How To Clean A Concrete Patio?
QUICK ANSWER
Sweep away loose debris. Scrub with dish soap and warm water using a stiff brush, or use a concrete cleaner per the product label. For mildew, algae, or moss, mix 1 part bleach with 3 parts water; apply, scrub, rinse. Pressure wash on low pressure for stubborn buildup. Rinse thoroughly.
Concrete patios collect everything: dirt, leaves, food spills, mildew, algae, moss, and stains from outdoor furniture. Cleaning restores the appearance and removes the slippery biological growth that makes wet patios dangerous. The right method depends on what's on the patio; most needs only soap and water, while mildew and algae need bleach. Here is the approach for each common patio issue plus how to use a pressure washer safely.
What is the basic cleaning method?
Start with the easy approach. Sweep the patio thoroughly to remove leaves, dirt, and debris. Move furniture, planters, and grill off to the side. Mix the cleaning solution: 1/2 cup dish soap (Dawn) per 1 gallon of warm water in a bucket. For more cleaning power, use 1/2 cup powdered laundry detergent plus 1/2 cup TSP per gallon. Apply the solution to the patio; let sit 5 to 10 minutes. Scrub with a stiff push broom or deck brush. Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose. This basic method handles most patio cleaning needs and is safe for plants and pets when rinsed thoroughly.
How do you handle mildew, algae, and moss?
Green or black growth (mildew, algae, moss) needs bleach to kill effectively; soap and scrubbing alone don't kill the organisms and they'll grow back quickly. Mix 1 part household bleach with 3 parts water in a bucket or spray bottle. Apply to affected areas with a stiff brush. Let sit 10 to 15 minutes. Scrub. Rinse thoroughly with a hose. The bleach kills the biological growth and lightens stained concrete. Wear eye protection and gloves. Cover or wet plants near the patio before applying; bleach kills plants on contact. Repeat for stubborn areas.
How do you remove specific stains?
Oil and grease: use dish soap and hot water (see separate driveway oil stain article for detailed method). Rust stains (from metal furniture or fertilizer): apply lemon juice or white vinegar; let sit 30 minutes; scrub; rinse. For stubborn rust, use a commercial rust remover (Rust-Oleum Rust Dissolver, Whink Rust Stain Remover) per product label. Tree sap and leaf stains: apply boiling water to fresh stains; for set stains, use rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits. Bird droppings: dish soap and hot water usually works; for old droppings, apply hot soapy water, let sit 15 minutes, scrub. Wine stains: same as bird droppings.
How do you use a pressure washer safely?
Pressure washers handle stubborn buildup but can damage concrete if misused. Use 3000 PSI or lower; never the 0-degree red tip on concrete. Use a 25-degree nozzle (yellow tip) at 6 to 12 inches from the surface. Work in overlapping passes from one side to the other. For deep cleaning, use a surface cleaner attachment (covers more area evenly). Rinse with plain water after detergent.
Concrete patios clean well with soap and water for basic dirt, bleach solution for biological growth, and specific treatments for specific stains. Pressure washing handles stubborn buildup but use safely with proper pressure and distance. Annual cleaning maintains appearance and safety (algae makes wet patios slippery). For old or severely stained patios, professional cleaning (150 to 400 dollars) or concrete resurfacing restores appearance dramatically.
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