease or oil stains from your concrete floor without too much trouble!

How to remove rust stains from a concrete floor

Removing rust stains from a concrete floor can be a difficult task.

However, with the right tools and techniques, it is possible to restore the floor to its original condition. Here are some tips on how to remove rust stains from a concrete floor:

1. Start by using a stiff brush to scrub away any loose debris or dirt that may be stuck in the rust stain. This will help loosen up the stain and make it easier to remove.

2. Next, mix together equal parts of white vinegar and water in a bucket. Dip a cloth into the mixture and use it to scrub away at the rust stain. The acidity of the vinegar will help break down the rust and make it easier to remove.

3. If the stain is still present after scrubbing with vinegar, you can try using a commercial rust remover product such as Iron Out or CLR (Calcium Lime Rust). Follow the instructions on the product label for best results.

4. Once you have removed as much of the rust as possible, rinse off any remaining residue with clean water and allow it to dry completely before applying any sealant or paint to protect your concrete floor from future staining.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully remove rust stains from your concrete floor without damaging it further.

How to remove mildew stains from a concrete floor

Mildew stains on a concrete floor can be unsightly and difficult to remove. Fortunately, there are several methods that can be used to effectively remove mildew stains from a concrete floor.

The first step is to identify the source of the mildew.

If the mildew is caused by moisture, it is important to address the underlying issue before attempting to clean the stain. This may involve fixing any leaks or other sources of moisture in the area.

Once the source of the mildew has been identified and addressed, it is time to begin cleaning.

The most effective way to remove mildew stains from a concrete floor is with a mixture of bleach and water. Mix one part bleach with three parts water in a bucket and use a mop or sponge to apply it directly onto the stain. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing with a stiff brush or scrubbing pad.

Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow it to dry completely before walking on it again.

For stubborn stains, you may need to use an acid-based cleaner such as muriatic acid or trisodium phosphate (TSP). These cleaners should be used sparingly as they can damage concrete if not used correctly.

Always wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and long sleeves when using these products and follow all safety instructions on the label carefully.

Finally, you may want to consider sealing your concrete floor after cleaning it in order to prevent future mildew growth. There are several sealants available that can help protect your floor from moisture and make it easier to clean in the future.

Final thoughts

In this post, we looked at the amazingly simple way of cleaning concrete floors with vinegar.

Many cleaning products can strip the wax you put on your floor. Many may also compromise the sealer that was put on after the stain. Vinegar, an incredibly versatile product, makes a great all-natural way to keep your stained concrete floors looking great.

If you want a budget-friendly, natural, organic, non-toxic, and environment-friendly cleaning product for concrete floors, vinegar is undoubtedly the cleaner you need.

Of course, if we’re talking a concrete garage floor or stained concrete patios, consider renting or buying a pressure washer you can use in conjunction with your garden hose. For (hopefully) obvious reasons, a power washer would not be a good choice for indoor concrete floors.

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Photo credits which require attribution: Stained Concrete Flagstone Porch- Creative Concrete Coatings- Clayton, NC by Decorative Concrete Kingdom is licensed by CC2.0

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Jeff Campbell

Jeff Campbell is a father, martial artist, budget-master, Disney-addict, musician, and recovering foodie having spent over 2 decades as a leader for Whole Foods Market. Click Here to learn more about me. Click Here to learn more about my site. Editorial Policies.