Whether it’s a stamped concrete patio you have or a stained one instead, a concrete patio is a great way to extend your outdoor living space and increase the curb appeal of your property. While most people think about hiring professionals to clean it, several home-made concrete patio cleaning solutions work just fine. If you’re looking for information on how to clean a concrete patio, this blog goes over several DIY cleaning techniques for everything from routine grime to mold, restoring the lost charm and value of your property.
DIY Patio Cleaning: The Best Homemade Solutions & Pastes
Is your patio looking a little dirty? Or have you noticed algae and weeds due to months of neglect? While the best way to get it cleaned is through contacting experts, there are a few techniques you can use to clean it yourself if you don’t mind the physical exertion or the time that goes into it.
Here is how to clean your concrete patio, depending on the extent of the damage.
Water & Dish Soap Solution
The most basic way to clean your patio is to use what you have lying around in the kitchen. Take about a gallon of warm water in a bucket and squeeze a generous amount of dish soap into it. Mix well, and then use the solution to get rid of the usual dirt and grime that accumulates on your patio.
Vinegar & Water Mixture
But what if it’s more than just dirt? In that case, combine equal parts white vinegar and water and spray it onto the affected areas. If you’ve got mold or mildew growing as a result of neglect, this solution will get rid of it. If it’s not enough, add baking soda to the solution to create a thick paste for better results.
Baking Soda Paste
If it’s dinner parties that you mostly use your patios for, it won’t be surprising to find oil or grease stains on the surface. Sprinkle a bit of baking soda onto the stain to dissolve it. If that doesn’t work, add water to create a paste and leave it to sit for a while. This should eliminate all the stains.
| Pro Tip Wear gloves and safety goggles when handling any of these ingredients |
Vinegar Or Lemon Juice Cleanser
If your concrete patio has developed rust stains, you’re going to need something a little different than the usual. Spray the stains with a bit of synthetic vinegar or lemon juice and clean the area after a few minutes. This should take care of any marks left behind by metal furniture or iron-rich water.
Bleach Solution
If your patio really needs something stronger, use a bleach solution. Take about 1/3 cup of bleach and dilute it with a gallon of water. Scrub the solution into your patio for a deep clean that kills off bacteria, eliminates dirt, and makes all the stubborn stains disappear.
The Correct Way To Clean Concrete Patios: Tips, Techniques & More
Still with us? Wonderful! As you can see, there are numerous household ingredients that you have lying in your pantry and cleaning closet that can renew that dirty concrete patio. But it’s important to remember that these remedies only work well if you know how to use them. Otherwise, you could end up either wasting time or creating faded patches. To clean a concrete patio properly, you should:
- Clear Patio: Start by removing all your furniture, grills, or toys from the patio for uninterrupted cleaning.
- Sweep Patio: Next, take a moment to remove all the loose dirt and debris from the patio.
- Apply Cleaner: Now, take a spray bottle or a bucket and spread your cleaner of choice onto the surface.
- Scrub: Either use a stiff-bristle brush or a broom to thoroughly scrub the solution into the surface.
- Wait: Wait about fifteen to twenty minutes for the product to do its magic.
- Rinse: When it’s time, use a garden hose to rinse off the solution thoroughly for a renewed patio.
Conclusion
To conclude, learning how to clean a concrete patio on your own is simple. Depending on the state of your patio, either use a baking soda and water paste to target grease, white vinegar to remove rust stains, or just dish soap with water to eliminate general grime. Remember to leave the mixture on for a few minutes and rinse it off thoroughly for the best results. We hope this blog made your patio shine. For more recommendations, please feel free to ask.
FAQs
What precautions should I take with these solutions?
You should do a patch test in an inconspicuous area before spraying the entire patio.
How often should I schedule professional patio cleaning?
You should schedule it once or twice a year during moderate temperatures.
How do I protect my patio from getting dirty?
Clean spills immediately, sweep regularly, place mats to catch dirt, and trim overhanging branches.