Care & Maintenance

 To help you maintain your surfaces beauty and longevity, we encourage you to take a moment to read through our informative care and maintenance guide. It contains essential tips and best practices to keep your surfaces looking pristine. ​

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

Short Term Care

​ IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE FIRST 2 WEEKS POST INSTALLATION
● DO NOT clean, wash or scrub the surface for the first week after application, not even with water. This allows sealers to dry/ cure completely.
● Quickly clean up spills, during this period.
● AVOID moisture on the surface for the first 72 hours if applicable.
● DO NOT allow standing water on the surface for the first 14 days if applicable.
● Satin Stone Sealer takes between 5 and 10 days to cure depending on the temperature and humidity. (5 days @90 degrees and 10 days @ 50 degrees)
● DO NOT cover with protective plastic sheeting, non breathable mats, etc. that can prevent proper drying for the first 14 days.
● If you need to cover or protect your floors once cured - “Ramboard” breathable protective covering can be used to protect floors. It should be installed to completely cover the area to avoid differential drying. Seams should be taped but do not apply tape tape directly to the floor.
● If “Painters” tape is used to the paint line at the floor or on walls it should be promptly removed once paint is dry. Use caution when installing appliances and or fixtures.
● For the first 4-6 weeks do not leave any items on concrete for a prolonged period of time. Be sure to read the additional information below to avoid problems beyond the first 14 days.

General Maintenance

● Quickly wipe up spills and semi solids as soon as possible.
● Treat tough stains in a timely manner.
● Wet objects should not sit for extended periods on the surface. Avoid leaving damp towels/ sponges on the surface. Avoid leaving potted plants or any other wet objects in one spot for extended periods. Regularly expose covered areas to the air to ensure they dry out. Surfaces that come into contact with running water may naturally patina over time; to limit this erosion, it’s best not to use strong detergents or acids.
● Everyday upkeep requires only light sweeping and or dusting.
● A Swifter or vacuum can be used on your floor, and a microfibre cloth can be used on all other surfaces.
● Walk-off mats and rugs in high traffic areas and at the entrances will catch dirt before it reaches the floor. Remember not to use rubber-backed mats.
● Felt protectors on furniture will reduce scratching to the surface. Any rubber products such as rubber-backed mats or rubber floor protectors can permanently mark the surface.
● Beware of impact-based damage. Please use standard care and precautions.
● Do not use steam mops as this can soften and effect sealer.
● Avoid abrasive soaps, cleaners, or scrubbing pads that can wear off the sealer. We recommend using mild non-abrasive, non ammonia, non-citric acid, non-vinegar, non-bleach soaps and cleaners.
● You can easily clean your SEMCO X-BOND surface by diluting 1 parts STONE SOAP* with 9 parts water and mop your floor for general maintenance.
● Cleaning of the surface can vary depending on the contents of material spilled, foot traffic from dirt or pavement. Most household, commercial & industrial detergents may be used. Avoid detergents with a solvent-based acetone of a concentrate exceeding 50 %.
● Semco Stone Soap* is a general purpose cleaner however it will not disinfect a surface. Stone Soap and all common disinfectants can be used as per Manufacturer’s instructions. If you are unsure of what soap to use please send us an email at [email protected].

Helpful Equipment to may be used to maintain your surfaces

​■ Rayon String Mop
■ Mop Buckect
■ Scrub brush
■ Microfiber Dust mop such as a Swifter
■ Microfiber clothes Optional Equipment -
■ Auto Scrubber/ Buffer with white pad- use as needed on large areas
■ Soft bristle scrub brush *SEMCO STONE SOAP (Cleaner) - Can be purchased from Concrete Works

Interior Daily/ Weekly Cleaning - Floors and Horizontal Surfaces

Exterior Cleaning - Floors and Horizontal Surfaces

● Clean surfaces as usual with cloth, a broom or a vacuum.
● A clean microfibre dust mop is very effective at removing dirt on your surface.
● Dilute 1 part Stone Soap to 9 parts water in a spray bottle and apply over surface, use mop, cloth or soft scrub brush to agitate solution and clean surface.
● Alternatively use similar cleaning detergent; it should be neutral without stripping agents.Do not use acidic, butoxy-ethanol, or citrus cleaners to maintain surfaces, avoid harsh cleaners that contain solvents, ammonia, abrasives, bleach, etc. If you are unsure of what soap to use please send us an email at [email protected].
● For scuffs or other marks apply Stone Soap mixture to the problem area with a clean rag, sponge or synthetic mop. Abrasive materials are not recommended to remove scuffs or other marks. Once removed, mop the floor as normal. Wring mop thoroughly. Do not flood the floor with excess water.
● For stubborn scuff marks, use a low abrasive scrubbing pad (white in colour.
● Rinse mop as needed and change the solution at least every 200sq. ft. or as needed for large areas.
● Rinse the floor with clean water using a clean mop.
● Do not flood the floor with excess water. Note: A stronger solution of Stone Soap can be used to clean spills ranging from acidic condiments to animal urine. Dilution ratio of 1:10 (one part Stone Soap to 10 parts of water) is recommended for a stronger solution. The floor must be rinsed with a clean mop.

Interior Daily/ Weekly Cleaning- Showers, Walls and Vertical Surfaces

​● After each shower, rinse down any soap, shampoo or conditioner residue.
​● Clean showers with soft bristle brush and low abrasive detergents – avoid detergents with a solvent-based acetone of concentrate exceeding 50%.
● Clean up spills immediately and rinse detergents thoroughly.
● Using tanning products, coloured shampoo, hair dye or body oils is not recommended as they may penetrate the surface and stain.
● If used, be sure to wash or wipe down any residue immediately.
● Dilute 1 part Stone Soap to 9 parts water in a spray bottle and apply over surface, use mop or soft scrub brush to agitate solution and clean surface.
​● Alternatively use similar cleaning detergent; it should be neutral without stripping agents. Do not use acidic, butoxy-ethanol, or citrus cleaners to maintain surfaces, avoid harsh cleaners that contain solvents, ammonia, abrasives, bleach, etc.

● Clean surface as usual with a broom or cloth.
● Dilute 1 part Stone Soap to 9 parts water in a spray bottle and apply over surface, use mop or soft scrub brush to agitate solution and clean surface.
● Alternatively use similar cleaning detergent; it should be neutral without stripping agents.
● Do not use acidic, butoxy-ethanol, or citrus cleaners to maintain surfaces, avoid harsh cleaners that contain solvents, ammonia, abrasives, bleach, etc. Scrub area with stiff bristle broom for rough surfaces or a sponge for smooth surfaces.
● Abrasive materials are not recommended to remove scuffs or other marks. Once removed, mop the floor as normal. Wring mop thoroughly.
● For stubborn scuff marks, use a low abrasive scrubbing pad (white in colour.
● Rinse mop as needed and change the solution at least every 200sq. ft. or as needed for large areas.
● Rinse the floor with clean water using a stiff bristle brush or a hose. Note: A stronger solution of Stone Soap can be used to clean spills ranging from acidic condiments to animal urine. Dilution ratio of 1:10 (one part Stone Soap to 10 parts of water) is recommended for a stronger solution. The floor must be rinsed with a clean mop or broom.
  Stone Soap can be purchased through us - please send us an email to purchase- [email protected].
We would love to see picture of our installation in your space. Please post on our social media page or email us at [email protected].

Ask a Question