Care & Maintenance

Thank you for choosing us for your precast concrete piece. Each item is crafted from Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC)—a natural blend of sand, cement, alkali-resistant fibers, and water. Like wood or stone, concrete is a porous material with its own unique character. It will weather gracefully over time, and with proper care, remain stain-resistant and water-protected for years to come.
To help you preserve its beauty and longevity, we’ve sealed your piece with a water-based penetrating sealer and compiled a set of care and maintenance tips. Concrete Works is here to give technical advice and support throughout the lifetime of our products. Before you begin using your concrete item, please take a moment to review the following recommendations.

For more detailed cleaning instructions and long-term care tips, please refer to the downloadable Owner’s Guide.

Quick Tips for Caring for Your Concrete Piece

General Cleaning Tips

Clean your interior precast products using mild soap (such as dish soap) and warm water with a microfiber towel or sponge. Spills should be wiped up as soon as possible. While the sealer performs well against stains from oils and acidic materials, prolonged exposure may cause penetration of the sealer and possible discoloration. Do not use heavy abrasive, bleach-based, or ammoniated cleansers. Use of such cleansers will wear down the sealer, cause discoloration, and will result in less stain resistance. We do not recommend use of most natural cleansers (which are often citrus based) as the cleaning agent, which are typically highly acidic and can damage natural materials. If using such cleaners on adjacent surfaces, such as windows, railings, panels or flooring, protect the concrete stairs from exposure.
For additional strength cleaning, the use of a neutral cleaner, such as Simple Green, diluted with warm water would be recommended to use with a soft bristle brush or light duty scrubbing pad. Always promptly wipe the surface clean with a damp microfiber towel, ensuring any cleaners are not allowed to dry on the concrete surface.

Short Term Care

In the first few months, it is imperative that you wipe up water or any liquids quickly. Within the first few months, the sealer is still curing as it acclimates to your home's climate. At this time, it can be more prone to staining if not cared for and cleaned properly. For detailed instructions please download the Owner's Guide

​Heat

As with almost all types of countertop surfaces, you should use trivets. Concrete can microcrack if exposed to high heat, and the concrete is not elastic enough to "absorb" these microcracks. The surface will appear "crazed."

Natural Characteristics

Natural variation in color, texture, and porosity may occur and are considered inherent and valued qualities of the material. These features do not affect structural integrity and contribute to the organic aesthetic. Over time, your piece will develop a patina that reflects its environment and use. 

Chips

While durable, both concrete and natural stone are "brittle" materials, as opposed to "elastic" materials. Sharp edges are more susceptible to chipping than rounded edges. Use care with pots and pans around the edges.

Staining

Clients should use normal care with respect to water, oil, acids, and food. Spills should be wiped up as soon as possible and immediately for acidic or highly staining agents such as lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and mustard. While highly resistant to all sorts of chemicals, there is always a chance that something could stain the surface of our concrete products.

Hairline Cracks

Non-structural hairline cracks are possible and are considered an inherent part of the product, not a manufacturing defect. Hairline cracks can occur at any time during the life of the countertop but are usually not a common occurrence. Hairline cracks are defined as cracks that are generally smaller than ½ mm in width and do not threaten the integrity or stability of the slab nor prevent the continued and normal use of the countertop.

Sealer

For optimum protection we have applied ICT Reactive Sealer to your piece. This will enhance the concrete’s color while resisting just about any typical/ expected “stain threat”. Proper maintenance will ensure that your concrete looks and performs well for years to come.
  • For the first 4-6 weeks, do not leave any items on the concrete for prolonged periods of time, including dish or hand towels. Take extra care to wipe up any liquids immediately.
  • NEVER use your sealed concrete as a cutting board. It can damage the sealer.
  • Wipe up spills as they occur. Use a damp cloth or a natural cleaning solution. Take extra caution to wipe up highly acid liquids such as wine, vinegar, lemon juice.  
  • Use non abrasive cleaners. Abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads can wear down the sealer.
  • Use coasters or felt pads below anything with sharp edges.
  • Avoid putting HOT cookware directly from stove or oven onto surface. Concrete is heat resistant but you don’t want to damage the sealer.  ​  
  • For several weeks after applying the sealer you may notice the concrete darken in areas where water or liquid contact the surface. This is normal as the cross linking of the sealer continues. Darkening of the surface is not an indication that the sealer is not working; in fact, it is a normal reaction as the sealer continues to cure. In certain cases hazing/efflorescence of the finish may occur in the first couple of months after installation as moisture inside the concrete continues to escape. This is easily buffed off without the creation of dust. It can also be removed using a soft abrasive cleaning sponge such as Scotch- Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge and water, then dried with a microfiber cloth afterwards. Further efflorescence may occur after buffing/ scrubbing and follow up may be necessary. Please call us if rebuffing is needed. ​
We would love to see picture of our pieces installed in your space. Please post on our social media page or email us at [email protected].

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