Concrete countertops are quickly becoming the favorite of many because of their unusual construction, the way they can conform to almost any shape, their durability and their actual beauty. Maintaining and preserving the beauty of these counter tops will take some special care, however.

Just like any other counter top out there, concrete is not beyond damage. With this in mind, it is very important to care for them as directed to ensure they look as great in year 10 as they do on day one.

Basic maintenance advice for these counter tops includes:.

Keeping concrete counter tops clean can extend their lifespan greatly.

* Basic cleaning. Make sure to clean up spills as quickly as possible and do routine cleaning as needed. Generally, soapy, warm water and a clean cloth is all that’s necessary to keep these counter looking good. Avoid using abrasive items to clean these counters. Instead, use a normal sponge or cloth .  We recommend Rock Doctor cleaners and polish.

* Heavy cleaning. If heavier cleaning is necessary, find a cleaner made for these counter tops or at least a neutral pH cleanser to protect the sealer. Anything that has bleach or ammonia in it should not be used. Heavy cleaning likely will not be necessary if spills are cleaned up right away and basic wash downs take place on a regular basis.

*Protect the sealer.  Weekly or even bi-weekly waxing or  Regular maintenance will insure the long life of the concrete. Waxing with beeswax every couple of months will provide a level of protection and add patina to the surface. We recommend Rock Doctor cleaners and polish.

* Play it smart. Concrete is very durable, but it isn’t beyond damage. Considering this, it is a very good idea to try and avoid dropping heavy objects on them or even placing overly heavy items on their tops. Harsh hits can cause cracking, which can lead to other problems.

* Don’t play with knives. While concrete generally won’t be damaged by cutting directly on its surface, the sealer used to protect the counters might be. It’s not a good idea to cut directly on these counters because of this. Use a cutting board to protect the sealer, and even the knives used for cutting!

* Keep it cool. Again, concrete doesn’t easily damage due to heat, but the sealer might. It is always very smart, no matter the kind of counter top purchased, to go ahead and use hotplates or pads to protect the surface from damage. If something very hot does come in contact with the countertops, check for worn spots in the sealer.

* Clean up staining spills right away. Concrete doesn’t stain, but its sealer can. To avoid permanent discoloration, try and clean up spills right away. Wipe them up with a basic sponge or clean cloth.

*Reseal as necessary. There is no hard and fast rule on how often these counter tops should be resealed. It is a good idea to do this every so often, however, or when worn spots appear. Counters with hairline cracks should be resealed immediately.

Keeping concrete counter tops clean can extend their lifespan greatly.

Concrete counter tops can be incredibly beautiful and amazingly durable. Caring for them correctly is very important for extending their potential lifespan. If improper use damages the sealer, problems can arise. Be certain to follow instructions for proper care of these counters to extend their life while maintaining their beauty.