Concrete countertops are strong and durable, but they still need to be taken care of appropriately so that you can get the most out of them. Concrete can stain or even erode if not cleaned properly. Here are the tips for cleaning your cement countertops
Type of Concrete Countertop
Countertops can be either porous or non-porous. Non-porous cement has been treated with a sealant or coating. The thing about sealed concrete is that the concrete is much tougher than the sealer. The sealer is what needs to be considered when cleaning this type of concrete countertop. Be careful with sharp objects, abrasive cleaners, and heat around sealed cement.
Porous concrete countertops have not been treated. These counters tend to stain more easily because the cement absorbs whatever liquid is on it unless it is quickly cleaned up. These types of counters tend to need more abrasive cleaners and some heavy scrubbing. Check with our installer for a recommendation on what cleaner to use (or contact Hard Rock Concrete Coatings of Utah, and we can help you out too).
No matter what kind of concrete countertops you have, keeping them clean is essential. Wipe them down thoroughly at least once a week. Prevention is much easier and better than trying to reclaim a nasty, stained area.
Best Cleaning Methods for Concrete Countertops
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Soap and Warm Water
Some mild dishwashing soap and water will do wonders for most stains. This applies to both porous and non-porous concrete countertops.
To clean using this method:
- Add about two tablespoons of dishwashing liquid to a medium-sized container with warm water
- Submerge a cloth in the water and gently scrub the stains off the countertop
- Repeat the process until you have fentirelyremoved the stain
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Laundry Detergent Stain Remover
A couple more household cleaning agents can also do great things for your counters. Safe for porous and non-porous counters:
- Start by spraying laundry stain remover directly on the stains on your countertop
- Let the remover sit for a few minutes
- Follow up by sprinkling some powder detergent on the stain and waiting a few more minutes
- Finally, clean both substances with a wet cloth or towel while softly scrubbing on the stain
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Hydrogen Peroxide Paste
This is effective at cleaning older or more stubborn stains.
- One or two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide
- A cup of flour and enough water to form a paste
- Place the paste directly on the stain and let it sit for a few hours. You can even cover the stain with the paste and then cover it with plastic wrap.
- Wipe the paste off with a wet cloth while scrubbing on the stain at the same time.
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PH Balanced Wipes or Concrete Specific Cleaning Agents
- It is essential to use products that are formulated to clean concrete countertops for daily use. Many products on the market will clean concrete counter tops while protecting them from damage.
- One of the most convenient products is pH-balanced wipes. These wipes are made especially for concrete countertops and are safe to use every day. They are easy to use and can help you wipe down your countertops after cooking.
