The Best Way to Clean Concrete Patio

Homeowners want to know the best way to clean concrete patio areas. Clean concrete is a necessity for spending relaxing time outdoors. The best way to clean concrete patio areas is with a power washer. Power washing is straightforward and requires very little equipment. It’s also a quick task to complete.

As experts in home maintenance and repairs, we know what to do. Here, we go over how to clean different types of concrete and their care. That includes chemicals that you can safely use. Read on to learn how to get your concrete sparkling white again just in time for the summer months ahead.

How Do You Clean Stained Concrete?

Stained concrete can be unsightly anywhere near or in your home, but in some cases, it can also pose a safety hazard. Stains on concrete can make the surface more slippery. They can also disguise debris that poses a tripping hazard. Stains can even degrade the concrete itself.

The solution is to find a cleaning method that suits your specific concrete stain. It also needs to work in the location that you plan to treat. Power washing is the most traditional and straightforward option. Power washing isn’t a workable option for interior concrete floors or all kinds of decorative concrete.

What is the Best Chemical to Clean Concrete?

The best chemical to use on your concrete floors will depend on the type of concrete you have. It also depends on whether there is a sealer in place. A pH-neutral cleaner is best for decorative concrete floors. However, it may require that you reapply a sealer or wax layer after treatment.

Avoid using harsh cleaners such as ammonia, bleach, citrus, or pine cleaners. These have the potential to react with the concrete. Harsh cleaners can leave etch marks on the surface which can make it harder to clean later.

How Do You Remove Stubborn Stains From a Patio?

When power washing and other gentle chemicals fail, trisodium phosphate (TSP) may help. It can remove stubborn stains without causing damage to your concrete. To start, mix one cup of TSP with a gallon of hot water. The blend creates a powerful cleaning solution you can pour over tough stains.

Allow the mixture to soak into the stain for at least thirty minutes before scrubbing it with a stiff brush. A nylon brush is an ideal choice since it’s less likely to mar the surface. Once you’ve removed the whole stain, rinse the area thoroughly with water.

How Can I Make My Concrete White Again?

It may not be possible to get your concrete completely white like it was when it was new. But using gentle cleansers, brushes, and microfiber cleaning pads can help. You should be able to remove many common stains and significant discoloration.

It’s best to avoid power washing and harsh cleansers if possible. Such products can degrade the concrete. Of course, for extreme stains and years of discoloration, there may be no other option.

Does White Vinegar Clean Concrete?

It’s tempting to use vinegar for cleaning concrete. After all, it’s a readily available product. The bad news is, vinegar can damage decorative concrete floors. It may harm the sealer and stain on interior concrete. Vinegar may help some with stains on exterior concrete. Most of the time, other substances such as kitty litter or TSP are often far more effective.

Final Thoughts

The best way to clean concrete patio areas is to start with the gentlest method first. Then, you can see what stains and discoloration you can remove. At the same time, gentle cleaners pose the least amount of risk to the concrete surface. 

Decorative concrete requires different cleaning methods than regular concrete surfaces. Many homeowners prefer to power wash exterior patios for a quick and easy solution. For more delicate cleaning options, try TSP or a pH-neutral cleaner and rinse well with water afterward. 

For more information or to inquire about tough cleaning jobs, we recommend you contact a professional.