Installing the right type of flooring will ensure your home is comfortable for you and your dog. Carpets can collect dander, fur, and stains, while hardwood floors can easily get scratched up. But what about concrete floors, and are they bad for dogs?
Polished concrete floors are not bad for dogs. Concrete is a durable material that’s resistant to scratches and moisture, making it easy to clean and maintain. It also doesn’t retain odors, stains, or pet dander, and is uninhabitable for fleas and mites.
In this article, I’ll look at why concrete floors aren’t bad for dogs, and why you may want to consider them if you have pets. I will also provide some cleaning methods to keep your concrete as pristine as possible. Keep reading to learn more.
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Reasons Why Concrete Floors Are Good for Dogs
When installing concrete floors in your home, you shouldn’t pick just any concrete. Traditional, unpolished concrete is quite porous and can be difficult to keep clean. It can also trap debris, stains, or particles in its small crevices, affecting its appearance over time.
Instead, you’ll want to opt for polished concrete floors. Polished concrete floors have a sleek and smooth layer of polish on top that prevents moisture and dirt particles from getting trapped in the pores.
Here are a few more reasons why polished concrete flooring is ideal for homeowners with dogs:
Polished Concrete Flooring Is Waterproof
As mentioned before, polished concrete is waterproof and will not absorb moisture from indoor pet accidents. This is especially helpful for pet owners who are still working on potty training, or want to plan for the occasional mess.
The waterproof qualities also make polished concrete floors suitable for most rooms in the house, including the kitchen or bathroom, where more moisture is present.
They’re Resistant to Pet Claw Scratches
Does your dog get excited every time you arrive home? Or does he jump around when you get his favorite snacks out? An ecstatic pup’s claws can easily scrape the flooring and leave behind scratch marks that are unsightly and costly to fix.
According to some experts, refinishing a square foot of damaged hardwood flooring could cost you about $3 to $8.
Fortunately, for polished concrete flooring, you won’t have to worry about your dog’s claws digging into the material. Concrete is dense and scratch-resistant, making it perfect for your dog to run and jump on.
They’re Easy To Maintain and Clean
Your dog needs a clean playing space, just like you need a neat, odor-free home. And if you’ve had dogs before, you know how challenging it can be to remove mud, stains, and odors from your favorite upholstery or textiles.
However, a polished concrete floor is much easier to clean because it won’t absorb stains or odors. Most messes can be cleaned by using a disinfectant and a soft cloth.
Similarly, it is easy to vacuum to remove fur buildup on the surface.
You also won’t need to worry about extensive maintenance, as concrete has a particularly long lifespan.
They’re Customizable
While concrete sounds like a great alternative to carpet, hardwood flooring, or even vinyl flooring, you may be wondering if it’ll make your home’s interior look dull or industrial.
Concrete flooring is incredibly customizable and can be altered to your liking. You can add some color to the floors by staining the concrete, or add texture by stamping it. Either way, you won’t be left with floors that resemble a warehouse or garage!
Polished Concrete Floors Are Non-Toxic
Some flooring materials and synthetic carpets emit chemicals that may be harmful and unsafe for humans and pets.
On the other hand, concrete floors are often sealed with non-toxic top coats, making them more environmentally-friendly, and easy on those with allergies or sensitivities.
They Won’t Harbor Fleas, or Trap Pet Fur and Dander
Carpet fibers and upholstery are notorious for trapping pet fur and dander. They’re also ideal breeding grounds for fleas and mites. Frequent vacuuming can help ease these problems, but it may not eliminate them completely.
Polished concrete floors are seamless and have no spaces to trap fur and dander. You can safely sweep, vacuum, or mop them to remove any fur or dander buildup.
They’re also uninhabitable for pests like fleas, mites, and even mice. So, not only will you keep your interiors free from excess fur and dander, you’ll also minimize the chances of an infestation.
How To Maintain Concrete Floors With Dogs
Now that you know all the benefits polished concrete floors can offer, you may be wondering if there are any extra steps you can take to keep them in top condition.
Although concrete is quite durable, you should still tackle any messes or accidents as they happen. Doing so will prevent odors from lingering and the stain from potentially spreading.
For example, if your dog has an accident on the floor and it isn’t cleaned thoroughly, he may continue to smell the spot and repeat urinating there. And, if your concrete floors are older or unpolished, the stains can be more damaging and difficult to remove.
Cleaning Polished Concrete Floors
Polished concrete floors are easier to clean and get rid of pet stains and odors, since they’re impermeable and won’t absorb moisture.
Follow these steps to clean your polished concrete floors:
- Use clean, warm water to rinse off the stain. Alternatively, you may use a dry cloth or paper towel to absorb the stain.
- Apply a deodorizer or cleaning solution using a clean cloth. You can alternatively use a liquid soap and vinegar mixture in the ratio of one to one.
- Let the towel or cloth soak the stain for about fifteen minutes. This will help get rid of remaining stain particles.
- Rinse the floor with clean water. You can then wipe dry with a clean towel or let it air dry.
Cleaning Unpolished Concrete Floors
If your concrete floor is unpolished, I recommend using the following procedure to successfully remove pet messes:
Identify Stain Spots
You can easily recognize stains by checking where the dogs were lying or playing. However, it may be challenging to identify the spots if you had previously cleaned the floor.
If you can’t find the stains, you can use a UV flashlight like the Vansky UV flashlight from Amazon.com.
The UV light is very effective and can identify old urine stains even if the floor has been cleaned repeatedly.
Scrub the Area To Get Rid of Bacteria
After identifying the stains, use a robust solution of robust trisodium phosphate (TSP) to clean the area to remove residue and bacteria. If mixed in the ratio of a half cup (120 ml) TSP to one gallon (3.8 L) of hot water, it will be effective.
Scrub the area thoroughly and soak it for up to ten minutes. Then, rinse with hot water and a wet vacuum cleaner to dry the floor.
I recommend using the JIGA Deck Cleaning Brush from Amazon.com to scrub your concrete floor because:
- It has stiffer bristles.
- It has an adjustable handle.
- It is 2-in-1 (comes with a squeezer).
- It is ergonomic (angled 45 degrees) and easy to use.
Let the Floor Dry
After scrubbing, rinse and leave the floor to dry completely. Ensure the concrete, not only the surface, is dry by letting it stay overnight or at least 24 hours before applying treatment.
The enzymatic cleaner works better if the floor is dry.
Treat the Floor
Apply an enzymatic cleaner to remove odor when the concrete is dry.
I recommend the Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator, an enzymatic cleaner from Amazon.com. It effectively removes stains and odors and is gentle and safe for children and pets.
I also suggest sealing your floors after treating them. Sealing can prevent stain issues from reoccurring.
Conclusion
Polished concrete floors are safe for dogs because they’re durable and easy to maintain. They won’t stain or scratch easily, and keeping them clean is simple.
You can also customize concrete flooring with color stains or stamping designs. They will last a long time, and you won’t have to worry about expensive flooring repairs.
Lastly, concrete flooring won’t harbor fleas, dander, or fur, which can help keep your home feeling refreshed and your pet safe.
