How do you clean interior unsealed concrete floors after drywall has been put up

by JC
(Los Angeles)

I didn't think of laying plastic down when they put up drywall until after they were done.

This is a finished basement apartment which is 3/4 under ground that has unsealed concrete floors. There was laminate flooring that was removed. The walls were replaced due to a flood.

We are thinking of replacing the laminate with engineered flooring or again with laminate. I am thinking of sealing the concrete, which I assume is laid on the ground with no vapor barrier. I want to prevent any future mold.

The reason I was thinking of sealing the concrete is because I am not ready to install the flooring and want to live in there in the meantime.

1. How do I clean the unsealed concrete without ruining the drywall before sealing it or using too much water?

2. If I seal the concrete will it be okay laying down engineered or laminate flooring or do I need to do another step to sealed concrete before laying down floors?

3. If I seal the concrete what product do you advise?

Any ideas, advice and or thoughts are appreciated.

Answer: Those are great questions JC

The product I use to clean concrete floors is Novion Universal Concrete Cleaner.

You can use it to clean basement floors, slabs, garage floors, driveways, and patios.

This cleaner will Remove grime, oil deposits, latex mastic/adhesives, ink, latex paint and most acrylic paints.

It is also Non-toxic, nonflammable, non-hazardous, and non-carcinogenic. Safe to users and the environment and 100% biodegradable.

Just mop it down and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrape any thick glue off and agitate the rest with a stiff bristle broom.

You can use a wet/dry vacuum to clean up with after. Rinse the floor with clean water and vacuum as your last step for cleaning.

To answer your second question: Yes, you definitely want to seal the concrete before laying down any laminate or engineered flooring.

Here's what you use: RadonSeal deep penetrating concrete sealer. This sealer will block moisture vapor and Radon gas coming up through your concrete floor. The easiest way to apply this sealer is with a simple garden type pump up sprayer.