It is no wonder that your concrete patio needs a good cleaning every now and then.By mixing up the appropriate cleaner, carefully cleaning the concrete, and addressing special stains, you can get your patio cleaned up in no time at all.
Step 1: Baking soda and bleach can be used.
If you want to remove stains that have developed over a season or so, you can mix up a standard concrete cleaner using three parts baking soda and two parts bleach.The consistency of the paste should be thin enough to pour on your concrete but thick enough that it won't run off.
Step 2: You can make a paste with baking soda.
If you want a cleaner that isn't harmful to the environment, try mixing up baking soda and vinegar.The consistency of baking soda doesn't matter as much as the amount of vinegar.The consistency should be paste-like.Slowly add baking soda after pouring some white distilled vinegar into a bucket or bowl.The baking soda should be added slowly so that it doesn't overflow.If you want to see your consistency before adding more baking soda, give the bubbles some time to deflate.
Step 3: Make a solution out of water and vinegar.
You can mix the solution in a spray bottle for smaller areas.This will allow you to be more focused in the application of the cleaner and prevent it from getting to places you don't want it to go.Add a pinch or two of salt after using equal parts white distilled vinegar and warm water.Allow the solution to soak into the concrete for twenty minutes.
Step 4: The area needs to be cleaned.
Move any outdoor furniture out of the way if you have to.If you're going to use bleach, make sure pets and kids can't get into the area.
Step 5: It's a good idea to protect nearby greenery.
It's important to protect nearby plants.Give them a protective covering of water, or cover them with light plastic if they want to slide off.If you want to create barriers between the area you are cleaning and the grass, lay down rolled up towels or sheets at the edge.
Step 6: Take it down.
To clean the area, use your garden hose or buckets of water.If you are worried about the water draining properly, you can use a bucket of water and a mop.
Step 7: Put the cleaner in.
Depending on the type of cleaner you are using, you will want to spray, pour, or spread it over the area to be cleaned.If you are using bleach, use gloves and a protective face mask.If you have dark stains, you can let the mixture soak for a few minutes or up to half an hour.You may need to apply a second coat of cleaner if the stain persists after scrubbing.Wait 15 minutes before scrubbing again, and then wash it off.
Step 8: Use a short scrub brush.
If you have time, scrub at the stains with a short scrub brush.It will loosen up dirt that isn't already lifted by the cleaner.
Step 9: Remove the cleaner.
To rinse the area you cleaned, use a hose, spray bottle, or bucket of water.Depending on the size of the stains you cleaned and how much cleanser you used, this might take a few rounds.If you clean on a hot day, you can let the area dry naturally.If you sprayed the plants around the patio with a cleaner, make sure you hose them off.
Step 10: Pet stains can be cleaned using an enzymatic cleaner.
If you have stains on your concrete from pets or other animals, try an enzymatic cleaner.These types of cleaners break down stains.You should apply these types of cleaners directly to the stain and allow them to soak into it.It can take a few days for these types of cleaners to break down the stains on your concrete.
Step 11: Non-washable crayon stains can be cleaned using an oil-based cleaner.
Non-washable crayons can cause stains with oil-based cleaners.Let the cleaner soak before scrubbing it with a short, stiff-bristled brush.You should rinse with water.
Step 12: Laundry detergent can be applied to grease stains.
Laundry detergent can help remove grease stains from concrete.Make a paste of detergent and water.Apply the paste to the stain, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and let it soak for 24 hours.Then rinse and scrub.
Step 13: Put kitty litter over oil stains.
If you have oil stained concrete, cover it with a clay kitty litter and grind it in with your feet.Let it sit for up to 24 hours and then sweep up the kitty litter.
Step 14: Degreasing agents can be used for oil, grease, and hydrocarbon stains.
degreasers can help you remove stains caused by oil, grease, or hydrocarbons.The stains will be broken down by these products.Put the degreaser on the stain and scrub it into the concrete.Allow it to sit for a few hours as per the instructions.To remove the stain, Pat the spot with a rag and clean the water.The degreaser needs to be applied as necessary.If the stain is fresh you can change the degreaser.Some stains require more than one application.You can buy a concentrated degreaser from a home improvement store.acids that have soaked into the concrete can be mitigated with alkaline products.
Step 15: Use bleach and laundry detergent.
If you have plants on or near your concrete patio, the water they trap under their leaves can leave stains.You should mix 1 quart of bleach with 3 quarts of water.The solution should be 1/3 cup of laundry detergent.When the stain turns white, apply the solution with a stiff-bristled brush and let it soak.Don't let it dry.Move your plants to another area of the patio and let the sun and air clear the mold naturally.
Step 16: There is a way to remove algae.
If you have algae on your concrete, you can use a stiff-bristled brush to remove it.You can spray pool chlorine through a garden house if you have a larger area affected by algae.
Step 17: A pressure washer is used.
If you don't want to scrub or apply a cleaner, you can use a pressure washer.The plants will be destroyed by the force of the water if you aim at them.The flow rate of at least 4 gallons per minute is what you need to choose a pressure washer.The method will not remove grease.