How to Clean a Concrete Patio

A few months ago, we discussed the difference between a deck and a patio while giving the advantages and disadvantages of both. One of the major benefits of getting a patio over a deck is that it’s much easier to clean and cheaper to maintain. Even though it’s cheaper and easier doesn’t mean you don’t have to do anything though.

So if you have one, or are considering getting one, here’s what you need to know about cleaning your patio.

Remove any clutter from the patio

The first step is to remove any items you might have on the patio. This means you should take off all furniture, planters or equipment.

Sweep away any debris

Next, use a broom or hose to get rid of debris, like dirt, leaves and branches. By making sure the patio is clean and clear of any debris, you’ll be able to thoroughly clean your patio without things getting in the way.

Use a pressure washer

There are many different of patios, but the three main types are concrete, stone and brick. For a concrete patio, it’s convenient to use a high-powered pressure washer. Doing so will remove any dirt and debris from small crevices in the patio, but it won’t do things like remove grease. For that you will need to use a cleaning solution.

An environmentally friendly solution

You can also use a commercial patio cleaning product, which can be a great option if you’re trying to be environmentally friendly because there is a wide variety of products designed specifically to be ecofriendly.

There are also homemade solutions that work well on concrete patios, including two cups of vinegar in a bucket of water and a half cup of baking soda in a gallon of water. Then use a bristled brush to give it a quick scrub. Working in sections really makes it easier to keep track of what you’ve done.

Cleaning with bleach

Here’s another option for cleaning with bleach given by howtocleanit.net:

“This is probably the least expensive, and least labor intensive ways to clean a concrete patio. Wet the entire area of concrete you want to clean. Pour bleach straight from the container onto the patio. Allow the bleach to sit for a few minutes, and you will notice the concrete beginning to look cleaner. After about fifteen minutes, rinse a small area of the concrete and determine if the bleach has worked it’s magic yet. Rinse thoroughly when complete. You should find your concrete patio is now several shades cleaner.”

Any of these methods will depend on how frequently you clean your patio and how much work it needs.