Top Dos and Don’ts for Concrete Countertop Care
Concrete countertops are a stunning addition to any kitchen. Their smooth, minimalist appearance and natural variation combine the beauty of stone and predictability of engineering into one ideal product. They are durable and easy to care for.
As long as you take care of your concrete countertops, they’ll keep giving year after year. Here are the top dos and don’ts of concrete countertop care from our experts.
Dos
Clean
Use a mild, pH neutral cleaning solution with no abrasives. Use a soft cloth or sponge for everything from daily crumb clean up to an occasional deep cleaning.
Materials You'll Need:
- Mild dish soap or pH-balanced concrete countertop cleaner
- Warm water
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Microfiber cloth or towel
Polish
A quick polishing can restore the sheen of your concrete countertops in a jiffy. Use a furniture polish like Pledge then buff the surface. Not only will it give your counters a shine, but it also fills in any hairline cracks that have developed in the surface sealer.
Protect & Prevent
If any harsh chemicals come into contact with your countertops, clean it up quickly. This includes things like lemon juice, vinegar, soda, tomatoes, and wine in addition to cleaners like ammonia, acetone, and hydrogen peroxide. Drying your countertops anytime they are wet is a good idea.
Use cutting boards and trivets to protect the countertop from scratches and heat. Avoid placing hot pans directly on the surface, as extreme heat can potentially damage the sealant.
Reseal
Reseal your countertops regularly to protect the concrete and keep them looking like new. Our experts recommend that you reseal every two years. However, the amount of use should dictate how often sealing is needed.
You can order a sealer repair kit directly from our website or, if you live in the Tri-state area, you can call to schedule an appointment with us to do it for you.
Do it Regularly
To keep your concrete countertops looking their best, make their care a pert of your routine. Countertops that are neglected tend to look it as time passes. Set a reminder on your phone or connect countertop maintenance to something you'll remember, like spring cleaning for resealing or a polishing every Sunday night after a family dinner.
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Don’ts
Abrasives
Abrasives of any kind will dull and wear down the sealer on the top of the concrete. This includes scrub brushes, scrubbing pads, as well as cleaners with abrasives.
Chemicals
Harsh chemicals should be avoided as these will damage the sealer on the concrete. Bleach and acidic cleaners are out, but also be aware of “safe” cleaners that contain vinegar or other mild acids. These too can damage the surface of your countertop.
Forgetting Spills
Concrete is porous, even when sealed, and certain substances can cause staining if left sitting for too long. Wipe up spills promptly, especially those from acidic or dark-colored liquids like red wine, citrus juices, and oils.
Don't forget that some acidic foods should be cleaned up right away as well. Tomatoes and anything with vinegar in it (salad dressings) should not be left on the surface of your concrete countertop.
Hot & Sharp Items
Do not place hot pots and pans directly on your concrete countertop. The sudden change in temperature can cause damage to the sealer on your countertop. Always use trivets and hot pads. Likewise, cutting directly on your concrete countertop should be avoided. This too can damage the sealer, not to mention cause dulling of your knife.
Want to learn more about concrete countertops? Find out why they are the up and coming material of choice for kitchen designers today.