Watch Our Quick Video On How To Clean Paving Slabs With Bleach And Water
You can watch a quick 2 minute video on how to clean your paving slabs with bleach and water. Or simply follow the easy to understand step-by-step instructions with photos below the video. The method we have shown if for cleaning natural stone paving slabs. You could also use this method for cleaning concrete or clay block paving with bleach and water.
How To Clean A Patio Whether Its Concrete Pavers Slabs Bricks Or Stone
Find out how to clean a patio whatever yours is made from. Here’s the lowdown, plus our brilliant video guide
Need to find out how to clean a patio? After a long winter even the loveliest patio can look a little grubby, and even green, while debris like leaves and twigs could have accumulated on the surface. It all adds up to a patio that doesn’t look like an enticing space to take a seat come the good weather.
But whether yours is made from concrete or cement, pavers, slabs, brick or stone, patio cleaning takes just a little time effort with the promise of great results. And so you can achieve your transformation, we’ve put together a guide to the different ways you can tackle yours, from buying the best patio cleaner, to taking on the job with a power washer and more.
Find out the right way to clean a patio by scrolling down.
- See all our beaut patio ideas in our edit.
How To Clean A Concrete Pathway Without Harming The Surrounding Grass
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After a few years, homeowners might notice that their concrete walks, driveway and patio look a bit tired. Nature’s detritus – dirt, decaying leaves, growing moss, decomposing fruit and berry-stained bird droppings – adds up until the average homeowner goes looking for a walkway and patio cleaner that doesn’t kill the grass. Cleaning concrete and patio pavers without damaging adjacent plants begins with preparing your surface and an environmentally friendly approach before you have to apply elbow grease and chemicals.
General Maintenance For Paths And Patios To Keep Them Clean And Tidy
Brushing
The action of brushing will also break off any small weeks that have just started sprouting preventing them from growing any further.
Brushing up leaves and debris will help to prevent and weed growth or growth from Moss and Lichens
Weeding
It is pretty much inevitable that at some point a weed will take root and grow. Whether it’s due to not having time to brush or whether you away for an extended period of time, it’s going to happen.
When you do get a chance to attend to them make sure that you pull up any weeds that have taken root, taking as much of the root with the weed as possible.
Also, remove any weeds that have taken root in any joints. If you have sand filled joints then in most circumstances the weed will take some of the sand with it. Once all weeds are gone and you have cleaned and swept the area you must then replace the sand in the joint, do not leave it partially filled.
Weedkillers can also be a good solution as, obviously, they will kill any weeds when sprayed. In terms of which weedkillers to use, the best are either contact or systemic killers:
- Contact: This type of weed killer is usually fast acting and will kill most things that its sprayed on to as it is absorbed through the leaves and stem etc….
- Systemic: These weed killers tend to be a bit slower acting but are generally much more thorough as they work their way through the entire plant right down to the root
Grass growth in patio joint
Cleaning and Power Washing
Joints
Step 2: Mix The Soap With Warm Water To Make Your Own Patio Cleaner
The first step and simplest way to clean your paving involves simple brushing with soapy, warm water.
For the most part, you will not need special products for cleaning paving slabs: a mild, gentle soap such as washing up liquid and water will often work just fine. Mix it for a few seconds until you see a nice foam forming on the top.
Do remember to check the contents of your cleaning products first, as some ingredients can damage paving materials.
For example, if you have concrete paving, cleaning products that contain acid are a bad idea and, regardless of material, soap that contains limestone or marble should be avoided.
What’s The Correct Way To Remove Cement Stains From Natural Stone
We are writing this blog to try and help you avoid what happened to a lady who contacted us recently.
Mrs B had unfortunately had her Kandla Grey Sandstone patio damaged by her contractors, who were woefully uninformed about the right way to install and care for natural stone.
They didn’t remove cement stains from their work area correctly, and our customer thought her patio was ruined. In their attempt to remove spilled cement they have caused rust staining by using the wrong product for the job.
Luckily, Stoneworld have been able to help her rectify the situation. We understand stone and how to care for it. We urge all our customers to take our advice which we are more than happy to give about any aspect of stone care and maintenance.
Natural stone surfaces are versatile hardwearing and beautiful products to use, and investing in them will add ambience and value to your home.
Generally, they are very easy to care for but there are a few things that you need to think about when choosing cleaning products to use on them.
Please take note of this very important message:
NEVER USE BRICK ACID ON NATURAL STONE SURFACES.
Why is brick acid the wrong product to use on natural stone?
It is too harsh, extremely corrosive, and on certain stones will cause chemical reactions that will result in severe rust staining to the surface, spoiling the appearance of your stone patio or floor.
Back to our case study:
What is the right product to use on natural stone to remove rust stains?
How To Remove Green Algae And How To Clean A Patio With Bleach
Yes, you guessed it, knowing how to remove green algae means knowing how to clean a patio with bleach.
In fact, using bleach is a simple way of solving what might look like a big problem of a patio that’s turned green. All you’ll need is the type of household bleach you probably have already. However, it’s best to avoid a product manufactured to stick to a toilet bowl as the aim is to spread the bleach evenly over your patio to clean it.
To use bleach put water into a bucket or watering can, then add an equal amount of bleach. Apply evenly to the patio, and be careful not to get any on surrounding plants or grass – rinse thoroughly if this happens.
Leave the bleach solution to work for a few minutes, then rinse the patio thoroughly with clean water. Don’t forget to rinse your watering can or bucket, too.
Be aware that you may need to repeat the treatment if the algae is stubborn.
How To Remove Stains From A Driveway Patio Or Concrete Surface
Does your patio, driveway, garage floor, or other concrete or asphalt area have unsightly stains? Whether they’re from oil, dirt, rust, dog urine, or anything else, we have the easy solution to get rid of them for good.
If you have stains on paving stones or a concrete patio, sometimes the solution is simple. Try pouring hot water from several feet above the stone onto the stain. Repeat several times, and your stain may just disappear. If this doesn’t work, try rubbing some dishwashing liquid into the spot with a toothbrush, then rinsing off. For really tough stains, first douse with vinegar or ammonia and let sit for several hours before rinsing off. But for even tougher stains, we have the hacks you need to remove them.
Lynsey Queen Of Clean Recommends ‘amazing’ Cleaning Product
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Outdoor concrete is exposed to harsh weather and lots of use, meaning it can start to look grubby quite quickly, despite lasting the test of time. Paving slabs take some care in order to continue looking sharp, and typically need a pressure washer to give them a quick blast.
Tiktok User Shows Off Cleaning Hack Using Fabric Softener
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Patio slabs are exposed to the elements all year round, so it is hardly surprising that they can get a bit dirty during the rainy winter months. But with Spring rapidly approaching, it’s time to get those patio slabs sparkling in time for gardening season to resume again. Read on to find out how you can clean patio slabs with simple household cleaning items.
Natural Concrete Cleaning Solution For Pressure Washers
Power washers are by far the most accessible tool to use when trying to clean the exterior of your home, especially when it comes to concrete. If made right, a homemade concrete cleaning solution for pressure washer can kill off mold, too.
To start making your solution, pour one gallon of water into a bucket. Try to get the water to a hot temperature. Then, add baking soda little by little and stir while adding the baking soda until it has dissolved into the water. Add in one quart of household bleach and dish detergent, then mix slowly to avoid the suds from overpowering the bucket.
Once this natural cleaner is mixed together, pour it into the pressure washer and follow the directions for the tool as stated on the packaging for the best DIY cleaning result.
Step 5: Disconnect Your Pressure Washer And Put It Away
Finally, disconnect your pressure washer and then pull the trigger until you’ve emptied it of water. Draining it will help keep it clean and prevent any water inside from freezing, expanding, and damaging the sensitive internals.
So there you have it: three ways to clean your patio slabs. How will you clean yours? With soap, bleach or a pressure washer?
If you need to buy more patio slabs, check out our range of paving slabs here.
Watch our video tutorial here:
If you’re planning a patio build, see our how to lay a patio post for a step-by-step guide that provides professional advice and handy tips.
Caution Should Be Shown When Using Bleach For Cleaning
Cleaning your paving slabs with bleach and water is very effective at removing and cleaning moss, algae, and weeds from paving but it is not for everybody! All paving slab types are different. I would not recommend that you use bleach to clean your paving if any of the following apply to your paving.
- Your paving slabs or block pavers are made from man-made colored concrete. The bleach could fade your paving if constantly cleaned with bleach over a long period of time. If this does not concern you then you should be fine to clean concrete block paving with bleach.
- If there is a run off of the bleach and water solution towards a garden area or soil border. This is because bleach will kill all plants and greenery. So make sure that if you do use bleach that there is no chance the cleaning solution will run onto lawn grass area or planted garden border. If you cannot avoid a run off of bleach and water towards an area of lawn or border area I would recommend that you first wet any green area to lessen the chance of killing the grassed or planted area. Then rinse with plenty of water afterwards.
- If you have natural stone paving slabs or grey concrete man-made paving slabs and the run off of the water is not a problem then you should be fine to clean your paving slabs with bleach and water.
Can Pressure Washing Damage Concrete + Pavers + Bricks
Can Pressure Washing Damage Concrete + Pavers + Bricks? Can Pressure Washing Damage Concrete or Pavers? Pressure washing is a popular way to clean hardscapes, and you can clean concrete, paving stones or bricks with a power washer. Select a pressure washer with between three and four gpm at a pressure of 3000 psi . Power Washing Concrete, Bricks and Pavers: Final ThoughtsIt is particularly important to avoid damage if you have concrete or brick hardscapes.
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Does Your Concrete Need More Than Just A Good Cleaning
A good cleaning can go a long way in improving the appearance of your concrete surface, but it can only do so much. If your concrete is in need of repair, consider calling the experts at Wolf Paving. You can get a free estimate today, or contact us for more information! Call us at 262-965-2121 for the Milwaukee area, or 608-249-7931 for the Madison area.
Interested in learning more about concrete? Try these other resources:
How Do You Remove Cement Stains From Indian Sandstone
Cleaning Indian sandstone is simple. Use soapy water, or, for tougher stains as well as moss and algae, a bleach mixture. Combine equal parts of bleach and water and pour onto the slabs. Leave for around 30 minutes and wash off with a stiff brush, power washer or a hose to ensure you’ve got rid of all the bleach.
Step 4: Switch Your Variance Lance To Medium Pressure
Twist the nozzle on your pressure washer’s variance lance to achieve a medium pressure level. Then begin sweeping across your patio area from left to right and back to front, ensuring that you get consistent coverage.
When spaying your patio, using a wide fan and keep the angle of your spray at 45 degrees as this will provide the most powerful cleaning action.
Step 3: Pour Some Of The Mixture On Your Dirty Patio
The next step is to pour the mixture onto the affected patio slabs. You might want to do this in stages if you have a large area that you need to clean.
Before scrubbing, remember to test your solution on a small area of your paving to ensure there is no damage, and remember to wear protective gloves to protect your hands. Once you have scrubbed your paving area, use clean water to rinse away the soap avoiding garden areas.
How To Clean Concrete Patio Without Pressure Washer
A pressure washer is a powerful tool that you can use to remove any debris and dirt from the surface of concrete. It will definitely work like a charm.
Unfortunately, not all people have a pressure washer because it is not something that you usually use daily. Besides, this tool is extremely pricey.
Therefore, they tend to look for some alternatives on how to clean concrete patio without pressure washer.
You can find many homemade concrete cleaner recipes that you can try. They are eminently simple and are even available in your kitchen cabinets.
How To Remove Efflorescence From Your Paving Stones
Rest assured that while efflorescence can look scary, it’s generally harmless and won’t affect the structural performance of your concrete paving stones. Smooth surface stones such as our La Lastra™ Paving Stones are especially susceptible to damage because there are no surface irregularities to hide blemishes.
Treating your paving stones with diluted muriatic acid removes the deposits and helps them look good as new. How long do I need to wait to let kids or pets play on the paving stones after using Muriatic Acid? Just don’t eat off of the ground or let your pets lick the paving stones for a while, okay? .
How To Clean Paving Slabs Without A Pressure Washer
A pressure washer is an effective way of cleaning methods for driveways, paving slabs, and patio areas. But not all the houses having the facility pressure washing. Here is the step by step guide to clean the paving slabs without the pressure washer.
Step 1: Remove any specks of dust or weeds
Dust and weeds make you paving the slab look dirty and if you failed to treat this regularly the weeds grow in fast in the gaps. With the weed, the tool removes all weeds from its root and stop the growth. Remove the weeds as soon as possible along with its roots.
Step 2: Apply the cleaning solution to the paving area
Mix the soapy liquids or detergents with warm water and stir it for few mins for the formation of gentle foam. Now the cleaning solution is ready, pour this cleaning solution to the stained area and leave it for some time.
Step 3: scrubbing
With the help of hard bristled brush start scrubbing, use a brush having a long handle for an easy job. Keep scrubbing until all the dust and stains get removed from the paving slab. While scrubbing all the dust and long-lasting stains starts to loosen. Repeat this process to remove all the dust and make the area clean.
Step 4: Rinse the paving area with water
After scrubbing get ready for washing the place with the normal water. Rinse the place to wash away all the dust and repeat the process until all the place looks clean.
Step 5: set the place
How To Clean A Concrete Patio Using A Power Washer
In case you’re not familiar with them, a pressure washer is a machine that releases a high-pressure stream of water, while a power washer does the same thing but specifically using hot water. These machines are invaluable for cleaning large surfaces, such as a concrete patio or the facade of a building.
The good news is that it’s possible to rent a pressure washer if you think you’ll only use it once or twice each year. To make your cleaning solution, pour one gallon of hot water into a bucket and stir in baking soda a little bit at a time, making sure that it dissolves properly.
Add some dish soap and one quart of bleach, stirring slowly so that the mixture does not overflow. Pour your homemade cleaner into the power washer and follow the instructions on the package.
Ways To Clean A Concrete Patio Using Oxygen Bleach
If you’re looking for a relatively safe and environmentally-friendly chemical for cleaning your concrete patio, try oxygen bleach, such as OxiClean. One option is to sprinkle this versatile powder over the patio. Scrub at stains using a push broom, then let the bleach sit there for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off.
Alternatively, combine two scoops of the bleach with two tablespoons of water to make a thick paste with the consistency of peanut butter. Leave the paste sitting on stubborn stains for one hour before scrubbing it away with a brush.
Another option is to dilute oxygen bleach following the instructions on the package, and then to spray the mixture over your patio, remembering to rinse it away after a few minutes. Any of these oxygen bleach uses help you return your patio to a clean state.
How To Clean Patio Slabs Without A Pressure Washer
If you don’t have a jet washer and don’t want to rent one, don’t worry! You can still make your patio sparkling clean! So, without further ado, here are three simple ways to clean paving slabs without a pressure washer.
Cleaning paving slabs with soapy water
Soapy water and some elbow grease can often be enough to make your patio shine again. This method is suitable for light cleaning and general maintenance. Just make sure to check the soap’s ingredients before you start cleaning. Try not to use acidic soap on concrete and avoid products containing limestone altogether.
So slip on your gloves, grab your tools and let’s get to it!
What you need: bucket, large hard-bristled brush, protective gloves, warm water, liquid or powdered soap
Mix the soap and warm water in a bucket until it foams up.
Before you start cleaning, test the mixture on a small spot to make sure it won’t damage the material.
To make cleaning more manageable, you can separate the space into smaller sections. Pour some of the soapy water onto the dirty spots.
Use a long-handled brush to make it easier for yourself. Keep brushing until all the dirt is dislodged and removed from your paving slabs.
Once you’re done, rinse the area with clean water to remove all the soap. A garden hose can come handy for this task.
How to clean patio slabs with bleach
How Do You Clean A Patio Without A Pressure Washer
If you want to clean a patio without a pressure washer, you’ll need to opt for one of the methods above. A soapy solution can be all that‘s required for patio cleaning, and if you’re not sure what’s best, why not start with this method, as you’ll likely have everything you need to get on with your patio cleaning right away.
Most of us have vinegar in the store cupboard as well, so this is the cleaning remedy to try if stains remain after you’ve used soapy water and a stiff brush. Worried about the smell if you use vinegar? Don’t be. It will disperse rapidly after you’ve rinsed the patio.
A specialist patio cleaner is your friend if these methods don’t cut it, but always check it’s suitable for the material from which your patio is constructed .
- See also: Best decking cleaner: 6 buys for a spotless deck
Algae Moss And Lichen Build Up On Paths And Patios
Removing Algae from Paving and Patios
I’m pretty sure anyone that has a patio, paved surface, concrete path, concrete driveway or almost any other outside surface, if they went outside and checked it now that somewhere on it will be a green patch of growth. In most cases this will be Algae.
As said, almost all patios or paved surfaces will feature a degree of algae growth but it can be more extensive in wetter climates as the algae itself thrives off the fact that moisture, particularly rainwater, will dissolve some of the minerals in the surface its resting on that it can then feed off of.
In respect to ridding your surface of this growth, one of the best and most effective cleaners is ordinary house-hold bleach.
Get yourself a bucket or watering can and create a diluted mix of water and bleach at about 50%. Next, sprinkle the mixture over your paved or patio surface and leave it for a few minutes to get to work on the algae. Over large surfaces you can use a yard brush to spread it around evenly.
Once it has had a change to work on the algae for a few minutes you will then need to rinse it off using clean water. Where the growth is quite established you may need to repeat this process several times until it lifts the algae from the surface.
Again, this is not a “be all and end all solution”, you will need to do this every few months to ensure no significant re-growth.
Algae growth on patio slab
Removing Moss from Paving and Patios
Lichen growth over surface of patio slab
Method 2 Of 4:loosening Light Stains With Vinegar
Removing Mortar And Cement From Paving And Patios
Unfortunately, like many jobs that involved dried cement and mortar, the only way to remove any lumps is by using a hammer and bolster chisel. This needs to be done carefully as banging the hammer down on the chisel on top of a paving slab can easily crack it if it is not supported adequately. The same can be said for thin, unsupported concrete.
Holding the bolster chisel at around an angle of 30°, position the tip at the base of the concrete or mortar you need to remove. If the chisel is at too acute an angle then when it is struck it will simply dig into the surface of your path or patio.
Hold the bolster chisel at around a 30 degree angle to remove dried on mortar from patio and paved surfaces
Additionally, ensure that the tip of the chisel is flat and level with the surface of your path or slab. If it is at a slight angle e.g. one corner of the blade is higher than the other then it may cause the lower angle to dig into the surface and damage it.
With the bolster positioned correctly, tap the striking plate gently with the hammer to gauge how well the mortar is stuck down. Occasionally, a gentle tap will be enough to shift it. If not, tap a little harder with the hammer.
If you are unlucky enough to find that the mortar or cement is stuck hard and fast then the only choice you have is start at the top of the lump and gradually chisel your way down, removing as much as you possibly can.
28oz club or lump hammer – Available from our online store
How Often To Clean Your Patio Or Outdoor Surface
The frequency of cleaning will depend on how much mold, mildew, or moss there is and how often it comes back. Applications may need to be repeated for especially moldy areas. Other times, this could be done once a year for a spring cleaning every season. Remember, it will be worth the effort when guests come over and there will be no embarrassment from the unsightly mold.
The Spruce / Sydney Brown
How Do I Keep My Paving Slabs From Turning Green
Three DIY solutions for removing green deposits
Gulzar Germa
How To Clean A Cement Patio Using Muriatic Acid
If none of the other cleaning solutions have been successful, consider using muriatic acid powder. However, it’s important to note that contact with this strong chemical can cause skin burns or damage to your eyes, lungs, and nose lining.
If you do use muriatic acid to remove mineral deposits or mold from your concrete patio, make sure to wear protective gear, including goggles and a face mask. Muriatic acid is readily available at many home improvement and big-box stores.
To prepare your cleaning solution, carefully pour one part muriatic acid into four parts hot water and stir to combine. Pour the acid over your patio and let it sit there for about ten minutes, making sure to rinse away the acid before it dries. Finish by sprinkling baking soda to neutralize any remaining acid.
For Cleaning Oil From Plain Trowelled Concrete:
Here are some tips we’ve picked up from elsewhere for cleaning concrete. These methods should not be used on coloured, or imprinted concrete, or on concrete pavers, or tarmacadam.
- Mix 1 measure of trisodium phosphate with 6 measures of water. Daub this over the stain with a clean, old paintbrush and allow the goo to dry completely before scraping off the dried paste, which should, hopefully, bring most of the oil with it. Rinse the concrete surface and scrub vigorously with a stiff brush and clean water.
- Prepare a solution of 5% sodium hydroxide . Daub it over the oil stain using an old paintbrush and allow it to dry for at least 24 hours. Rinse and scrub with clean water, then repeat as required.
- Paint white spirit or turps over the stain. Let the solvent evaporate for at least one hour before rinsing with hot, soapy water. Repeat as required.
Use Trisodium Phosphate To Clean Concrete Patio
If you are looking for a heavy-duty cleaner for your concrete patio, you should take TSP into your consideration.
TSP, also known as trisodium phosphate, is renowned for being a strong cleaner. It is odorless and colorless. Besides, it does not contain any bleach nor ammonia.
How to clean concrete patio without pressure washer, but using TSP, instead?
Trisodium phosphate comes in the form of dry powder. Therefore, you have to mix ½ cup of TSP with 2 gallons of hot water in a few minutes until you get a mostly clear solution. It will be slightly cloudy, though.
Once you get the cleaning solution, soak a sponge in it and squeeze the excess water from it. Make sure it is rather damp and begin to clean the stain from the bottom upward.
You need to move it in broad strokes for a better result. Repeat the steps several times. If the stains do not come off, you can try applying TSP with a nylon-bristled scrub brush.
To avoid any white spots on the surface of your concrete patio, try rinsing the cleaned area using warm water. Use a new sponge and a new bucket to do it.
Those were the steps on how to clean concrete patio without pressure washer.