Cleaning a concrete patio is hard work. It can be time-consuming and tedious, but it doesn’t have to be. With just a few simple steps, you can turn that dirty surface into something beautiful in just an hour or two, depending on the size of your patio!
That’s right; cleaning your concrete patio doesn’t need to be a daunting task, especially on a hot day in Melbourne, FL. Follow these tips and you’ll be done in no time at all!
Steps to clean a concrete patio without a pressure washer
Cleaning a concrete patio can be tricky business if not done properly from start to finish. If you don’t have a pressure washer, you can still get a fantastic result with a bucket and a scrub brush.
The best way to clean a concrete patio: sweep, spray, scrub, then seal.
- The first step is sweeping the surface of the patio with a broom and shaking out any loose debris or dirt before applying any cleaner. Once the patio is clean, apply an all-purpose cleaner and scrub it into the surface before spraying it off with water.
Sweep the surface of the patio first using a broom and shaking out any loose debris or dirt away. - Next, apply an all-purpose cleaner directly onto the surface of the patio and scrub it into the cement using a damp mop (or brush). The best all-purpose cleaners for concrete are the acid-based kind, as they remove several types of stains.
However, you should dilute the cleaner with water before applying it so that it is not too strong and will not corrode your patio in the process. You should then scrub the surface thoroughly using a mop or brush before spraying it off with water.
An all-purpose concrete cleaner that contains phosphoric acid can be found at most home improvement stores and hardware shops for approximately $10 per gallon. Dilution rates vary by type but typically you should only use 1 part cleaner to 4 parts water prior to application on your patio. Remember – do NOT pour undiluted product directly onto cement!
You may find that some concrete stains simply will not come off with this method unless the concrete is nearly brand new. In that case, apply a concrete sealer to help prevent future staining. - Then spray off that cleaner with water from either your hose or a special patio cleaner.
- Finally, apply some patio sealer so that your work doesn’t go to waste! The best concrete sealers are the kind that are oil-based or contain a resin and concrete dye to make the concrete look great.
You can buy concrete sealer at home improvement stores for less than $30 per gallon. Be aware that concrete sealers have limited shelf lives of 1-3 years, so be sure to store it in an area where it is not exposed to direct sunlight or high temperatures (such as in your garage).
Apply the concrete sealer by pouring it onto the rough surface of your concrete patio and spreading it with a broom or push broom. Once fully dry, you’ll be able to enjoy your freshly cleaned patio!
What is concrete, and what are its benefits?
Concrete is a man-made material that can be used to form structures such as concrete slabs, concrete blocks, concrete patios, or driveways, etc. Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials in today’s society. One of the major benefits of concrete is that it lasts extremely long and is durable. The concrete doesn’t need much maintenance either!
Why you should seal your patio after cleaning it with an all-purpose cleaner
The benefits of sealing your concrete patio after cleaning it are many. A concrete patio will look clean and ready to use again in no time at all. You can choose from a range of concrete sealers that will be suitable for your concrete surface.
What benefits does concrete sealing offer?
- Extra protection against stains, making it easier to maintain in the future
- Improved appearance due to a smooth satin finish which highlights the natural beauty of concrete
- Power-washability with most products offering a power wash resistant finish
Tips for the best results when cleaning a concrete patio
Concrete is used a lot these days for the outside of houses because it looks good & lasts a long time. Over time, concrete becomes stained from mildew and mold which makes it look bad. This article has some great tips to help you clean your concrete patio so that it will look as good as new!
Tip 1: Research concrete patio cleaners to find the right one for your concrete.
Tip 2: Always sweep a concrete patio before washing and then again after you’re done.
Tip 3: Use a concrete sealer to protect the concrete after cleaning.
Tip 4: Use concrete cleaners that are pH neutral or slightly alkaline.
Tip 5: Clean concrete patios often to remove dirt, mildew, and mold.
Tip 6: Follow all manufacturer’s instructions when using concrete cleaners and sealers on your concrete patio.
How long does it take to clean a small-sized concrete area (e.g., 12′ x 12′) by hand?
There are a couple of tips to help you clean concrete faster. If you sweep the concrete first, you will get it more or less clean without having to scrub it too hard. You will also want to use a concrete cleaner that is pH neutral or slightly alkaline and that is very effective on concrete. A concrete sealer will also keep your concrete clean for much longer than just trying to wash it off with soap and water.
It should take about 25 minutes to scrub a 12′ x 12′ concrete patio by hand with some good concrete cleaners and brushes.
Common questions about cleaning your concrete patio answered:
What’s the best thing to clean concrete with?
White vinegar is a great cleaning solution because it’s natural, cheap and most effective for concrete.
The best way to remove tough stains is with a white vinegar soak. Simply pour the acid directly onto the stain, let it penetrate for 20 minutes or so, then scrub away using a stiff-bristled brush. If you have a concrete surface covered in rust stains, scrubbing with the right brush can be an eco-friendly way to remove them.
Can you use bleach to clean concrete?
Bleach is a versatile cleaner that can be used on most surfaces, including concrete. To use bleach safely, it’s important to work in well-ventilated areas and dilute the mixture with water if you need to avoid overwhelming fumes of chlorine gas. People who are especially sensitive or have respiratory issues should consider wearing protective gear when using strong chemical cleaners like bleach because they could cause irritation or other symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing for those people specifically.
Does baking soda clean concrete?
Baking soda is a common household ingredient that can be used to clean concrete. It can also be used to whiten laundry, disinfect surfaces and remove unpleasant odors. To clean concrete stains or spills from concrete, sprinkle baking soda on the surface and then scrub with a brush. Rinse thoroughly before applying another coat of concrete sealant.
Can Simple Green clean concrete?
It is indeed possible to use Simple Green to clean concrete. Cleaning and maintaining your patio is a regular task for any homeowner. Simple Green Concrete & Driveway Cleaner uses special cleaning agents to remove dirt, oil, grease or grime from concrete surfaces around the house without corrosion of degradation over time.
It also removes tough stains that are not caused by dyes which makes it easy on you because there’s no need to scrub away at stubborn anything!
The concrete surface will have to be rinsed off before the concrete sealant is applied. In addition, it is important that you work with the concrete in a well-ventilated area as chlorine gas can become overwhelming and could cause irritation for people who are especially sensitive or those with respiratory issues.
Does Dawn clean concrete?
Although concrete is very durable, it does eventually develop stains from everyday wear and tear. Dish soap, the dishwashing staple that cuts grease in your sink and counters also comes in handy for cleaning up oily spots on concrete patios. Just add the dish soap to a bucket and fill it with water, and then use your household mop to apply the solution. For stubborn oil stains, you can use a scrub brush as well.
How do I keep my patio from turning green?
Green algae, a microscopic, plant-like organism, will grow on your concrete patio when it is constantly damp. Many homes in humid climates are constantly fighting off the growth of fungus and algae, but if left untreated, they can permanently discolor their surface areas.
Fortunately, Wet & Forget helps with green algae on patios, driveways, and walkways. Just apply a thin layer every 12 months when needed.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve found the information in this blog post helpful. Please feel free to give us a call at (321) 732-6123 and we can answer any questions or provide further advice on cleaning your concrete patio. And if you have an upcoming project that needs professional attention, Manatee Concrete in Melbourne, FL is here for all of your paving and sealing needs! Call today to get a quote – it’s always FREE!
