Concrete is a beautiful and highly versatile material. Tables, flooring, countertops, vanities and basins are some of the most popular ways you can incorporate concrete into your home. Using a handful of preventive techniques, your concrete surfaces can last for years to come. So, what are these tools and strategies to prevent stains, clean spills and take the best care of your beloved concrete surface? Read on to find out more!
Preventing Stains
Concrete is a naturally a porous material, however our high-grade sealants work to prevent staining and marks. Please keep in mind that our sealants aren’t super heroes! It’s important to minimise the chances of staining and discolouration by following our care and maintenance recommendations.
Placing hot pots and pans directly on concrete countertops can potentially lead to surface damage. To prevent this, simply use heat-resistant mats or boards made from:
- Silicone
- Bamboo
- Wood
- Ceramic
Photo Credit: Kitchens by Delaney
https://deaneinc.com/portfolio-posts/treasured-islands/
Preventing liquid damage can be easily achieved by cleaning up any spills as soon as possible. This is especially true when accidentally spilling liquids such as lemon juice, coffee, red wine or oil. By quickly cleaning up spills, you will significantly reduce the chances of the liquid staining the sealer or causing discolouration.
Cleaning Supplies
When cleaning stains or spills choose a gentle low-foaming cleaner with a PH between 7-7.5. It is important to note that we recommend staying away from citrus based products or bleach. These products can slowly break down the sealant. Some gritty powder cleaners are also abrasive and can cause scratching to occur. For this reason, we recommend using soft cloths or fabrics when cleaning. A gentle cleanser with warm water or a mild detergent are the most effective solutions to lift up and remove any dirt particles.
Preventing Scratches
Preventing scratches can be done by avoiding dragging anything with a rough surface across the concrete, or using the countertops as cutting boards.
The image above is an example of the possible damage which can occur when consistently cutting directly on the concrete. Just like most countertop materials, using concrete as a cutting board will eventually create unwanted surface damage. To prevent scratches from occurring and liquids from penetrating the sealer, these scratches should be properly treated and resealed.
Resealing
Resealing concrete surfaces is great for maintaining the durability of the concrete and its finish. Additionally, it is good for treating scratches and preventing further damage. This process involves applying a new high-quality layer of sealant onto the concrete surface. The frequency of resealing depends up to the intensity of use. Generally every 5-7 years is a good rule of thumb for pieces used for residential purposes.
This process is best done with the right equipment and skill to avoid any further damage or discolouration. To ensure that your surface is properly resealed feel free to contact the Blend Concrete Design team. We are more than happy to assist you in resealing your concrete piece.
Photo Credit: Blend Concrete Design
Cleaning Terrazzo
All of these handy tips and tools should be applied when caring for your terrazzo pieces as well. Although decorative stone, glass or aggregate has been added to your concrete piece, the final sealant has been used to protect the piece. This means that the same preventive measures should be taken to ensure a long damage-free life.
Summary
Taking care of your concrete or terrazzo pieces is easy and can be done by;
- Using heat-resistant mats on countertops.
- Quickly cleaning up any spills off of the surface.
- Using cutting boards as an alternative to cutting directly on the surface.
- Avoiding acid-based cleaners and using gentle ones instead.
- Using soft cloths or fabrics when cleaning the surface.
- Resealing the surface.
These small preventive steps are the best way to ensure a long-life for your concrete surfaces. If you have any further questions reach out to the Blend Concrete Design team for help.
