Concrete is a durable building material that has stood the test of time, but it can be tough to clean. It’s important to keep your outdoor space looking good, especially if you have a pool or other living space nearby. Here are six tips for cleaning up after yourself without renting an expensive pressure washer or using harsh chemicals on your patio:
The “homemade patio cleaner” is a quick and easy way to clean a concrete patio without using a pressure washer. The recipe includes vinegar, baking soda, dish soap, and water.
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A pressure washer may seem to be one of those things that you never use properly, but it may be a really useful tool.
A pressure washer is quite handy for cleaning filthy siding, hose down toys for the kids that have been stored, or spray down dirt that has crusted onto the pavement.
It may also be used to effectively clean a concrete patio in the rear. Maintaining a tidy patio will make it more appealing to the eye, making it a terrific hangout spot for you, your friends, and your family.
A pressure washer, on the other hand, is not something that everyone has. They may be costly, and you may not use them enough to justify the expense.
That leaves you wondering what to do when you need something thoroughly cleaned but don’t have access to a power washer.
Not only that, but if you don’t know how to use a pressure washer correctly, it may really do harm to your property. If you keep the spray in the same spot for too long, it may cause major damage such as pitting lines or surface erosion.
Because the joint sand may be washed away, the mortar in between the bricks can also be damaged.
So, if you don’t have access to a power washer, how would you clean a concrete patio? Alternative than investing in a power washer, there are other methods to keep your patio looking fresh and clean.
1 – Eliminating Loose Debris
If loose dirt and trash are a problem on your concrete patio, the remedy is simple: sweep or spray it away. You should sweep your concrete patio on a regular basis regardless to prevent dirt and grime from accumulating.
Most dirt and debris may be swept away as long as it is loose and hasn’t ingratiated itself into the patio’s concrete. Even if it has already started to set in, you may use a hose to remove some of the accumulated dirt provided it hasn’t been there for too long.
Then there’s the matter of filth and grime accumulating on your patio. When this occurs, there are a variety of cleaning methods that can be used to remove some of the old dirt and grime without putting the structure at danger by using a power washer.
When there is a buildup of filth or anything like fungal growth, professional cleaners might be used to get the job done. Keep in mind that the strong components in these cleaners may alter the appearance of the patio, have a detrimental influence on nearby plants, or create problems if breathed in.
There are, thankfully, alternatives to using traditional home cleansers that are both safer for everyone and healthier for the environment.
2 – Vinegar Application
Vinegar is a natural cleaning that is perfectly safe to use on your patio and around your house. Simply combine equal amounts white vinegar and water to create a stain remover that can be used on a variety of surfaces.
When cleaning a concrete patio, go over extremely filthy areas with a stiffer tool, such as a hard bristle broom or a scrub brush meant for floors, decks, and patios, such as this one on Amazon. If the stain still won’t come out after a vigorous cleaning, try spraying it with undiluted vinegar and letting it soak for 10 minutes or so.
You may scrub it again when the vinegar has had a chance to set. This should easily remove even the toughest stains.
The cleaner and any loose material formed by the scrubbing may then be sprayed away with your hose.
3 – Baking Soda (Baking Soda)
Baking soda is another natural, ecologically safe way to clean your concrete patio. To make a natural cleaning solution for a filthy hardscape, combine a half cup of baking soda or so into roughly a gallon of water.
You may also add roughly an eighth of a cup of liquid dish detergent if you want something a little stronger.
After you’ve made your mixture, spray it on the stains (or the whole patio surface if you want a thorough clean) and let it set for 20 minutes. This allows the baking soda (together with the detergent) to begin breaking down the dirt and grime.
Finally, give the patio a thorough cleaning. With reasonable ease, the filth should begin to rise.
After you’ve properly washed the area, rinse it off with the hose and enjoy your newly cleaned concrete patio once again.
4 – The Use of Bleach
When dealing with very difficult stains or sticky areas of filth, using bleach on your concrete patio should be a last choice. Keep in mind that bleach is a very toxic and harmful chemical that should be kept away from pets and children for their own protection.
You’ll also want to take the necessary precautions. Wear gloves to protect your skin from the bleach and a mask to prevent inhaling the fumes.
After that, combine the bleach with equal parts water and pour the solution into a spray bottle to prevent bleach concentrations in specific areas.
When you’ve finished making your bleach solution, spray it over the stained area and let it rest for around 10 minutes.
You don’t want to spray too much since it will run off the patio and into the grass or nearby flowers. This is very harmful to those items, so avoid it at all costs.
After the 10 minutes have elapsed, scrape the stains with a deck brush or something harder. You shouldn’t have any trouble getting the stains out since the bleach solution is so strong. Just make sure you thoroughly rinse the area with your hose after you’ve removed the stains.
Bleach has another useful application: removing mold from patio stones or pavers. Most types of weeds, as well as certain undesired plants, can be killed with your remedy. Use it with caution, since bleach may kill plants that you wish to keep alive.
If you use bleach, make sure your concrete patio is completely dry before returning any items or furniture. Sea weeds, such as green algae and moss, are attracted to dampness, which is particularly true for patio stones. See also my instructions for removing moss from your patio.
If the patio does not get direct sunshine, find a technique to remove the moisture before it causes undesired growth and necessitates extra cleaning or other labor.
Ammonia may also be used to clean the concrete on your patio. Important note: do not combine bleach and ammonia under any circumstances. It produces vapors that, if breathed, may be exceedingly harmful, particularly in a confined environment.
5 – Muriatic Acid Use
Muriatic acid is an excellent way to get rid of particularly difficult stains, especially on surfaces like concrete patios. This is a highly strong substance that may certainly do the job if you have dried grout or rust.
Because it is an extremely hazardous chemical, you should proceed with care, just as you would with bleach. When using it, use gloves and protective eyewear, and be sure to follow any product recommendations.
However, when used properly – and responsibly – it may be a highly effective cleaning option for those difficult stains on your concrete patio.
Using Trisodium Phosphate, No. 6 (TSP)
To make an efficient cleaning solution, TSP is combined with water. Simply scrape your solution into the affected area with a nylon or thick bristle brush to produce an excellent instrument for removing difficult stains.
Scrubbing should be continued until the stain is completely gone. All that’s left now is to spray the area with a hose to remove all of the loose dirt and cleaning solution. Best of all, TSP is widely available in most home improvement shops, making it rather simple to get.
It doesn’t have to be this tough to clean your concrete patio. You can either buy or make an efficient cleaning solution to keep your concrete patio looking clean and tidy with the correct equipment and components.
When you have a clean patio, it is a great place to relax whether you are alone or with friends and family. Never again will a filthy, grime-covered environment dampen your mood when a simple clean would suffice.
Cleaning concrete with bleach is a great way to clean your patio. It’s not only environmentally friendly, but it’s also safe for the people and pets who use the area. Reference: cleaning concrete with bleach.
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