Decorative concrete is often used in indoor and outdoor spaces to add colour and texture. While concrete is a durable material, regular care and maintenance will ensure the surface looks as good as new well into the future.
Caring for your new or existing decorative concrete is not complicated. Your maintenance regimen will be based on the general wear and tear that the concrete surface is exposed to every day, and will help extend its lifespan and retain its beauty.
Concrete Colour Systems has compiled a list of tips on caring for your coloured and polished concrete.
Coloured concrete care and maintenance tips:
To begin with, trust the experts. Follow the advice given by your decorative concrete supplier or installer for cleaning the surface – it will save you a lot of work and heartache.
Regularly clean the surface
Remove dirt, leaves and debris from the surface with a soft-bristled broom or a blower.
Seal the concrete surface
Sealers do a lot of the hard work for you. A correctly sealed concrete surface will repel water, dust, grime, dirt and debris, preventing the surface from getting stained. Sealers can also provide resistance against scratches and abrasions, as well as protection from weather and UV exposure.
Clean up spills
Remove any spills as soon as possible, even if the surface is sealed. Removing them early will ensure the spill doesn’t impact the sealer and cause permanent stains or discolouration.
Use chemicals prudently
Using the wrong chemical can damage the concrete and sealer. If you do use a chemical for cleaning, be sure to rinse the area thoroughly with water to remove any residual cleaning fluid from the surface of the concrete. Consult with your concrete supplier or installer for recommendations on chemicals.
Polished concrete care and maintenance tips:
Polished concrete floors are extremely durable due to the polishing process and following these general cleaning tips will help to keep the floor in top condition for years to come.
Clean up spills
Remove spills immediately from the surface, especially if they are acidic. Quick actions can prevent the spill from destroying the surface or causing permanent stains.
Remove rubbish and debris
Removing large pieces of rubbish as soon as possible will prevent them from breaking into smaller pieces and scratching the surface when stepped on.
Dry mopping
Use a dry microfibre mop or cloth to pick up dust from the surface of the concrete.
Damp mopping
Damp mopping will help to pick up small pieces of rubbish or debris and any dirt left on the floor after dry mopping.
Be careful with chemicals
It’s safe to use pH-neutral cleaners with a wet mop. Have your concrete supplier or installer recommend a good brand. Using a cleaner that has ammonia, bleach, vinegar or citrus can cause damage to the surface.
Use rugs and mats
Placing rugs and mats in high-traffic areas and entryways will help to catch the dirt before it reaches the concrete surface, making cleaning even easier.
