What’s the best way to clean a gritty, dusty cement basement subfloor for peel and stick flooring without risking fumes in a row house?
Asked by Madison Ennis 
3 months ago
Last Updated: August 28, 2024
I have to tackle cleaning my dirty, dusty cement basement floor before I can put down some peel and stick flooring (not the best option, but it’s what I can afford). I’ve tried vacuuming and sweeping, but it just seems to spread the dirt around. A friend who’s a contractor recommended using a diluted muriatic acid solution, but I’m worried about not being able to ventilate the space properly. Plus, I live in a row house and don’t want the fumes to seep into my neighbors’ ventilation systems. Any ideas on how to tackle this cleaning dilemma?
When using a shop vac, attach a long hose to the blowing hole and direct the other end out a window to prevent small particles from blowing back into the air.
Consider using sweeping compound to effectively control dust. Simply spread a generous amount on the floor to capture dirt and minimize dust accumulation.
You can find a dust separator lid for a 5-gallon bucket at Home Depot for roughly $35-$50. Connect it to a shop vac or any other vacuum with a hose that fits. This is definitely one of the best purchases I’ve ever made.
Another option is to use a pump sprayer filled with water to mist the floor. Then, while it’s still damp, clean up using a heavy-duty scraper, squeegee, or putty knives. The water will help prevent dust from flying everywhere as you clean.
I had no clue these were actually sold, . I improvised and made my own, which surprisingly worked really well.
Wow, , that’s great to hear! I’ve considered making one myself, but ended up just purchasing one instead.
I’m actually in the process of doing something similar by using peel-and-stick indoor/outdoor carpet! I’ve learned that this method is ideal because the materials are designed to withstand moisture and allow for proper ventilation, reducing the likelihood of mold growth 🙂
First, vacuum the area. Next, purchase a 5-gallon can of PVA adhesive and mix it with water in a 50/50 ratio. Use a yard brush to apply the mixture over the concrete. Let it dry completely before proceeding.
Pressure washer
My carpet cleaner comes with a setting specifically for hard floors. It’s perfect for ‘mopping’ my gameroom, which used to be a carport that’s now enclosed.