The days of outdoor entertainment in spring and summer are started, and you may be starting to think about how you can clean the dirty concrete patio. Dirt, grime as well as barbecue oil may make outdoor areas less perfect for hanging out. There are many ways your concrete surfaces might be contaminated with unpleasant, unwelcome stained areas.
But don’t believe that your patio is anything less gorgeous concrete. There are many methods to prepare your patio for the exciting days to come. Today I’ll tell you the best methods to clean concrete patios. So, let’s get started.
Preparing to Clean a Concrete Patio
In the beginning, you must do your cleaning during a rainy day, so that the cleaning solution doesn’t go away before it can do its job.
Then, clean the area by removing the furniture, grills or other objects, as well as toys and cabinets for utility. Use a broom or a leaf blower to clear the area of the leaves, nuts, twigs and other debris that is accumulating.
Once you’ve removed all debris and cleaned the area, you can mix the solution you prefer for the areas that are stained or dirty of the concrete surface. Even with a mild cleaner it’s recommended to wear eye protection as well as gloves and clothing that you aren’t afraid of getting stained.
You can also corral your pets in the outdoor area to ensure they are not affected by the cleaning product you apply. Also, you can cover the space with cloths or sheets of plastic to prevent the grass and plants around you from being affected.
How To Clean A Concrete Patio?
Cleaning is only one of the ways to maintain your concrete, ensuring it’s long-lasting and appealing. Find out below our tips on what you can do and not do.
Use Dish Soap and Water
When you’re doing a task such as this, starting using the least harmful and eco-friendly option is a great choice. A common dish soap that is used in the home to degrease is efficient in cleaning dirty concrete stains, while avoiding the use of hazardous chemicals.
Begin with 2 gallons of warm water and two teaspoons of dishwashing soap in a bucket that is standard. Mop it with water and apply the solution evenly and scrub the areas affected by dirt. Set it up to give it enough time to lift the oil off the concrete and then wash. Repeat the process if necessary.
Make a Vinegar Mixture
To remove marks that are slightly more difficult to remove such as pet stains, charcoal as well as rust marks, mix equal amounts from white vinegar with water in an diluted solution. The rust and other substances react with the vinegar, which will eventually dissolve.
Make sure you allow the mixture to remain for at least several hours on the stain. After that, scrub the areas that have been treated and stained using a soft bristle brush. After a thorough rinse should the stains not gone away, try scrubbing them with vinegar undiluted.
Get Oxygen Bleach
A more eco-friendly method of cleaning concrete is to use an oxygen bleach product like OxiClean. Make sure you wear gloves made of rubber since bleach can prove rough on the skin.
Sprinkle the solution on the entire patio, then scrub it off with a regular push broom. Allow it to sit for 15 to 30 minutes before washing it off.
Grab Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is yet another concrete cleaner item that’s readily available in pharmacies, grocery stores and even at home improvement stores.
To find a safe, more durable solution to remove the stubborn stains that appear in concrete, combine flour with hydrogen peroxide to create a consistency similar to peanut butter. Apply it to the area that is stained, and scrub it off with a non-metallic brush. Following a thorough scrub, let it sit overnight.
Should You Use a Power Washer?
When handled with attention When used properly, a pressure or power washer can prove to be extremely effective in cleaning concrete sidewalks, patios and driveways. Because they are rentable or available for purchase at home and hardware improvement stores, many DIYers are inclined to give this method to try.
The most important thing is to ensure that you don’t harm your concrete’s surface. If you’re unsure of the way your concrete will be able to handle a power wash, conduct the test first. Apply the power washer to an space that’s typically hidden from view and then observe how it looks.
If you opt to use a pressure cleaner make sure to fill it with a homemade cleaning solution. Fill a bucket up with a gallon or so of water that is hot. Mix in baking soda just a bit at one time, making sure that it dissolves correctly. Include dish soap as well as a gallon of bleach. This is a great mix to power wash.
Try Muriatic Acid, but only If it is absolutely necessary
If no other method has been able to bring your concrete surface back to its original state muriatic acid powder might help. Be aware, however, that contact with this powerful acid mix can cause burns or harm your eyes, lungs the nose and skin.
Mix one part muriatic acid with 4 parts of hot water. The mixture should be evenly spread all over your concrete, being careful not to spill it onto your pets, furniture or the landscaping. It should be left to dry for no longer than ten minutes before washing it completely before drying.
Then, sprinkle baking soda in order to remove any acid. Combining this process with a power washing machine for an efficient cleaning without professional services.
The Bottom Line
I hope after reading this blog, you are now able to clean the concrete patio. Please use the above method and share your experiences in the comment section. Thank You!