How to Clean a Cement Floor With a Wet/Dry Vac
- 1). Vacuum the dry cement floor with the wet/dry vac, keeping the filter in place to prevent dust from blowing around the room or area, only to land on the floor again. Scrape off any residual dirt that sticks to the concrete, using a putty knife. For thorough removal of substances such as caulk or paint, you may have to apply a chemical stripper to the spot and then scrape it off.
- 2). Scrub the concrete with trisodium phosphate (TSP). This is a heavy-duty cleaner that degreases and cleans surfaces thoroughly, and is found in most hardware stores. Typically, the concentration of 1/4 cup per gallon mixed up in a 5-gallon bucket is suitable for floor cleaning, but follow the specific directions on the packaging. Spread the solution over the floor, and scrub it with a push broom or an electric floor scrubber. Allow the TSP to work for at least two minutes before you remove it.
- 3). Vacuum the soapy water from the floor with a wet/dry vacuum after removing the paper dust filter from the vacuum.
- 4). Dispose of the dirty water down a drain where it will be treated and not outside on the ground, where it might contaminate the groundwater with its high phosphate levels.