Nothing beats a "clean, fresh look." Unfortunately, if not correctly cared for, many things in life lose their luster. Also, for anything as stable as stamped concrete, this may be the case, but it doesn't have to be. If it's your patio, walkway, or even an indoor floor, your new installation is stunning. It can maintain its beauty and luster for several years if properly cared for.

How Do I Clean My Stamped Concrete regularly?

Cleaning your stamped concrete is all that is needed to keep it in good condition. There are no gimmicks or fancy tricks here.

·        Indoor Stamped Concrete Washing

When it comes to indoor cleaning, a quick dry or wet mopping usually is appropriate. If necessary, a diluted liquid cleaner may be used. After rinsing with a wet mop and clean water, make sure no spots seem "washed out" where the soap dried—putting furniture on the floor? Stop dragging furniture around the floor by using felt pads under the knees. A throw rug or a doormat in heavily trafficked areas can help avoid wear and the appearance of a "road" across the floor.

·        Cleaning Outdoor Stamped Concrete

Cleaning outdoor stamped concrete isn't any more challenging. Sweeping or hosing off the surface regularly may generally suffice. If necessary, power washing is also safe. Even a diluted liquid cleaner works well; make sure to rinse it off thoroughly. If you have a lot of leaves, twigs, or litter, a leaf blower can help. Spills should be cleaned up as soon as possible, both inside and out. Otherwise, they risk causing stains.

What about more abrasive stains?

If a stain does appear on your stamped concrete, a little elbow grease will generally help you remove it. Warm water can aid in the removal of several stains. If your issues persist, there are a few simple steps you can take. Power washing was described earlier, and it can work wonders, particularly in the case of stains. An alkaline degreaser can help break down grease and oil, and if used correctly, it does not damage the stamped concrete. It's best to inquire about items that your contractor recommends.

Keep in mind that grease can be present in the dirt, but even though your problem isn't known as a "grease stain," this kind of cleaner chemical can be beneficial. If these steps aren't sufficient, contact your contractor to see what can resolve the issue.

Reseal

A sealant is added to your stamped concrete surface after being assembled to preserve and secure it. However, at some point, this sealant will begin to degrade. The measures outlined above will help extend the life of the sealant. If you take the recommendations here, you should get two to three years out of the original coat. This varies depending on how the surface is used as well as the atmosphere. Harsh winters and scorching summers will hasten the decline. In any case, a fresh coat of sealant will be needed after a reasonable period. Doing so regularly can help to maintain the underlying surface in better shape.

It is possible to do this yourself, but unless you are a professional do-it-yourselfer, we suggest calling your contractor instead. The surface should be thoroughly washed and dried before adding a new coat. Otherwise, irregularities in the surface can develop. It takes some forethought to avoid being stuck in a corner and to cover the whole surface evenly. Of course, if you encounter unnecessary wear, such as along the main path where everybody walks, you can have it sealed sooner rather than later.

Things to Stay Away From

There isn't anything that needs to be avoided because it's all pretty straightforward. However, we'd like to include them as a reminder. Avoid allowing unwanted materials to accumulate on your stamped concrete floor. Fallen leaves, a tarp, or other things that appear to accumulate may be hazardous. These can collect moisture, which can lead to stains. Sealing correctly can help to retain the color and prevent it from fading. Yes, a fading surface may be restored, but it makes even more sense to maintain it in the first place.

Finally, keep in mind that even concrete, despite its strength, can be broken with sufficient force or weight. If you do push a car onto the earth, hold it away from the edge, where a crack is most likely to develop.