How To Clean Concrete On A Patio

Clean Your Concrete Patio The outdoor entertaining days of bound and summer are fast approaching, and you lot might be starting to sweat thinking about the challenge of cleaning that dirty concrete patio. Dirt, grime, and even barbecue grease can make outdoor areas less than ideal for hanging out. In fact, there are lots of ways your physical surfaces could have accidentally caused ugly, unwanted stains.

Withal — don't presume you're stuck with less than beautiful concrete. There are many ways to get that patio ready for the fun days ahead. Here'due south what the pros at R&M Concrete want you to know then yous can fire up the barbecue and entertain with pride.

Preparing to Clean a Concrete Patio

First of all, do your tidying on an overcast day so your cleaning solution won't evaporate before it's able to do its work.

Next, clear the space by removing piece of furniture, grills, plants, toys, and utility cabinets. Have a broom or leaf blower to get rid of leaves, nuts, twigs, and whatsoever other congenital-upwardly debris.

After yous have removed everything, it's fourth dimension to mix the solution of your pick to apply to the dirty or stained areas of your concrete surface. Even with a gentle cleaner, information technology'due south a good idea to habiliment protective eyewear, gloves, and clothes you don't heed getting soiled.

Corral any outdoor pets to proceed them from beingness afflicted by any cleaning solution you use. Also, cover the side by side area with utility towels or plastic sheets to avert affecting nearby grass and plants.

half dozen Concrete Cleaning Methods to Consider

Cleaning is just ane of many ways you tin maintain your concrete so it is lasting and bonny. Discover below our suggestions for what to do and what to avoid.

ane. Use Dish Soap and H2o

When doing a job similar this, starting with the to the lowest degree toxic and most eco-friendly product is a smart thought. Ordinary household dish soap as a degreaser is extremely useful for cleaning up oily, grimy concrete stains while avoiding the use of harmful chemicals.

Offset with ii gallons of warm water and a mere two teaspoons of dish soap in a standard bucket. Moisture a mop and apply the solution thoroughly, scrubbing the areas virtually affected by grime. Let information technology set to requite it time to lift the oils out of the concrete, and then rinse. Repeat if needed.

2. Brand a Vinegar Mixture

For slightly more than stubborn marks, like charcoal, pet stains and rust spots, combine equal parts of white vinegar and h2o as a diluted mixture. The rust and other materials will react with the vinegar and somewhen dissolve.

But make certain to permit the mixture sit down for at least a few hours on the stains. Then, scrub the stained and treated areas with a soft bristle brush. After a proficient rinse, if the stains have non dissipated, endeavor scrubbing them once again with undiluted vinegar.

iii. Get Oxygen Bleach

Some other relatively safe and environmentally friendly solution for cleaning concrete is an oxygen bleach product, such as OxiClean. Just be certain to wear rubber gloves, as bleach products can exist tough on skin.

Sprinkle the powerful solution over the entire patio and scrub it with an ordinary button broom. Let it sit for 15-xxx minutes before rinsing it off.

iv. Grab Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is another concrete cleaning item that is hands bachelor at pharmacies, grocery stores, and home improvement stores.

For a natural, stronger solution to tackle stubborn stains on concrete surfaces, mix flour and hydrogen peroxide into a paste the consistency of peanut butter. Spread it over the stained expanse, and then scrub it with a nonmetallic brush. After giving it a practiced scrub, allow sit overnight.

5. Should You Employ a Power Washer?

When used with care, a ability or pressure washer can exist quite effective for cleaning concrete patios, sidewalks, and driveways. Since these washers are bachelor for hire or purchase at hardware and abode comeback stores, many DIY-ers like to give this approach a try.

The key is to be careful that you don't damage the physical surface. If you're not sure how well your physical volition handle a power-washing, do a exam first. Utilise the power washer to a pocket-sized area that is usually hidden from view, and run into how information technology turns out.

If you determine to employ a pressure washer, fill it with a DIY cleaning solution. Make full a bucket with a gallon of hot h2o. Stir in baking soda a footling bit at a time, making sure it dissolves properly. Add dish lather and a quart of bleach. This mixture works well for power washing.

vi. Try Muriatic acid—but only if Necessary

If goose egg else has worked to restore your concrete surface to its original pristine state, hydrochloric acid powder may practise the flim-flam. Understand, still, that too much contact with this potent acrid mixture can burn or damage your eyes, lungs, skin and nose lining.

Carefully pour and mix one part muriatic acrid into 4 parts hot h2o. Gently pour the mixture over the entire surface of your concrete, taking care not to splash it on yourself, pets, furnishings, or landscaping. Permit information technology sit for no more ten minutes, rinsing the mixture abroad thoroughly before it dries.

Next, sprinkle on baking soda to neutralize any remaining acrid. Combine this procedure with a power washer for the most thorough cleaning exterior a professional service.

Forestall Stains with Proper Installation and Maintenance

Physical sealer is a reliable pick for avoiding stains in the commencement identify. A clear silane or siloxane-based water-repellent sealer is more often than not available at most hardware and home improvement stores and tin can simply be applied with a paint sprayer or roller. Or, take the professionals do it, and yous're stress-complimentary.

Whether you lot'd like aid upgrading existing physical surfaces or y'all want new concrete added to your property, our team at R&M Physical will brand the process simple. Check out what other Tulsa area homeowners have to say about our services—and accomplish out to us with your questions. We're here to ensure your concrete performs beautifully.