How To Clean Painted Cement Patio

Driveways and patios made out of concrete are the most durable, affordable, and practical structures. With the emergence of modern design trends, people are adding more character to the otherwise dull grey surfaces.

Concrete structures have also made their way inside the home in the form of countertops and interior floors. Usually, outdoor concrete surfaces are exposed to the harsh elements of nature.

Therefore, it takes a little bit of care to keep concrete patios looking beautiful for an extended period of time.

Cleaning I ntervals F or Co ncrete P atios

Usually, a patio needs a thorough cleaning once every year. Homeowners prefer to clean their concrete patios during the winter or spring.

However, if there are food drips, grease, and other stains on the patio, it can be cleaned at any time of the year. This article lists some of the popular ways to understand how to clean a cement patio.

The R ight W ay T o C lean An U nsealed C oncrete P atio

The Right Way To Clean An Unsealed Concrete Patio

It requires a couple of supplies and some elbow grease for cleaning a patio. When the concrete gets heavily stained, you may use a power tool and water for cleaning.

Avoid using a mix of baking soda and vinegar with a power washer.

It is best to do the washing on a calm, overcast day so that the cleaning mixture has sufficient time to work its magic.

Essential T ools A nd S upplies F or C leaning A C oncrete P atio

Supplies

Baking soda
Distilled white vinegar

Tools

Garden hose
Sponge mop
Nylon scrubber brush
Broom and a washer

Clearing T he P atio

First, remove all the plants, furniture, and other objects lying around on the patio. Next, use a leaf blower or broom to remove dust and debris.

Finally, hose off the concrete surface with the spray nozzle to remove dirt and debris from any tiny cracks.

Preparing T he C leaning F luid

Add a cup of baking soda along with 2 cups of distilled white vinegar in a bucket. Mix and apply it to the surface using a sponge mop. The quantity of the ingredients will vary depending on the size of the area to be cleaned.

Scrubbing

Let the mixture sit on the surface for 30 minutes, and then use a nylon scrubber to clean the surface.

Wash A nd D ry T he S urface

Use a garden hose to rinse off the cleaning solution before letting the surface air dry.

Ways To R emov e R ust A nd M ud S tains F rom A C oncrete P atio

Rust stains on concrete patios can come from the legs of iron furniture. These stains are complicated to remove. In some places, high iron content in the soil can also stain a concrete patio.

Always treat the stain properly before rinsing.

Supplies N ecessary F or C leaning T he S tains

Oxalic acid is the most suitable ingredient for removing rust stains.

Supplies Necessary For Cleaning The Stains

First, clean the stained area with a broom to remove debris and dust. Read the instructions on the label of the packaging before applying the cleaners on the patio.

Only use a nylon brush for applying the cleaners on the stained surface. Rinse off the cleanser with clean water and allow it to dry. This is an essential step to clean the cement patio.

Ways To R emov e M ildew S tains F rom A C oncrete P atio

Stubborn mildew is often seen on outdoor concrete surfaces. For removing the black stains and mildew spores, chlorine bleach is the most effective solution. Apply oxygen-based bleach to remove the stains and to kill spores.

Supplies N ecessary

Water
Oxygen-based chlorine bleach

Tools

Protective gear
Nylon scrub brush
Sponge mop
Spray bottle
Power washer
Garden hose

First, remove everything from the patio and give it a thorough wash. Next, prepare a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach and 2 parts water in a plastic bucket. Fill the solution inside a spray bottle for easy application.

Protect shrubs and small plants in the lawn from the solution by covering them with an old plastic sheet or towel. The bleach is highly caustic and can kill small plants and shrubs.

Spray the bleach solution on the concrete surface and spread it over the stains. Then let the solution set on the stain for around 30 minutes.

Next, scrub the surface nicely with the nylon scrub brush and wash with a garden hose. Some use power washes for removing tough stains along with a strong blast of water. Finally, rinse the plants and shrubs with water after cleaning the patio.

Always exercise caution while using highly corrosive cleaning agents. Read the entire manufacturer's guide and use protective gear to avoid any accidents.

Removing G rease A nd D irt F rom A C oncrete P atio

Removing Grease And Dirt From A Concrete Patio

If there are grease stains on a concrete patio, take action immediately. Concrete surfaces are porous and absorb the grease quickly. Therefore, grease stains require multiple cleaning processes until they are entirely gone.

Tools A nd S upplies N ecessary

Tools

Nylon scrubber brush
Garden hose
Broom

Supplies

Commercial de-greaser
Cornstarch
Kitty litter

Cover the grease stains with a thick layer of cornstarch or kitty litter. The next day, remove the kitty litter and check the stain. If the stain remains, repeat the steps from the beginning.

If it comes off, apply some commercial de-greaser and scrub with a nylon brush. Finally, wash with a garden hose and allow the area to dry.

To keep outdoor concrete surfaces clean and beautiful, thorough cleaning is necessary once every year. First, remove all items from the patio, including plants and furniture.

Perform a spot test of the cleaning agent so that it does not cause any kind of damage or discoloration to the concrete surface.

Cleaning large concrete surfaces in sections is relatively more straightforward. Never forget to inspect the floor for chips and cracks. Perform necessary repairs before startingto clean the patio.

Concrete is a porous material and absorbs liquids quickly, which results in tough stains. In addition, the surface of a concrete structure is full of cleavages which result in the accumulation of dirt, moss, and other types of materials.

Find appropriate cleaning agents that help in removing all kinds of stains and dirt from a concrete patio. Biodegradable substances are considerably easier to use and cause minor damage to flora and fauna, so they are the most advisable to use.