Concrete Outdoor Furniture Cleaning and Care

Concrete has become a popular material for outdoor furniture and accessories because it is durable, versatile, and has a natural finish and sleek, modern aesthetic

What we love about concrete at Neighbor is that it a natural, sturdy material, and can be formed into any shape. Our concrete Haven Coffee Table, Side Table, and Rook Fire Table are individually hand cast by artisans and are designed to last for many years in all weather.

Whether you’re removing a spill or spring cleaning your patio or, here's how to clean and care for concrete outdoor furniture.

What is glass fiber-reinforced concrete?

As its name suggests, glass fiber-reinforced concrete is a mix that consists of cement, aggregate, polymer and high strength glass fibers that results in an extremely lightweight yet durable material. It is stronger and more protected them from environmental damage than traditional precast concrete, but it is still a natural porous material even though it looks hard and smooth. Because it is porous, concrete absorbs liquid and needs proper attention and care to keep it looking like new.

How to protect concrete outdoor furniture

Neighbor concrete is sealed to prevent marks and stains and is generally low maintenance and easy to clean, but you’ll still want to take precautions to keep it looking as good as new. We recommend avoiding prolonged contact with anything acidic or heavily pigmented like red wine and to remove any spills as quickly as possible. We also suggest using coasters or under hot objects to avoid direct contact with the concrete surface.

To protect the surface of your concrete table, apply a natural wax twice a year. Use a 100% cotton towel or applicator pad that won’t scratch, apply by hand and wax small areas at a time with tight circular motions. Let the wax dry and polish. Of course, the best way to prolong the life of your fire table is to keep moisture out with a custom-fit waterproof protective cover.

Tips on cleaning concrete

Concrete doesn’t require much maintenance or special care beyond basic wiping with a soft cloth, soap and water. For tough stains, you can use use a soft brush to scrub the stain before rinsing with a garden hose. Before cleaning, remove loose dirt, dust, and debris from the surface of the concrete furniture. This will prevent abrasive particles from scratching the surface during the cleaning process.

Step by step cleaning guide for concrete outdoor furniture

Here is a basic guide on how to clean concrete outdoor furniture:

• Create a cleaning solution by mixing a mild detergent or pH-neutral cleaner with warm water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or acidic cleaners as they can damage the concrete surface. Mix liquid dishwashing detergent and water in a spray bottle or bucket for larger stains.
• Gently scrub the entire surface of the concrete furniture. Pay extra attention to any stains or spots. For stubborn stains, you can let the cleaning solution sit on the surface for a few minutes before scrubbing.
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Make sure to remove all traces of cleaning solution. Don’t use a pressure washer.
• Dry the Furniture using a clean microfiber cloth, gently wipe the furniture to remove excess water. Allow the furniture to air dry completely.

Cleaning and maintaining concrete furniture is fairly simple and only requires mild detergents and non-abrasive tools like a soft cloth. With regular maintenance and a protective cover for winter months, your concrete table or fire table will remain a beautiful addition to your outdoor living space for many years.