Concrete Product Maintenance

As concrete is an organic product, it needs to be looked after carefully and appropriately. All of our pieces are hand-sanded and then sealed four times, to the highest standard possible with the best concrete sealer available before leaving our workshop (unless it has been sealed in situ). This penetrating sealer creates a buffer and allows for a certain amount of time to clean up - however, as with any porous stone, no sealer is 100% bullet proof and “wipe as you go” is the recommended method! Concrete pieces will, particularly in high traffic areas - naturally age and develop a patina/texture over time, which we consider highly desirable. Whilst concrete is an extremely robust material and you needn’t be too precious - we urge you to use common sense, as you would with any other type of bench top. The below points provide an outline as to how you should best care for your concrete bench tops.

Daily care

Properly sealed polished concrete bench tops are designed to offer high-performance with low maintenance. Only a little common sense is needed in caring for your Concrete By Hatch bench top(s):
· Wipe as you go, using a soft damp non-abrasive cloth to wipe down your bench tops
· If you encounter stubborn stains, use a mild non-abrasive cleanser
· Avoid exposure to products with high PH levels such as oven cleaner. If this occurs, rinse immediately to neutralise the effect, and then follow the usual cleaning procedure
· Avoid any exposure to paint strippers, bleach and nail polish remover. If this occurs, rinse immediately to neutralise the effect, and then follow the usual cleaning procedure
· Avoid exposure to high impact, especially on the edges
· Avoid excessive weight being placed on your bench top, such as people standing on your bench top

Stubborn stains and dried spills

Concrete By Hatch’ high-end sealers provide great resistance to most foods used in the kitchen such as wine, fruit juices, liquid food colouring, tea and spices with strong colours. For dried spills, remove solids first. A wet cloth is recommended for any stubborn stains. If needed use a non-acidic and non-abrasive cleanser and rinse well with water. Avoid forceful scrubbing as this may result in a loss of shine and remove the protective sealer.

Scratches, cracks and edge chipping

Like all bench top materials, over time the sealer on concrete bench tops can develop scratches and abrasive marks. To minimise this always use a chopping board and avoid dragging heavy items or items with a sharp or rough bottom. As with all stone bench tops concrete is susceptible to chipping and cracking. Avoid impact on edges and the surface with hard objects. Areas around voids such as sink and oven cut-outs are weak points and can form hairline cracks as the concrete cures. These are not considered faults and the damage is aesthetic and not structural. A damaged countertop edge or surface (including a concrete edge for an under-mount sink) is not indicative of defective material.

On-going care

If over the years your concrete bench top develops scratches, stains or signs of general wear, the surface can be rejuvenated by sanding it back and re-applying new sealer. Contact Concrete By Hatch regarding it’s ongoing maintenance program. Please note: The Concrete By Hatch Care and Maintenance Guide must be read in conjunction with the Concrete By Hatch Warranty.

Direct sunlight

With the correct sealer, concrete is a suitable product to be used both indoors and outdoors, but exposure to direct sunlight and weather may result in a slight colour change over an extended period and ongoing maintenance may be required more regularly.