I had polished concrete put in my kitchen two years ago and it looked amazing at first, but now I'm noticing it gets dull with regular cleaners. Does anyone know what product to use to clean it without damaging the finish? And how do you maintain it once it starts getting scratched?
Polished cement is pretty delicate - regular cleaners (especially acidic ones) can damage the polish 😅 Try lukewarm water and a neutral cleaner made specifically for cement surfaces, or a solution of water and diluted white vinegar (but not too much). For maintenance, every now and then apply a wax for polished cement that restores shine and protects against scratches and stains. If you already have surface scratches, it depends how deep they are: if they're light, local polishing might save the piece, but if they're really bad you'll probably need to have whoever installed it originally do it because they have the right equipment 🐾
Polished concrete is really beautiful but unfortunately quite delicate. The problem you're describing (the dulling) is caused by regular detergents that leave residue and alter the shine. The solution is to use products specifically made for ground or polished concrete - look for ones with neutral pH, otherwise you risk wearing down the finish over time. When you clean, use warm water with a heavily diluted detergent, dab it well with a soft cloth, and most importantly always dry it afterward. Completely avoid acidic products (like those for heavy degreasing) and hard brushes.
For routine maintenance, a damp cloth with water and a few drops of neutral detergent is the most you should do. If you want to restore the shine, there are sealants specifically made for polished concrete that you apply every 6-12 months depending on wear - it's not a difficult job, you just need to follow the instructions on the package. These sealants not only restore brilliance but also protect against scratches.
With actual scratches it's more complicated: if they're superficial, the sealant can minimize them. If they're deeper, you need localized sanding that's best done by someone with the right equipment, because doing it yourself you risk making things worse. In the meantime, use the sealant to protect it further. Regular maintenance really is the key to keeping concrete in good condition without damaging it.
What nobody mentions is that surface scratches are often not actual damage but just dirt embedded in the micro-roughness, so before thinking about touch-ups try cleaning thoroughly with demineralized water and a soft sponge. For daily maintenance just use lukewarm water with a few drops of pH-neutral detergent (like those for delicate floors), but most importantly dry it right away, because moisture is what dulls it the most. When it actually starts to scratch, the solution is to apply a protective sealant made specifically for polished concrete every one to two years: it's not hard, but you have to do it properly or you'll make things worse.
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