These Deteriorated Concrete Countertops Returned to Top Condition After a Stone Cleaning in Austin, TX

April 19, 2021

A common misconception many people have when stains show up on the concrete surfaces in their homes is that they're the result of dirt accumulation. A homeowner from Austin recently went through the same thought process when he saw the concrete countertops in his home were dingy. After many cleaning attempts, however, he realized that wasn't the case. Even though he had managed to clean most of the dirt from the surfaces on several occasions, he couldn't remove the stains.


Frustrated, he went online and searched for advice. After browsing several websites, he learned that porous materials require sealing to stay in good shape. The homeowner cleaned the countertops regularly, but the surfaces hadn't been sealed in a long time. Most websites also suggested hiring professionals to have the concrete surfaces restored, so he searched for stone cleaning professionals in Austin, TX. He found our website in the top search results. After watching several video testimonials and reading some of the reviews left by previous customers, he called to schedule a free in-home evaluation.

When we arrived at the client's home, he invited us in and led us to the countertops in the kitchen. We immediately noticed what the client had described over the phone. The surfaces were dirty, but the biggest problem was the etch marks and stains.


We explained to the customer that while it's true dirt helped further deteriorate the countertops, the real culprit was improper maintenance. Much like natural stone, concrete is porous. If it's not properly sealed, water, dirt, and other substances can permeate its surface and make it appear stained. Once the integrity of the material is compromised it's very hard to repair it with conventional methods. For that reason, we always recommend our clients seal their concrete surfaces periodically.

The client thanked us for our thorough explanation. He also asked if we could take a look at the sink in the master bathroom. The basin was placed on top of a concrete slab that was similar to that of the countertops in the kitchen. Unfortunately, the surface was also riddled with stains and needed to be repaired.

Even though the damage was severe, it wasn't anything we couldn't fix. We offered the client a thorough stone cleaning and sealing service. We would wash, hone, polish, and seal the concrete surfaces to get them back in shape. Feeling confident in our ability to restore the surfaces, the client agreed to the service.

On the day of the job, we began the restoration procedure by performing a thorough cleaning of the concrete surfaces. To do this, we soaked the counters with a pH-neutral cleaner that's safe for concrete. This cleaner also contains properties that help reduce and inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms. After we let the cleaner sit for a few minutes, we rinsed it off with a high-speed scrubber.

Once we finished cleaning, we honed the surfaces using a low-grit diamond pad to remove the etch marks. Next, we extracted the leftover debris and polished the counters to a nice, glossy finish. To finish the job, we coated every countertop with Stone Armor. This is an impregnating sealant that protects porous surfaces against water, soap, spills, stains, mold, and mildew. It also enhances the overall appearance of concrete by giving it a fresh look.

The client was surprised by the results. The counters he had struggled to clean no longer looked worn-down and unhygienic. They now had a beautiful shine that gave both the kitchen and the bathroom a lovely appearance. He thanked us for the job and assured us he would call back for maintenance.

Taking preventive measures is the best way to ensure concrete surfaces remain in good shape. For that reason, we gave the client some maintenance tips before we left. We first recommended cleaning the surfaces once a week using a pH-neutral cleaner like Sir Grout's Natural Hard Surface Cleaner. Unlike most cleaning products, this cleaner doesn't contain acidic substances or soap. We also suggested keeping the surfaces as dry as possible. This practice will help prevent dirt accumulation and stains.

Have your countertops seen better days? Our expert technicians at Sir Grout Austin can restore them for you. We have the necessary tools and expertise to offer the best hard surface restoration services in the industry. Call us at (512) 645-1291 or fill out the "Request a Quote" form on this page to schedule a free consultation today. Don't forget to also subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with our latest news and promotions.

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