You’ve decided on a concrete basin for your bathroom and we don’t blame you! They are a fantastic choice; not only adding a luxury touch to your aesthetic with that superior, high-end feel, but they are built to last. Concrete basins at Drench are made from a high quality concrete that has a dual-layer sealant for maximum durability, making it watertight and resistant to heat, scratches and stains.
However, it’s still really important to swat up on concrete basin care to ensure you can maintain the appearance and functionality for years to come. In this blog, we’ll share our essential guide to looking after concrete basins and the tips you need to keep yours in tip-top shape.
What is a Concrete Basin?
Concrete in bathrooms has become extremely popular due mainly to the durability and style of the pieces available. Our range of concrete sinks has many design options to choose from, including varying shapes, textures and colours, making it easy for all types of bathrooms to find the perfect fit. Plus, with slight variations in texture from piece to piece, you can enjoy a one of a kind basin in your home. The basins in our collection are either wall hung or countertop models, freeing up floor space in your bathroom and helping to provide a more spacious layout.
One of the key features of a concrete sink is down to the construction and material used to manufacture them. Every basin in our concrete range is made from a refined material that resists heat, scratches and stains. The concrete has two layers of a waterproof coating, creating a robust, anti-grease surface and helping to protect your basin for years to come. Not only that but the coated finish means cleaning it is super easy and keeping your basin spotless really is a breeze.
Once you’ve got to know our aftercare guide, you and your basin will live happily ever after!
Concrete Basin Care Guide
Follow our simple aftercare guide below to keep your concrete basin looking its best.
Should I Clean Daily?
The superior coating used to seal the surface of the concrete basins makes them super easy to clean - and doesn’t require harsh, chemical cleaners to get the job done. It is recommended to rinse it with warm water immediately after each use or at the very least on a daily basis to remove any residual soap scum or build up.
You don’t need to use a cleaning product for this as water should suffice, but if you do want to use one, make sure it is pH-neutral, such as a mild washing up liquid, and a soft, micro-fibre cloth, which will gently cleanse the surface of the basin avoiding any damage to the coating and in turn the concrete structure. While the coating on our basins is incredibly strong, over time if your cleaner is either too acidic or too alkaline then this can cause the sealant to corrode, meaning water and other liquids can penetrate into the concrete causing damage.
Always use a soft, microfibre cloth or sponge to dry the basin after cleaning. This will ensure there are no water spots and will help to maintain that lovely, polished look. Try to avoid leaving water in the basin for too long and remove any toothpaste or cosmetics residue as soon as possible.
On the look out for the best taps to complement a concrete basin? Here’s some of our recommended products:
Harbour Clarity Knurled Mini Mono Basin Mixer Tap & Waste
From £89.99
From £129.99
Core Tall Mono Basin Mixer Tap
From £99.99
The Best Deep Cleaning Routine
Every 1-2 weeks, depending on the overall usage, you can give your concrete basin more of a deeper clean. Again, you want a gentle cleanser for this job, such as a mild washing up liquid, as it will clean sufficiently without damaging the surface.
Here’s our step-by-step guide
1. Remove everything, such as any decor or loose items, from in and around your sink so you have adequate access to the entire surface area.
2. Mix up your cleaning solution by diluting a small amount of dish soap with warm water.
3. Dampen a soft, microfiber cloth and wipe across the surface of your basin in circular motions.
4. Once you have cleaned in and around the bowl, rinse any product off with warm water and then dry using a clean microfibre cloth. Drying after cleaning ensures there are no water spots or marks left on the surface.
5. Regular maintenance by removing soap scum can limit the amount of time or product needed to keep your basin looking fresh as the day you bought it!
What about disinfecting my basin?
While dish soap can really help to get rid of germs, it isn’t a disinfectant. If you need to disinfect your concrete basin, then we would advise using white vinegar diluted with water once a week. Avoid leaving the solution to soak on the basin and rinse well and dry with a soft cloth once cleaned.
You can also use an antibacterial dish soap if you prefer. These typically have a slightly higher pH level but have antibacterial properties for peace of mind. Again, avoid letting the soap soak on the surface and use a soft cloth to clean before rinsing well with warm water and drying the basin with a clean microfibre cloth.
How to Prevent Damage to Your Concrete Basin?
You might be concerned that your basin will become damaged, but rest assured the coating used on the full range of concrete sinks is extremely tough! Our care guide is here to give you tips to maintain its pristine look and prevent any imperfections from forming. These basins are built to last and adopting a regular cleaning routine will really help to keep them looking their best.
To prevent damage to your concrete basin, follow these simple guidelines.
1. Avoid all harsh cleaning products
Try to avoid all harsh, chemical cleaners completely and steer clear of using bleach and harsh scrubs too. These products are just too abrasive for the surface and could end up causing damage. Even using a trusted household product like lemon could damage your concrete basin. Lemon juice, like other acidic substances, can etch or stain the surface if left in contact with it for too long.
2. Use a pH-neutral (7) product to clean
Keep things simple when cleaning and everything should be fine. That’s why we would recommend using a small amount of mild washing up liquid diluted in water. This way you can be sure to get a good clean while still maintaining the coating on your basin.
3. Avoid pouring boiling water into your basin
Pouring really hot or really cold liquids into your concrete basin regularly might lead to thermal shock. This occurs when rapid changes in temperature cause cracking to form.
4. Clean with a soft, lint-free cloth
Always use a soft cloth, such as a microfibre cloth or sponge, to clean your basin. Using rough cleaning tools, such as steel wool, scrubbing pads or scourers or metal brushes, can scratch the sealant and cause permanent damage to the concrete underneath.
5. Avoid placing objects around your basin
Try to avoid storing any heavy objects near to or on your concrete basin. The excessive weight can cause chips and cracks and there is also a risk of dropping them into the basin itself causing even further damage. Similarly, storing a glass or toothbrush holder on your countertop could create stains and water marks which can be difficult to treat if left too long.
What if my Concrete Basin is Damaged or Stained?
Concrete basins can become stained because of excess soap scum, cosmetic products, hard water marks and the use of abrasive cleaners and scouring pads. If you find you have this problem, there are spot cleaning techniques that can be used to help. When you are spot cleaning troublesome marks, however, it’s important to adopt a gentle and localised approach to avoid any unnecessary damage to the concrete.
For general stains such as water spots, toothpaste and tough soap grime: Use a microfibre cloth, dish soap and warm water. Paying close attention to work on the area affected only, apply a small amount of dish soap to a damp cloth and rub the stain gently in a circular motion. Rinse and dry.
For tougher, stubborn marks: Allow the dish soap to sit for around 1-2 minutes (no longer) before rinsing and drying the area.
To prevent the stain from setting, it’s important to do this as soon as you notice the spot.
If you have an oil, cream or make-up based stain: If the dish soap method has not worked, you can try a baking soda paste (mixed with warm water) as this will help to remove the grease. Be mindful to only use baking soda rarely, it is mildly abrasive and could wear the sealant down over time.
Concrete basins are a fantastic and stylish addition to your bathroom that is sure to bring you joy day after day - but they do require a little TLC to keep them looking their best. Creating a simple cleaning routine will help ensure you give them the care and attention needed to maintain their luxurious appearance.
For more cleaning guides, hints and tips, take a look at our How To section of the blog. You may be keen to read: How to clean a bathroom; 6 cleaning tips to save you time and effort; and The key to clean shower glass.
