How to Clean a Cement Handle

Over time, your cement handles can become dull, stains may appear, moss can develop in small, slightly damp and hidden corners. But don't worry, you can give your cement handles a new lease of life at low cost thanks to a multitude of products such as: bicarbonate of soda, Marseille soap, wood ash, etc. Don't forget the elbow grease.

Deep clean with bicarbonate or soda crystals

For slightly dirty handles, bicarbonate of soda will clean them effectively. However, for very dirty handles, you should start with soda crystals for more noticeable results. To do this:

• Create a solution based on bicarbonate of soda (1 capful) or crystals in 1 litre of water;
• Leave your handles to rest in this solution for 15 minutes;
• Rinse with cold water and dry to finish. 

Blackened and dull cement, opt for black soap

If your cement handle has not been cleaned for a long time, it will certainly blacken and become dull. To remedy this:

• Mix one capful of black soap in 3 litres of warm water;
• Apply this solution to your cement handles using a scrubbing brush;
• Rinse and dry to finish.

Marseille soap flakes: the enemy of acidic stains

After having a barbecue with friends or preparing a dinner, your hands will normally have oil and dirt on them. If you touch your cement handles with your hands, acidic or oily stains will penetrate the structure of the handle — if not cleaned promptly — and leave marks on the cement handle.

• If possible, remember to clean the handle as soon as possible.
• Otherwise, you need to use a mixture of flakes, Marseille soap and water.
• The concrete must absorb the soapy water for the stain to disappear.

To eliminate greasy stains, nothing beats Terre de Sommières

Oil stains that are not cleaned immediately tend to be absorbed by the concrete. To effectively clean these stains, there is nothing like Terre de Sommières:

• Sprinkle Terre de Sommières generously on the stain, without rubbing;
• Leave to rest for 2 to 3 hours;

Rub gently to remove the powder.