thanks how2girl, but I guess my question is more about polishing concrete that has been sealed/oiled than it is about concrete benchtops (hence those threads were a bit generic). A bit more research suggests to me that a sander is the tool to use. I'm thinking of attaching some used carpet to a sander. I'm still unsure of whether to use a polishing cream - I think it perhaps can't do any harm though, and may add to the shine. Then the question becomes whether it makes sense to add bees wax over the top. To me, it seems it would protect the shine. But I'm guessing all of this.

10 small repairs to sell your house better A small investment in renovating the home can be much more profitable when it comes to selling or renting it. A comprehensive bathroom and kitchen reform will be some of the most necessary. A small investment in renovating the home can be much more profitable when it comes to selling or renting it. Apart from a good image, it is also vital that the proper functioning of its infrastructure and facilities. Selling a second-hand house has always had the disadvantage of being in worse condition than a new one. If a product is shown in good condition and renewed, you can even raise its price. Spending money on your upgrade will allow you to get a return on investment. Likewise, it will increase its competitiveness with respect to the rest of the houses on the market with the same characteristics. Letting the home improvement experts do the dirty work for you. It is worth of your investment. 1. Comprehensive reform of the kitchen Although we are talking about small repairs, the kitchen is one of those that have the most impact and importance when it comes to selling a home. Change the floor, the coating, the entire plumbing and electrical installations, the tiles, and pavements, the countertops, the furniture, the taps, etc. If we add the kitchen furniture, without counting appliances, approximately the cost of complete reform could cost around $10,000. 2. Comprehensive bathroom update The bathroom, as Home Staging experts point out, is another of the most important focuses of attention when selling a house. For this reason, this room, along with the kitchen, will be another one that deserves one of the largest investments. Changing almost all the elements of a medium bathroom between 18 and 20 m² would cost between $4000 and $5000, according to scsgroup.com 3. Waterproof the terrace With inclement weather and changing seasons, this is usually one of the most common problems. The rainwater that filters through the terraces or roof terraces penetrates into the interior, degrading the interiors. Therefore, selling or renting a house in these good conditions will increase its value. For this, it requires the total cleaning of the terrace, fixing and repairing the tiles, and integrating insulating and waterproofing materials such as acrylic rubber, elastic polyurethane, asphalt fabric, etc. 4. Integrate the balcony in the living room Sometimes a small balcony doesn't look too good. Integrating it into a medium room can result in a spectacular room. With this renovation already done and a gleaming living room, the house will earn many more points with buyers. It gives more space to the living room as well as more square meters for the use of the house." 5. Change the floor The good condition of the floor is also another part of the house that must be taken into account. A renewed appearance will greatly re-value the property. A good idea is to remove the ceramic tile and add parquet, flooring, or laminate flooring. "Not only is it prettier but it provides warmth and they are also very resistant materials," they advise from scsgroup.com.au 6. PVC or aluminum for the windows Replacing the windows with PVC or aluminum carpentry with thermal break, both materials of similar quality, with a wide section, will ensure that the interior temperature is not lost. Isolating the house from the cold and excessive heat requires a change in the carpentry of the windows. This change will save a lot of money on heating, air conditioning, and air conditioning and will also help reduce pollution, with less consumption and less expense. 7. Double glazing A good closing for the windows is not enough. For good air conditioning, it will also be necessary to install double glazing or what is known as climalit glass, made up of two or more glasses, in addition to a sealed air chamber. Apart from thermal insulation, they will also do so from an acoustic point of view. Hire a pro for better result 8. Renew the furniture The appearance of the furniture is the 'cover letter' of the house and will also be important in making a good first impression for the buyer. You have to change those that are in poor condition unless you want a vintage or retro decoration, in which case it will be convenient to restore them. Changing it into a better distribution, renewing its textile accessories, adding new curtains, upholstering the chairs, or combining the sofa with cushions, will give very good results. 9. Change the pipes Renewing an old plumbing system will always be recommended sooner or later, especially for a second-hand home. In addition, it is one of the most common reforms and one that the buyer will appreciate. The most advisable thing is to change old materials such as galvanized iron, steel or lead for other more 'green' ones such as PVC or copper. For better result Hire a pro 10. Paint bath Painting a wall or putting a decorative vinyl wallpaper to highlight an area will give a completely new look. For better results hire a professional painter.

my suggestion would be to enlarge the existing shower (use a sliding glass door or glass screen instead of the hinged door to allow access to towel rails and wall hook, remove the bath and refresh/upgrade all fixtures, paint and tiles without moving any plumbing or walls...same or similar sized vanity with or without two sinks and maximum storage for linen, toilet paper etc, add matching mirror doored wall cabinets for toiletries, a freestanding dressing/make up table with a chair or a tall shelf for rolled towels, plants and decorative items and enjoy the luxury of all that floor space...the old bath plumbing can be locked off under the new floor and wall coverings and be easily accessed if another bath was required

The Ultimate Deep Cleaning Checklist for a Spotless Home Introduction: Maintaining a clean and spotless home requires regular cleaning routines, but occasionally, a deep cleaning session is needed to tackle those neglected areas and achieve a truly pristine living space. In this blog post, we present the ultimate deep cleaning checklist to guide you through a comprehensive cleaning process, ensuring every nook and cranny of your home receives the attention it deserves. I. Preparing for Deep Cleaning Before diving into the deep cleaning process, gather all the necessary cleaning supplies and tools. This includes microfiber cloths, cleaning solutions, a vacuum cleaner with attachments, a mop, brushes, and any specialized cleaning products. Having everything at hand will streamline the process and prevent interruptions. II. Decluttering and Organizing Start by decluttering and organizing your home. Remove any unnecessary items, sort through cluttered areas, and tidy up spaces before deep cleaning. This step creates a clean and organized foundation for the rest of the process. III. Kitchen Deep Cleaning The kitchen is a high-traffic area that requires thorough attention. Clean inside and outside of appliances, such as the oven, refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher. Wipe down cabinets, countertops, and backsplashes. Don't forget to clean the sink, faucets, and sanitize cutting boards and other food preparation surfaces. IV. Bathroom Deep Cleaning Deep cleaning the bathroom is essential for maintaining hygiene. Scrub the toilet, bathtub, and shower area with appropriate cleaning agents. Clean the mirrors, countertops, and sinks. Don't overlook cleaning grout lines, showerheads, and faucets. Lastly, mop the floor and wash the bath mats and shower curtains. V. Bedroom Deep Cleaning In the bedroom, focus on cleaning the bed linens, including sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers. Vacuum and rotate the mattress. Dust and wipe down furniture surfaces, including nightstands and dressers. Clean mirrors and windows, and declutter any items that may have accumulated on floors or surfaces. VI. Living Room and Dining Area Deep Cleaning Remove cushions and vacuum sofas and chairs. Dust and wipe down all surfaces, including tables, shelves, and entertainment centers. Clean electronics and wipe TV screens carefully. Vacuum or steam clean carpets and rugs, and mop hard floors. Don't forget to clean light fixtures and wash curtains or blinds. VII. Windows and Window Treatments Cleaning windows and window treatments can significantly enhance the overall appearance of your home. Wash windows from both the inside and outside, wiping down frames and sills. Dust or vacuum window blinds and wash or dry-clean curtains and drapes if needed. VIII. Floors and Baseboards Deep clean all types of flooring in your home, including carpets, hardwood, laminate, tile, or vinyl. Vacuum carpets thoroughly, paying attention to corners and edges. Steam clean carpets for a more thorough clean. Mop hard floors with appropriate cleaners. Don't forget to wipe down baseboards and remove any scuff marks. IX. Dusting and Cleaning Surfaces Dust and wipe down all surfaces throughout your home, including shelves, tables, countertops, and decorative items. Use microfiber cloths to capture dust effectively. Pay attention to hard-to-reach areas, such as ceiling fans, light fixtures, and vents. Don't forget to dust and clean door frames and handles. X. Final Touches As you near the end of the deep cleaning process, take a step back and assess your home. Address any remaining areas that require attention and do a final spot check for missed spots or smudges. Finally, enjoy the satisfaction of a spotless and fresh home. XI. Invest in cleaning service Keeping a clean and organized space is essential for a comfortable and healthy living or working environment. However, maintaining cleanliness can be a daunting and time-consuming task, especially for busy individuals or businesses with demanding schedules. This is where investing in aprofessional cleaning service can make a world of difference. In this blog post, we will explore the numerous benefits ofhiring a cleaning service and why it's a smart investment for your home or business. Conclusion: Deep cleaning your home is a labor-intensive task, but it is worth the effort for the remarkable results achieved. By following this ultimatedeep cleaning checklist, you can ensure that every corner of your home is thoroughlycleaned and maintained. Remember to pace yourself, enlist help if needed, and enjoy the rewarding feeling of a spotless living environment.