How Should I Clean My Stamped Concrete?

Just like most things around a home, your stamped concrete patios, walkways, sidewalks and driveways will need some basic maintenance to keep it in tip top shape. The good news is that the maintenance that your stamped concrete requires is fairly easy and simple.

Cleaning Indoor Stamped Concrete
Typically, for indoor stamped concrete flooring, a simple dry or wet mopping is usually enough for routine cleaning. If you choose to use a diluted cleaner be sure to rinse the flooring area with a clean mop soaked in water so that the soap doesn’t dry out and cause spots on the concrete. If you are placing furniture on the stamped concrete floor, another great tip is to put felt pads on the bottom of all furniture legs to avoid scratching and unnecessary wear and tear. Throw rugs and doormats will help prevent the appearance of a path through high-traveled areas.

Cleaning Outdoor Stamped Concrete
Cleaning your outdoor stamped concrete surfaces are much like cleaning indoor surfaces. Sweeping and hosing off stamped concrete surfaces on a regular basis is typically all that is needed. It is safe to use a leaf blower as well to clear off leaves and other debris. For a deeper clean, you may want to consider pressure or power washing the surface every few years to keep mold and mildew at bay.
 
What About Tougher Stains?
If your stamped concrete surface becomes stained it may require a bit of elbow grease and warm water to get the stains to come out. If warm water and elbow grease don’t do the trick you it may be time to consider a pressure washing service. Experienced pressure washing companies will know how to properly use alkaline degreasers that will remove grease and oil stains without damaging your stamped concrete surface.

Resealing
When a new stamped concrete patio, walkway or driveway is first installed the contracts will apply a sealant to protect it from the damaging effects of Mother Nature. While the sealant is very important and does a good job of protecting the concrete surface it will begin to break down at some point and will need to be re-applied. The initial coating of sealant should last for about 2-3 years but varies dependent upon factors like climate and surface use. Extreme temperatures – hot or cold – will speed up the deterioration process and thus sealant will need to be replaced much sooner.  Keeping the concrete sealant refreshed on a regular basis will help ensure that your stamped concrete surface remains undamaged for as long as possible.

If you are not an experienced DIYer, we suggest you call an experienced concrete contractor to handle the resealing process for your stamped concrete. To reseal stamped concrete, the surface will need to be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Sometimes it is best to have exterior concrete surfaces pressured washed to thoroughly remove dirt and debris.
 
Things to Avoid
All in all, stamped concrete surfaces are fairly simple to care for and maintain. Remove debris like fallen leaves and sticks on a regular basis so that they don’t become built up. It is also best not to leave other large items like a tarp on a stamped concrete surface because they have the ability to trap moisture underneath them which will cause stains.
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For homeowners in colder climates that experience snow and ice it is important to choose de-icing chemicals wisely. It is best to avoid de-icing salt acts as a corrosive chemical that can lead to flaking and peeling. Other snow removal tools like a snow plow or shovel with a metal edge are also best not used on a stamped concrete surface. Snowblowers and plastic snow shovels are safe to use.
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Stamped concrete is a growing trend amount homeowners for patios, walkways, sidewalks, interior flooring and much more. If you are ready to get started on your stamped concrete project, please consider giving one of our expert concrete contractors a call to discuss your project.