To clean smaller surfaces areas, pH-neutral soap, a little water, and a brush are suitable. If you want to clean larger areas of natural stone efficiently, you can reach for the electric patio cleaner or work with the pressure washer and a surface cleaner.
Use a pressure washer for deeper dirt removal If your patio is covered in hard to remove stains such as algae and moss build-up, you may want to opt for a power washer. Larger patio sizes may also mean a pressure washer is the easier option. Any weeds growing through should ideally be removed by hand.
Use a mild grease-cutting detergent such as Dawn or Ajax dishwashing liquid mixed with water and a natural or synthetic bristle scrub brush to help brighten the patio surface. NOTE: Never use a wire brush as it can leave rust stains and scratch the concrete surface.
Use a specialist cleaner
Try a specialist cleaner like Wet & Forget, at Walmart, which you spray onto the surface of the paving and leave. It can also be used on steps, fountains, patio umbrellas and other smaller outdoor areas. It's bleach-free and non-acidic but will remove mold, moss and grime without any scrubbing.
One of the best things for household stains is white vinegar, and the same can be said for how it targets stubborn garden dirt. This eco-friendly solution is made up of equal parts vinegar and water, which is then left to soak into the patio to correct any discolouration and also remove tough marks.
Make this simple homemade patio cleaner to get your concrete or pavers looking brand new. Make a paste with two parts of baking soda to one part of vinegar. Spread the paste on the patio surface and scrub with a brush (we like a long-handled one so you don't have to bend over).
Squirt a small amount of washing-up liquid into the bucket and fill with warm water, ensuring there are enough soap suds. 2. Start in the corners of the patio and splash a little water and scrub with the brush. The dirt and debris should start to lift.
Bleach. If your concrete is dull and sprouting weeds or mold, bleach is your best option for cleaning and brightening concrete. Mix a cup of bleach into a 5-gallon bucket of warm water, then spray or pour over concrete. Rinse thoroughly with water.
There are several good reasons to pressure wash your concrete on a regular basis: Reduce or eliminate dirt, sand, salt, or corrosive chemicals to extend the life of your concrete. Improve your home or business' curb appeal. Reduce or remove pollens collecting near and around your home.
It's not uncommon for concrete patios and sidewalks to develop mildew or layers of dirt over time. Vinegar will kill the mildew and cut through the grime and dirt. You can use vinegar to clean your concrete patio or sidewalk, with or without a pressure washer. Be sure to choose a day with mild temperatures.
Cleaning a patio with bleach is easy.
Fortunately, a little Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach or Clorox® Outdoor Bleach can help make your patio refresh an easy afternoon project.
Sodium Hypochlorite Patio Cleaner 14-15% | Block Paving Cleaner Sodium Hypochlorite patio cleaner is the quick and easy long term solution to cleaning your drive, patio, walls, fences and brickwork. Sodium Hypochlorite patio cleaner is the...
As a gentler cleaner, bleach can't harm concrete's durable material. Aside from being an effective cleaner and stain remover, it also acts as a disinfectant to the concrete surface.
Experts say they can do the trick for the patio as well. 'You can remove black spots easily from patios in an eco-friendly, low-cost way, with white vinegar,' says Laura Harnett, Founder, Seep. 'It has antifungal and antibacterial properties and will also stop the mould or lichen growing back.
Will Vinegar Damage Concrete? Cleaning concrete with vinegar will not damage it! However, saturating concrete for an extended period will damage the cement that binds concrete together. Over time, vinegar erodes the concrete itself, so be careful.
Yes, vinegar is an excellent concrete cleaner. This solution can strip surface-level messes from concrete. Due to its acidic properties, vinegar can be a powerful tool for breaking down offensive materials such as dirt, stains, and bacteria.
Applying a degreaser will loosen stains in the concrete, allowing you to pressure wash them away. Some pressure washers have an attachment tool for applying degreaser. Otherwise, scrub the degreaser into the concrete with a stiff-bristled brush or push broom.
Water and mild dish soap is a popular cleaning solution because it's easy to find at home and it won't damage brick, but it will tackle stains. The BIA recommends using hot water for surface cleaning with a detergent. White vinegar and water, another common household cleaner, can also be used on mildew.
Vinegar or baking soda: These natural cleaners work well to clean cement patios with stubborn charcoal or rust spots. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, scrub the patio with the mixture, then give it a good rinse. If stains don't dissolve, try undiluted vinegar.
Giving your patio a power wash at the start of the warm weather season will rid it of any dirt, mildew or algae growth and have it looking good as new. That first power wash should keep your patio clean throughout the summer and is best to be repeated each year at the start of the Spring.
The great alternatives the experts recommend are white vinegar and baking soda. The paving pros said: “When they are mixed with water, they can be a powerful cleaning agent. Also, they're both safe for your pets and plants.”