Care & Maintenance
Concrete, marble, granite and other natural stones are porous materials, and can stain. However, the porosity of concrete, marble and granite that allows for stains to occur is also the reason many stains can be removed. This is primarily done with a poultice, to draw the stain out, reversing the process that caused a stain. It is best though, to avoid the problem by keeping the counters clean, especially from certain spills. Acidic liquids such as lemon juice, wine, and oils are most likely to cause staining if not wiped away.
To help protect against this vulnerability inherent to all stone, our concrete is sealed with at least two coats of clear sealer and finally, it is waxed and polished before we hand over the care and maintenance duties to the owner. The stone sealer and wax are formulated for use on kitchen counters, are non-toxic and food safe.
For everyday cleaning, use clear water and a mild hand-dishwashing liquid soap such as Joy ™ with a soft cloth or sponge. Do not use abrasive pads or powders, ammoniated cleaners, citrus cleaners, or dishwasher detergents. We also recommend that your concrete counters are waxed every 3 or 4 months. This periodic waxing will leave a soft luster to the surface, and renews the protective properties of the wax coating.
Cutting knives may scratch any stone surface, including concrete, so cutting boards are recommended. Also use trivets, for instance, for hot pans and for iron cookware.
We can also design your counter tops with built in protective features: integral stainless steel or brass rail trivets to protect against heavy cookware, integral sloped drain boards, shaped recesses to fit custom made cutting boards, inlay soap holders, and more. These functional features are design opportunities for innovations that protect and enhance this versatile material.
