Let It Dry And Assess The Results
Now that everything has been soaked, scrubbed, and rinsed, its time to reap the benefits and see the results of your hard work. Although you might be able to tell that some sections of your patio are cleaner already, you wont be able to fully realize the difference your efforts have made until the concrete has dried completely.
On a hot sunny day, your patio will probably be dry within 15-30 minutes. So, until then, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show of concrete drying.
How To Clean A Stained Concrete Patio
- Clean the terrace and mix the cleaning agent. Once you’ve removed everything from the patio, mix one part bleach solution with two parts water in a plastic bucket.
- Apply and wait. Spray a bleach solution or use a mop to apply the solution to moldy areas.
- Rub and rinse. Scrub the concrete with a nylon brush, then rinse thoroughly with a garden hose.
What is a porchWhat is the difference between a porch and a patio? Some porches extend around one or both sides of the front door. Advertisement. Another key difference between a patio and a porch is that patios are generally built at ground level with brick, concrete slabs, or tile. The porch, on the other hand, can be concrete or wood and is at the level of the front of the house.What are the benefits of having a porch?Extra prote
How Do You Make A Concrete Patio Look Like Concrete
Use 1/2″ tape to make grout lines on the floor then paint them. Remove the tape and tada, instant tile! Make sure you clean it first then seal and you have a concrete floor that doesn’t look like concrete.
Pumping starts with the pouring of concrete from the ready mix truck into a tank large enough to hold a small amount of fresh concrete. In the mixing drum, the mixer allows fresh concrete to flow smoothly into the pumping cylinder. Concrete piston pump works on the same principle as a twin piston engine in which a cylinder removes concrete from the cylinder on its rotational stroke. And another is pushed into the line The pistons in both cylinders work in opposite directions, so there is constan
Don’t Miss: Spray Paint Wrought Iron
Do Protect Your Concrete After Cleaning
Consider sealing your concrete surfaces after they have been properly cleaned. Be sure to research the best product and application for your job and to test it out before sealing the entire area. Consider:
While we may not think about it, we come into contact with concrete every day of our lives. Help to preserve your walks, drives, and even décor with these tips and your outdoor spaces will look great for years to come.
Have questions about cleaning concrete? Leave a comment below!
-
30 SECONDS Cleaners are proudly made in the USATroutdale, Oregon and Manchester, Tennessee
-
30 SECONDS Cleaners are proudly made in the USATroutdale, Oregon and Manchester, Tennessee
Use Hydrogen Peroxide For Cleaning Cement
Hydrogen peroxide is available at some pharmacies, big-box stores, and home improvement stores. Its a relatively mild disinfectant and cleaner, although it can still cause skin irritation, so be sure to wear gloves.
If possible, replace the screw cap on your bottle of hydrogen peroxide with a spray nozzle so that its easy to spray the chemical across your patio, focusing mainly on dirtier sections.
If you like, spray vinegar on top of the hydrogen peroxide to clean even more effectively. In any case, scrub with a nonmetallic brush to get rid of those tough stains that just dont want to go away.
You May Like: Vintage Mid Century Patio Furniture
Loosening Light Stains With Vinegar
Concrete Cleaner Or Degreaser
Typically, concrete cleaners and degreasers are made from concentrated alkaline soap. These will loosen up the oil for easy cleanup. They do not, however, break down the oil so they will not work well on concrete that has been stained for a long time. This solution is most effective on porous concrete.
Also Check: Patio Umbrella Dimensions
Grease And Oil Stains
To clean oil from concrete, sprinkle sawdust, cornmeal, or baking soda directly onto the stain to absorb as much of the spill as possible. Once the spill is absorbed, brush away the remaining powder with a broom.
If a stain remains, sprinkle more baking soda and scrub the stain with a nylon brush and a little bit of water. Not all is lost if the oil stain is old or has penetrated the surface to help remove residual grease stains, try a degreaser and follow the manufacturers instructions.
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.
Bear in mind that TSP is toxic. For this reason, you will need to wear insulated gloves, long sleeves, and an eye shield. You may also use plastic sheeting to cover other areas.
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.
Also Check: How Many 80lb Bags In A Yard Of Concrete
Bleach Detergent And Water
A combination of oxygen bleach , dish detergent, and water should only be used in serious situations.
Yet again, keep your kids and pets away for this application.
Pro Tip: Always use oxygen bleach rather than chlorine bleach so that you dont harm any surrounding plant or wildliek with the runoff.
- CHLORINE FREE – Concentrated oxygen bleach formula cleans all the way
- SAFE AND EFFECTIVE – Naturally releases safe peroxide and oxygen
- MULTIPURPOSE Multiuse bleach safely removes soil from anything washable. Safe for the environment and the septic system
Mix together 5 parts of water, 1 part of bleach, and one part of dish detergent in a watering can or bucket. Pour the mixture onto your concrete patio and start brushing.
As you brush, you should notice that the mixture starts foaming.
You want the entire patio to foam up. Now, wait 15 minutes and let the bleach get to work. Afterward, rinse the patio well and youre all done.
Removing Fertilizer Stains From A Concrete Patio
Fertilizer from your lawn or planters can leave stains on concrete. The ingredients in fertilizer penetrate and react with the cement, causing a permanent color change. Try using a clear white vinegar, diluted 50:50 with water to bring out the stains. Test in a small area first and be aware that the acid may etch or change the profile of the concrete in the areas you clean.
Don’t Miss: How To Clean Concrete Patio Of Mold
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.
What To Use For Cleaning A Concrete Patio Floor
The method you use for cleaning your patio will depend on how heavily stained or soiled it is. A mild soap or vinegar solution, hose and a stiff broom are what most people use to clean hardscapes.
Heavily soiled or stained patio will need a pressure washer machine for a fast and effortless cleaning. But the machine requires a skill to prevent damaging your surfaces.
Patios in humid areas badly suffer mold and algae infestations and a household cleaner such as vinegar, baking soda or bleach may be used for cleaning the fungus. Concrete patios should be kept dry to prevent future growth of mold, algae or moss.
When using bleach or vinegar to clean your outdoor areas, it is good to be aware that these household chemicals has a potential to kill plants and weeds. Bleach specifically can also be harmful to other living organisms including yourself.
Also Check: How To Hang String Lights On Aluminum Patio
How To Remove Rust Stains
In some cases, you will find rust stains on some areas of your concrete patio. Where did it come from? Well, it might have happened because of the furniture legs and grills, and it is usually hard to get rid of.
Some soil is high in iron. As a result, it may produce red stains, which are hard to eradicate. Here comes the most significant question how to clean concrete patio without pressure washer? In this case, try using Oxalic acid.
To remove rust stains on your concrete patio or driveway, you will need oxalic acid, a nylon-bristled scrub brush, and a garden hose.
Before starting to clean your patio with oxalic acid, you will have to sweep away any loose dirt and debris. Make sure the surface is clean and ready for the next step.
Once the concrete patio is clean, you can begin to apply oxalic acid to the stained area. You have to follow the directions on the packaging thoroughly.
Let the cleaner stay for a few minutes before you scrub it using a nylon-bristled brush.
Next, rinse away the areas with the garden hose. Let them dry. If the stains remain there, consider repeating the steps.
What Time Of Year Should You Use Concrete Cleaner
As we mentioned in the beginning of this post, autumn is our favorite time of year for outdoor cleaning in Texas. The weather is still in the 70s or 80s, so it is the perfect time for cleaning outside. This is also great to use in the spring or summer.
The only time I would avoid using this particular recipe is during the winter months when temperatures are well below freezing. This is mainly due to not being able to use your water hose or when pipes are covered.
So, be sure to save this post if you are going to wait until spring!
I hope you enjoy using this great science based DIY concrete patio cleaner as much as we do!
Recommended Reading: Clean Mildew From Outdoor Cushions
Put Cornstarch On Grease And Oil Stains
Grease and oil stains are tough to remove once they are set in. If you notice grease or oil stains early on, you may be able to minimize the stains they leave behind if you act quickly.
The easiest way to absorb the majority of the grease or oil is by placing a thick layer of cornstarch on the liquid. Let the cornstarch sit on the liquid for at least 24 hours. This will help absorb the excess liquid and make it easier to brush into a dustpan.
Once it has been dried as well as possible with this method, apply a cleaner to the surface. You may choose to use a commercial cleaner precisely to remove grease stains or use a water and dish soap mixture.
Dawn brand liquid dish soap is the best dish soap for removing grease and oil, but many others may work equally well.
Low Pressure Concrete Patio Washers
There ARE a number of lower cost, low pressure electric washers available on the market that can get the job done quickly and easily, without subjecting your concrete to the stressors of a pressure washer.
Our personal favorite is the Sun Joe line of electric power washers that can deliver a gentle power wash thats more powerful than a garden hose attachment, yet delivers much less pressure than a pressure washer.
They are also great for cleaning siding, cars, boats, and trailers.
The bottle should have more specific directions, but the process is straightforward:
Spray the acid on the stains and use a brush to coat the concrete. Wait until the acid goes to work and lifts the stains.
The solution is dissolvable in water so you can just run a hose over the area and youre done.
Don’t Miss: Building Decking Over Concrete
Cleaning Starts With Prevention
The best way to keep your concrete clean starts with prevention, which means sealing the concrete and keeping the surface clean. Sealing new or freshly cleaned concrete slabs, walkways and pavers help prevent stains from forming, according to Peacock Pavers. Plan on annually cleaning the concrete and reapplying the sealer to the concrete every five years. When cleaning, start by thoroughly wetting the area before using a mild, nonacid cleaning solution to wash your concrete patio and walkways.
Regular maintenance routines will greatly reduce the need for using chemicals to clean stains. Sweep off leaves to prevent tannin stains and wipe up spills quickly, especially liquids like wine or coffee. Use a non-wire, stiff-bristled brush or broom when sweeping away leaves and dirt or scrubbing out weeds and mold because wire bristles will scratch the sealant and concrete surface. Prevent rust stains by regularly checking wrought-iron patio furniture to be sure the metal is sealed.
How To Paint A Concrete Water Fountain
Cover the pit with concrete sealer. Brush in small decorative areas. Apply a base coat. Use a new brush to apply the paint primer. Ask a professional to purchase a primer that is compatible with your sealer. Paint the fountain with oil paint. Oil paint protects the well from water damage. Let dry for 24 hours and apply a second coat. Grease Cutter Dishwashing Liquid Clean Rags Garden Hose Canvas or Plastic Tarp Brushes Concrete Sealer Primer Oil Paint.
Recommended Reading: Northborough 5-piece Metal Frame Patio Conversation Set With Sunbrella Cushions
Remove Mold From A Concrete Patio Using Bleach
If youre wondering how to remove that icky mold from your concrete patio, bleach diluted in hot water is the way to go. Cleaning concrete is easy using this powerful household disinfectant.
Be sure to wear rubber gloves when combining one cup of bleach with one gallon of water. Rub away the mold and mildew using a soft scrub brush, and rinse away the cleaning solution with your garden hose.
As an alternative, combine bleach and water in the same proportion but add 1/8 cup of dish soap. Using a spray bottle, squirt the mixture onto your patio. Let it sit there for a few minutes, and then use a stiff brush to work the cleaner into the concrete.
Professional Concrete Pressure Washing Vs Diy
A common question many property owners ask is whether to take a DIY approach or hire a professional service for concrete cleaning. You can achieve good results with a concrete cleaner, a brush, and a garden hose. But, a professional service can pressure wash concrete floors in half the time with better results, to boot.
It is also cheaper and better, in the long run, to hire a pressure washing company than to rent your own machine. This is because professionals have the necessary knowledge and experience required to safely clean all kinds of concrete. When you try to pressure wash concrete yourself, you run the risk of using too high a pressure level, which can lead to irreversible damage.
Also Check: Building Outdoor Storage Box