Published on February 7th, 2023

Last updated on February 7th, 2023

How To Clean A Concrete Patio? Best Way For Fast Result!

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
washing concrete patio

The patio is an essential element of every home. This place allows you to spend time actively in a safe environment. You can also invite guests and have a barbecue in your backyard.

But just like any other element in the house, it can wear out and become dirty. That is why it is important to repair and clean the patio regularly. The right set of measures will help you effectively clean and keep it attractive.

But concrete patio cleaning needs knowledge and the availability of special tools. To avoid damaging the surfaces, you should use the right tools and techniques for cleaning the concrete surface.

This article will tell you about this and a few other practical tips. Read the text to the end to know how to effectively and safely clean the concrete patio without much effort.

How to Get Stains Out of Concrete: Gather All Your Materials

best way to clean concrete patio with a broom

First of all, you need to collect all your materials for work. Let’s take a look at what we need:

  • Concrete surface cleaner. This can be a commercial cleaner, soapy water, or oxalic acid.
  • Broom.
  • Garden hose.
  • Brush.
  • High-pressure washer.
  • Protective equipment for eyes and hands.
  • Water.

Also, consider that it is best to clean the concrete patio during cloudy weather. This way, your cleaning agent won’t evaporate quickly. And you can clean it thoroughly.

Once you’ve gathered all the necessary supplies and are ready to clean up, you can start cleaning your concrete surface.

Also, be careful while cleaning the concrete surface. You need to protect your plants in advance. Cover them with a tarp. This way, you will avoid getting the active substance on your plants. Also, keep animals away from you while cleaning. They can taste your active cleaners. This may lead to poisoning. 

Now, let’s look at the best way to clean a concrete patio.

concrete patio cleaning

Step 1. Pre-cleaning of the Patio

Before cleaning with professional cleaners and a pressure washer, pre-clean the surface. For this, you can use a broom. But before doing this, remove all furniture and cooking utensils to the side. Use a broom to spot the surface and collect debris in a bucket or trash bag. Thus, you get rid of small debris and dust. Now, you are ready to clean up the concrete surface.

Step 2. Use a Pressure Washer

After pre-cleaning the concrete patio, the best way to clean it, use a pressure washer. First, you need to attach the high-pressure nozzle to your device. Visually divide your surface into several sections and clean them one by one. You need to act consistently and carefully. But try not to stay in one place for too long. Strong water pressure can damage the concrete surface.

Step 3. Apply a Stain Remover

If stains remain while cleaning with high pressure, use an aggressive solution. Apply your solution to the stain and wait a few minutes. After that, you can rub this stain with a stiff brush. And only then can you try again to wash off the stains with a pressure washer.

Step 4. Washing Concrete Patio with Water

After you’ve washed your yard with aggressive cleaners and a pressure washer, you need to wash off any residue from your yard’s surface. To do this, use a low-pressure nozzle or a garden hose. This time you don’t need to divide the surface into sections. You need to wash the concrete patio with water so that it flows to one place. This way, you can effectively wash off any remaining dirt from the surface.

Step 5. Let It Dry

After you remove stains from the concrete patio, wait until the surface is completely dry. After that, you can either return the furniture to its place or apply a concrete sealer.

Step 6. Apply the Sealant

It’s also important to re-caulk the surface after cleaning, as it can help protect the concrete from stains, weathering, and other types of damage. This will also help keep your yard looking good and make it easier to clean in the future.

How to Get Stains Out of Concrete: Prevention from Dirt

backyeard with cleaned concrete patio

It is important to keep it clean and tidy. There are also some practical tips on how you can keep your yard clean:

  • Cover the surface with an awning. This way, you can avoid debris.
  • Sweep regularly. This procedure will take you up to 15 minutes. But the effect will be worth it.
  • Lay floor mats. This will help keep you from bringing trash onto the surface.
  • Regularly clean and repair equipment in the yard. Clean outdoor furniture and grills. This can help prevent rust, stains, and other damage.
  • Remove stains from the concrete patio regularly with mild detergent and water. This helps remove dirt and grime before it has time to build up.
  • Planting trees or installing windscreens helps reduce the amount of dirt entering the area.

With just a few tips, you can effectively keep your area clean. 

Bottom Line

As a result, now you know how to clean the concrete patio. But it can take some time. You can make your concrete patio look as clean and shiny as possible with the right tips and actions. But you should also remember to take precautions. Always use protective equipment for yourself and those around you. Also, use the tips to prevent dirt in the yard. This way, you can keep your yard as clean as possible.

FAQ

Can I use bleach to clean my concrete patio?

You can use bleach to clean a concrete patio, but you should do it cautiously. Mixing bleach with other cleaning products like ammonia can create toxic fumes. Rinse the surface thoroughly after using bleach. It helps to avoid damaging plants or discoloring the surface.

What type of detergent should I use for cleaning my concrete patio?

A detergent with pressure washers is great for cleaning a concrete patio. This will typically be a heavy-duty, high-foaming detergent. This is effective at removing dirt, grime, and stains.

How often should I clean my concrete patio?

The frequency at which you clean your concrete patio will depend on how much use it gets and how dirty it becomes. For a heavily used patio, it’s a good idea to clean it at least once a year. A patio that is not frequently used may only need to be cleaned every few years.

Can I use a power brush or scrubber to clean my concrete patio?

You can use a power brush or scrubber to clean a concrete patio. But be careful with the brush not to damage the surface. And also, it will take more time and effort than using a pressure washer with a detergent attachment.