Thanks for the sink idea but there is no water line out there and my balcony is 3�4" x 11� more or less. Anyway, I tried looking for a handheld wet/dry vac that would be strong enough to pick up mud, but most reviews implied that handhelds were only good for dry crumbs or pure liquid, but not heavy mud. And a more powerful wet/dry vac would have been too big and so I wouldn�t have the space for it. So�.my current plan is just to have a second dry mop sponge intended for use just on my balcony. When I want to clean my balcony floor I will just switch off my �indoor dry mop sponge� and screw on my �outdoor sponge� onto my mop handle. That�s what I�ll do to clean up any water/dirt/mud and then I�ll just have to squeeze it out into my bathtub (the nature of living in a small space�I don�t have a floor bucket as that too would take up precious space, so I always just squeeze my mop into the tub, making trips back and forth, and then clean the tub when I�m done! ;-) And then I ordered an inexpensive goza (tatami) type mat that�s thin and can simply be rolled up when not in use. I�ll lay this on the floor of the balcony whenever I want to be able to just walk out from my apartment in bare feet. That was the most effective easiest plan I could come up with while ensuring I didn�t add too much �stuff� that would create storage/space issues�. Here is a link that might be useful: Goza mat

Concrete "tile look" floors are pretty popular now. In my previous home we had concrete in the living room (meant as a temporary measure after nasty carpet was removed, it lasted 3+ years). DH painted the floor with latex paint and covered with several coats of oil-based poly. Held up great. But we didn't have the pseudo-grout-line cracks you have. I don't know what your floors are sealed with, but we used vinegar and water to mop with. For regular cleaning though, we just used a vaccuum with a "bare floor" setting. I think that once the "grout-lines" are cleaned out, that you would be able to keep them clean just by vaccuuming regularly. Perhaps a grout brush would be helpful in cleaning out the cracks? Not sure what you mean by "spots, grease, scum" that won't come up with mopping - do you think that the concrete might have been been dirty before they sealed it? If so, they're there for good. If it's on top of the sealer, it should come off with 409 or some other general purpose cleanser.

I have a kitchen that sounds a lot like your living room as far as wear goes. It's the hub of the house, largest & brightest room. The garage door and backyard sliders open into the room. The floor gets the heaviest traffic and toughest use. We're also on a slab. We had a flood over two months ago and are currently without any type of flooring over the concrete slab while we 'negotiate' with our insurance company. I'm in my 50s and hope whatever flooring I choose will be the last flooring I have to put down. I'm sick to death of 28 years of cleaning vinyl. I thought I wanted tile. I decided porcelain was my best bet due to the hardness rating and best durability. Why I don't want tile: I am usually barefoot. The cement is COLD and HARD and my back and hips now hurt if I stand in the kitchen long enough. My 2 year old grandson has fallen twice on the floor--the thud was sickening and he really got hurt. Tile is too hard and cold a surface for me. Same for etched concrete. I considered laminate. Kitchen=moisture and spills. I am a decent housekeeper but not a slave to it. I worry that the traffic will be too tough on the surface or water will lift the seams. I also don't care for the artificial look of it or the sound it makes when walked on with shoes. A weird kind of clicking. After doing a lot of research and shopping around, I'm going with engineered hardwood in a distressed style. It will be warmer and softer under the feet (and grandkid's head and limbs). The distressed style in a matte finish won't taunt me daily to "come clean me . . .I'm not shiney anymore." I've been told a daily Swiffering keeps it mostly happy and presentable. I like that the finish is baked on in the factory and won't need on site finishing. We really can't afford to have the room out of commission for days while it cures. I'll use mats or area rugs at the doorways and sink. That said, I raised two boys in this house with vinyl in the kitchen and carpeting throughout the rest of the rooms. Where there are children, there is cleaning and upkeep and repairs to be done. You're smart to try and minimize your work.

Kinda looks like vinyl sheet flooring. Either way you must take up the flooring and scrape it very good. If its tile I would rent an air hammer with a flat chisel. After the floor is clean check for dips and bumps ( level is not so important) and level it out with floor leveler. Floating floor is a simpler option but I won't touch the stuff and you will get a more possessional job with engineered glue down. Better resale also.