Bring lightweight furniture inside, and move heavier pieces to the yard, sidewalk or a covered porch. Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause metal furniture and appliances to rust. [2] X Research source
Substances like compact dirt, dried mulch or sidewalk chalk may need to be scrubbed by hand using an abrasive sponge.
If it’s been awhile since you last cleaned your patio, add some mild liquid dish detergent to a bucket of warm water to make a soapy rinse. The surfactants in the soap will help break up dirt and oil more effectively. [5] X Research source In some cases, a good hosing may be all you need to remove a thin layer of dirt and sediment.
If you don’t happen to have vinegar on hand, the same concentration of hydrogen peroxide should also do the trick. [7] X Research source For slightly heavier or more persistent grime, add half a cup of baking soda to the vinegar solution.
Apply the solution liberally. Vinegar isn’t damage concrete, so you won’t have to worry about accidentally using too much. It may be necessary to mix up more solution if you’re cleaning a particularly large area.
Plan your cleaning project for a day with good weather to reduce the chances that unexpected rainfall will wash away the vinegar. Make better use of your time by tackling other household cleaning and maintenance tasks while the concrete is soaking.
You can also use an abrasive sponge to scour your patio with a little extra elbow grease. Avoid using wire scrubbers on concrete, as these can scratch or mark up smooth surfaces. [10] X Research source
Pressure washers unleash a concentrated stream of water, chiseling difficult messes from smooth, hard surfaces. You can typically rent pressure washers from home improvement stores and gardening centers for just a few dollars a day. [12] X Research source
Concrete is not easily damaged, so don’t be reluctant to use the pressure washer on a higher setting. [14] X Research source Make sure the surrounding area is set up for proper drainage. Otherwise, you could be left with standing water to deal with.
Concrete patios need to be pressure washed an average of once or twice a year to keep them free from buildup that may eventually cause structural damage. Covering damp concrete with furniture can keep it from drying as quickly, and may provide a moist, shady place for mold to begin growing.
Chlorine bleach is a caustic chemical that can be extremely harmful if ingested, inhaled or contacted with bare skin. Whenever possible, wear gloves, eye protection and a ventilator or breathing mask when working with bleach. Never combine bleach with hot water—the steam emitted from the water can carry bleach fumes with it, creating a potential breathing hazard. Heat may also partially neutralize the effects of bleach. [16] X Research source
Test a sample of diluted bleach on an out-of-the way area of the concrete to make sure it won’t leech the color out of a treated surface. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated space. If your patio is partially covered, leave the doors and windows open and plan on spending no longer than about ten minutes at a time inside the enclosure.
To be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to go somewhere else while the bleach is soaking into the concrete. If even bleach isn’t enough to do away with trouble stains like hard water or rust, try using a sprinkle of trisodium phosphate.
A quick pressure washing or hosing will also help clear the air of irritating bleach fumes.
