Regular cleaning and upkeep will ensure you have a long lasting countertop. We recommend using a neutral-base cleaner as part of your regular maintenance whenever you wish to clean the countertop. A neutral base cleaner will not harm the sealer and wax that have been applied to your countertop or leave a soapy residue that may dull the finish. These can be found at most big box sores. There are many other brands available, just select one that is a neutral base.
Your countertop has been sealed and waxed to protect it from normal wear and tear. This dual process offers excellent protection against staining from spills and other accidents that happen on a normal basis. However, as with any other similar products it is not your countertop “bulletproof”. Avoid leaving water drying on the surface of the countertop as it will dry and leave a film on the surface that makes it look blotchy. Always wipe and completely dry the surface after spills. This is the simplest and easiest way of maintaining your countertops appearance over time.
We recommend reapplying wax to maintain this protection every three to six months for residential applications and at least once a month for commercial installations. Sticking to a regular maintenance schedule will result in a beautiful, long lasting countertop finish. Please note that it is not unusual for a countertop to develop a “patina” after extensive use. This is normally the result of the countertop absorbing liquids that have been left on it for some time. This is just part of the normal look of a countertop and is not considered to be unusual.
We recommend using a good quality brand of beeswax for the best protection. First clean the countertop surface with a neutral base cleaner to remove any oils, dust, or other contaminants. Lightly rub the hard wax across the entire surface of the countertop making sure you evenly cover it all; you don’t need to push down hard on the surface, just slide it around. Avoid putting too much wax down, any excess will just be removed during the buffing process. Next grab a white, clean cotton rag and rub it in a circular motion over the countertop. You will feel some resistance at first as you remove the excess wax. In just a few moments you should feel less and less resistance as you buff the countertop. Once the rag slides easily over the surface, you are done! One coat should be enough to protect the countertop for another three months or so, depending on your use.
Although your countertop is made from concrete, a very durable and heat resistant material, the sealers and waxes used to protect it from staining cannot handle high temperatures. It is very important to use trivets or hot pads with your cookware. Placing a very hot pan directly on the surface will damage the sealer, requiring repair.
Most nominal damage can be repaired, however it is better to avoid the possibility in the first place. Avoid using strong chemicals such as paint removers, oven cleaners, etc. If some does get on the surface immediately flush it with water to rinse it off.
Do not cut on concrete countertops, it will very quickly dull the knife and most likely scratch the sealer, use a cutting board instead.
If you notice light scratching or other imperfections, these can usually be buffed out with a fresh application of wax. If more extensive damage was done, give us a call and we will see what can be done to repair it.