Concrete Care 101: Essential Maintenance Tips for Orange County Homeowners

Regular Cleaning: The Best Way to Keep Your Concrete Looking Its Best

Regular cleaning helps to make sure your concrete remains clean and looks good for years to come:

• Sweep your concrete frequently to get rid of dirt and debris
• Wash your concrete lightly with a garden hose to get rid of any dust or minor stains
• Use a pressure-washer on a low setting if you need to remove tough dirt or stains

Pro Tip: Clean your concrete at least once or twice a year. More frequently, if your concrete is used a lot, or if you live near trees that drop leaves.

Sealing: Protects Your Concrete from Stains and Damage

Sealing protects your concrete from stains and damage caused by weather:

• Seal your concrete every 2-3 years or as directed by the manufacturer
• Choose the right kind of sealer for your kind of concrete (penetrating sealers for driveways, acrylic sealers for decorative concrete)
• Clean your concrete thoroughly before applying a sealer

Note: If you live in Orange County like I do, using a UV-resistant sealer is a good idea to protect your concrete from the sun’s damaging rays.

Removing Stains Before They Settle

When spills happen, act fast to help prevent them from leaving a stain on your concrete:

• Oil Spills: Sprinkle cat litter or sawdust over the spill to absorb the oil, then sweep up the mess
• Organic Stains (Leaves, Berries): Use a mixture of water and white vinegar to remove the stain
• Rust Stains: Try using a commercial rust-remover made specifically for concrete

Note: Remember to test cleaning-products on a small, unnoticeable section of the concrete first.

Repairing Hairline Cracks in Your Concrete

Fix small cracks in your concrete as soon as possible to prevent them from getting worse:

• Small Cracks (Hairline Cracks): Use a concrete crack-filler or silicone caulk
• Medium Cracks: Use a concretepatching compoundd
• Large Cracks (> ¼ inch) that show signs of movement: Hire a professional

Protecting Your Concrete During Severe Weather Events

Orange County is generally known for having mild winters and hot summers; however, there will be extreme weather-conditions occasionally:

• Extreme Cold: Do not use de-icing chemicals on your concrete surfaces
• Heat Waves: Occasionally, lightly spray water on your concrete to help cool it down
• Heavy Rainfall: Make sure there is proper drainage so water does not pool on your concrete surface

Protecting Your Furniture and Heavy Objects from Damaging Your Concrete

Preventing damage from furniture and heavy objects on your concrete:

• Use furniture pads under the legs of outdoor furniture
• Do not drag large or heavy items across your concrete surface
• Periodically rotate the position of planters and other heavy items

Expert Care for Your Concrete

There may be times when you want to hire an expert to take care of some aspect of your concrete:

• Hire a professional to deep-clean your concrete annually
• Have a concrete specialist inspect your surfaces every few years
• For larger repairs or resurfacing, trust an experienced contractor

Eco-Friendly Options for Cleaning Your Concrete

For those who prefer to go “green” when cleaning their concrete, consider the following eco-friendly options:

• Light Stains: Baking soda paste
• Grease Stains: Cornstarch
• Rust Stains: Lemon juice & salt
• Mildew: Hydrogen peroxide

Seasonal Maintenance Schedule

Spring

• Inspect your concrete after winter
• Clean and prepare surfaces for peak usage season

Summer

• Watch for heat-stress/damage on your surfaces
• Keep surfaces clean and cool during high-usage months

Fall

• Remove leaves promptly to prevent staining
• Prepare surfaces for less frequent use in winter

Winter

• Look for any issues with water-pooling or poor drainage
• Protect your concrete from rare frost/freeze events

Knowledge is Power When Caring for Your Concrete

Knowing your concrete is essential to caring for it properly:

• Know what kind of concrete you have and what finish it has
• Understand the specific needs for decorative concrete
• Teach family members/employees how to properly take care of your concrete

At Orange Concrete Contractor Pros, we are dedicated to assisting you in keeping your concrete surfaces beautiful and in good condition. Proper care not only keeps your concrete looking great for years to come, but it can also extend the life of your concrete, which saves you money in the long run.

While these DIY tips are great for routine maintenance, we are here to assist you with your major concrete projects.

Whether you need a new installation, a major repair, or just some expert advice, feel free to call us.

Need help with the special care needed for your concrete surface in Orange County? Contact Orange Concrete Contractor Pros today.