A concrete patio can be a great addition to any backyard. Over time though, concrete patios can become stained and dirty from weather, mud, grime, mold, mildew and more. Learning how to properly clean a concrete patio helps ensure it stays looking its best for years to come. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to clean a concrete patio.
Gather Supplies Needed for Cleaning Concrete Patios
Before starting to clean a concrete patio, gather the right supplies. Many supplies may already be available around the house. Here are the supplies needed:
- Garden hose – This is used to rinse away dirt and debris after cleaning. Make sure it reaches all areas of the patio.
- Stiff bristle broom – Choose a sturdy broom with thick, stiff bristles to scrub the concrete with cleaning solutions. Avoid brushes with metal or wire bristles that could scratch the concrete.
- Mold/mildew remover – Choose a cleaner specifically formulated to remove mold, mildew and algae from concrete.
- Degreaser – If there are oil/grease stains, an industrial strength degreaser is needed.
- Pressure washer (optional) – A gas or electric pressure washer can remove caked on grime more effectively than hand scrubbing. Only use if needed.
- Scrub brushes/pads – For use with pressure washer to help scour the concrete.
- Squeegee – Help channel water into drains when rinsing. Can also squeegee excess cleaning solutions off the concrete.
- Broomb – For sweeping away loose debris before wet cleaning methods.
- Eye protection, gloves & masks – For safe use of chemicals when cleaning the patio.
Gather all supplies and inspect the patio before starting. Address any repairs needed before cleaning.
Sweep Away Debris from Concrete Patio
The first step is using a broom to sweep away any loose debris. This includes leaves, dirt, twigs and other items sitting on top of the concrete patio surface.
Sweep debris off the patio and dispose of it properly. For patios with drains, sweep debris toward the drains so it can be rinsed away later.
This helps prevent debris from getting stuck in cleaning solutions and scratched into the concrete. The patio is now ready for chemical cleaners.
Use Mold/Mildew Remover on All Affected Areas
If the concrete patio has any visible mold, mildew, algae or fungus, those areas need to be treated first.
Wet down the entire concrete patio surface with water from a garden hose. Identify areas with mold/mildew growth.
Apply a mold and mildew removing cleaning solution to those affected areas according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Scrub and let it soak for the recommended time.
Power washers can help blast away mold and mildew if needed. Wear protective equipment when using a power washer.
Rinse away the cleaning solution thoroughly. Repeat as needed until the mold and mildew is gone from the concrete patio.
Mix Degreaser & Scrub All Oily Areas
Does the concrete have oil and grease stains from barbecue drippings, automotive leaks or other sources? Degreasing is the next step.
Put on protective gloves, eyewear and clothing. Prepare degreasing cleaner according to label directions. Apply it to oily areas of the concrete.
Use a stiff scrub brush to work the degreaser into the concrete. Give it time to break down the oil and grease, scrubbing occasionally.
Rinse the degreaser off fully with clean water. Check if oily stains remain and repeat degreasing if needed. Avoid degreasing entire patio.
Proper degreasing prevents oil stains from being ground further into the concrete when scrubbing the rest of the patio.
Mix Concrete Cleaner Solution
For general cleaning of the remaining concrete patio surface, use a concentrated alkaline cleaner. Mix according to manufacturer directions.
Apply the mixed cleaner solution evenly across the concrete patio using a plastic sprinkling can. Any cleaner formulated for concrete patios or driveways will work.
Let the cleaner soak for 5-10 minutes. This gives the chemicals time to break down dirt, grime and ground in stains.
Scrub Entire Concrete Patio Surface
After letting the cleaner soak in, use a stiff bristle broom or scrub brush to scour the entire concrete patio surface.
Apply plenty of muscle to scrub out stains and grime from the textured concrete surface. Scrub in different directions.
Continue scrubbing until the concrete patio surface appears clean. Focus on any remaining trouble spots.
For severely dirty concrete, use a power washer on low pressure to blast away grime more effectively while scrubbing.
Rinse Cleaning Solutions Away
With the scrubbing complete, the next step is thoroughly rinsing away all cleaning solutions from the concrete patio.
Use a garden hose on a high pressure setting. Rinse away cleaning solutions, dirt and debris toward patio drains.
Continue rinsing until all suds, chemicals and grime are gone. A squeegee can help channel water into drains.
Let the concrete patio dry fully in the sun for 24 hours. Inspect for any remaining trouble spots that may need re-cleaning.
How to Clean Concrete Patio FAQs
Cleaning a concrete patio thoroughly can take some work. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What is the easiest way to clean concrete patios?
For light cleaning, sweeping and using a garden hose with high pressure rinse is easiest. For a deeper clean, use a specialized concrete patio cleaner, let soak and scrub thoroughly before rinsing.
How do you clean sealed concrete?
Sealed concrete needs milder cleaners like dish soap and warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the sealant. Rinse completely. Reseal as needed over time.
What removes rust from concrete?
For rust stains, apply oxalic or phosphoric acid-based rust removers. Let sit 5-10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. Wear proper protective gear when using acids.
What removes oil stains from concrete?
Degreasing cleaners help dissolve and lift oil and grease from concrete. Apply, let soak 5-10 minutes, scrub then rinse thoroughly. May take multiple applications.
How do you get dried concrete off a patio?
Dried concrete needs abrasive removal. Use a concrete scraper, chisel and hammer, grinding attachment on a power drill or rent a concrete floor polisher to buff it smooth.
How do you clean bird droppings off concrete?
Bird droppings can be unsightly and damaging. Remove droppings, then use a disinfectant cleaner on the area to kill bacteria left behind. Rinse thoroughly.
How do you clean black spots off concrete?
Black spots can be mold, mildew, fungus or grease that has penetrated the concrete. Use cleaners specific to the type of stain. Degrease oily black spots. Kill and scrub away mold or mildew.
How do you clean concrete patio drains?
Use a wet/dry vacuum to suck out dirt buildup from patio drains. Flush drains with water. For excess grime, scrub with a pipe brush and concrete cleaner before rinsing.
How often should you pressure wash a concrete patio?
It’s best to pressure wash a concrete patio annually. For high-traffic areas or excess dirt, pressure wash twice a year. Avoid excessive pressure washing which can damage concrete over time.
Tips for Ongoing Concrete Patio Care
Once the initial deep clean is complete, regular maintenance will make cleaning easier. Here are some helpful tips for keeping a concrete patio looking its best:
- Sweep frequently to prevent buildup of leaves, dirt and debris.
- Rinse away spills as soon as they happen to prevent staining.
- Reseal bare concrete every 1-2 years to protect the surface.
- Monitor for new mold/mildew growth and treat quickly when detected.
- Remove weeds growing in cracks with a weed pulling tool or herbicide.
- Keep patio drains clean and functional to prevent pooling water.
- Consider concrete patio covers to prevent exposure to rain, snow and other elements.
- Re-treat oil stained areas if the stain reappears to prevent penetration deep into concrete.
By properly sealing, cleaning and maintaining a concrete patio, it will stay clean and presentable for many years before needing a deep clean again. Be sure to use the right cleaners and methods for the type of staining to get the best results cleaning a concrete patio surface.
Conclusion
While cleaning a stained and dirty concrete patio is hard work, the results are worth the effort. A clean, inviting patio allows for full enjoyment of outdoor living spaces. By using the proper supplies and techniques outlined above, concrete patios can look freshly poured again.
Be sure to use the right commercial strength cleaners and power washing tools as needed to break down tough oil, mold and other stains from patio concrete.
With a routine cleaning regimen, you can keep your concrete patio looking like new year after year. Here’s to many seasons of barbecuing, relaxing and enjoying a clean, well-maintained concrete patio.