
Concrete patios are a great, durable and inexpensive option for outdoor spaces. However, they can be prone to tough stains from grease, oil, algae, and mould. Concrete is porous and absorbs liquids easily, which can lead to unsightly stains. To clean a concrete patio without damaging nearby grass, it is recommended to use natural, non-toxic, and eco-friendly products. Some effective options include a mixture of vinegar and water, dish soap and water, oxygen bleach, or hydrogen peroxide. For more stubborn stains, a pressure washer can be used with a DIY cleaning solution of hot water, baking soda, dish soap, and bleach. It is important to test a small area first and to protect nearby grass and plants by covering them with utility towels or plastic sheets.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
When to clean | On an overcast day to prevent the cleaning solution from evaporating |
Preparation | Remove furniture, plants, toys, etc. Sweep debris with a broom or leaf blower |
Clothing | Protective eyewear, gloves, and clothes you don't mind getting dirty |
Pets | Corral outdoor pets to keep them safe |
Grass and plants | Cover with utility towels or plastic sheets to protect from cleaning solutions |
Cleaning methods | Dish soap and water, vinegar mixture, oxygen bleach, hydrogen peroxide, power washer, muriatic acid, kitty litter, sawdust, Simple Green Oxy Solve Concrete and Driveway Cleaner, baking soda, concrete cleaner or degreaser |
What You'll Learn
Use a brush to scrub the concrete patio
To clean a concrete patio without killing the grass, you'll need to use a brush to scrub the surface. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it effectively:
First, clear the patio area by removing any furniture, plants, toys, or other objects. This will give you a clear space to work with. If there is any standing liquid on the concrete, such as grease or oil stains, absorb it with cat litter or baking soda. Leave it for about 30 minutes to ensure the liquid is soaked up effectively. After that, sweep or vacuum the litter or baking soda and dispose of it properly.
Now, it's time to mix your cleaning solution. There are a few eco-friendly options you can choose from that won't harm the grass. One option is to mix equal parts water and baking soda in a spray bottle. You can also add a drop of liquid dish detergent to this mixture if desired. Another option is to mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle, again with the option to add a bit of dish detergent. A third choice is to use a commercial concrete cleaner, such as Simple Green Oxy Solve Concrete and Driveway Cleaner, which is specifically designed to be safe for lawns.
Once you've chosen and prepared your cleaning solution, it's time to spray it onto the concrete patio. Be sure to thoroughly douse the concrete so that the area is soaked. Let the cleaning solution sit for a while—for the baking soda and vinegar mixtures, this should be around 30 minutes, while for the Simple Green product, 3-5 minutes is sufficient.
Now it's time to break out your brush. Choose a brush with stiff, non-metallic bristles to avoid leaving behind metal bits that could rust and stain your concrete. Work the brush in circular motions, scrubbing the concrete to lift the stains. For more stubborn marks, use a stiff-bristled brush and apply more elbow grease. Pay extra attention to stained areas and scrub until you're satisfied with the results.
Finally, rinse the patio with clean water. If using a pressure washer, be sure to keep the nozzle at least 2 feet away from the concrete surface and spray perpendicular to the surface. If using a garden hose, use the highest pressure setting available. Rinse the concrete thoroughly, ensuring that all residue from the cleaning solution is removed.
By following these steps and taking care to choose grass-safe cleaning solutions, you can effectively clean your concrete patio without harming the surrounding grass.
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Cover the grass with utility towels or plastic sheets
Before you begin cleaning your concrete patio, it's important to take the necessary steps to protect the surrounding area, especially if you're using cleaning agents. Covering the grass with utility towels or plastic sheets is a great way to ensure that your lawn stays safe and healthy while you work on your patio. Here's a detailed guide on how to do this effectively:
Prepare the Area:
Start by clearing the patio of any furniture, grills, plants, toys, and utility cabinets. This will give you a clear space to work with and help prevent accidental damage to your belongings. Use a broom or leaf blower to sweep away leaves, twigs, and other debris. If you're working with a large area, a leaf blower or outdoor vacuum cleaner can make this process quicker and easier.
Protect the Grass:
Once the patio is cleared, it's time to focus on protecting the grass. Covering it with utility towels or plastic sheets will create a barrier between your lawn and the cleaning agents you'll be using. This is important because some cleaning solutions can be harmful to grass and other plants. Make sure to overlap the towels or sheets to ensure complete coverage and minimize gaps. You can use rocks or other weights to hold them in place and prevent them from being blown away by the wind.
Mix Your Cleaning Solution:
At this point, you can mix your chosen cleaning solution. There are various options available, from mild dish soap and water to more potent solutions like vinegar mixtures or oxygen bleach. Always wear protective gear, including gloves and eye protection, when handling cleaning agents.
Apply the Solution:
With your solution ready, carefully apply it to the concrete patio, avoiding the covered grass. Be generous with the application to ensure the solution has time to work on the stains. Allow it to sit for the recommended time, which will vary depending on the product you choose.
Scrub and Rinse:
After the solution has had time to work, use a brush or broom to scrub the patio and loosen any remaining dirt or stains. Then, thoroughly rinse the area with clean water. If necessary, repeat the process for any stubborn stains.
Final Steps:
Once you've finished cleaning and rinsing the patio, carefully remove the utility towels or plastic sheets from the grass. Dispose of them properly, especially if they are contaminated with cleaning agents. Finally, allow the grass to air-dry naturally and inspect it for any signs of damage. If you notice any issues, you can take steps to address them, such as applying grass fertilizer or additional water.
Remember, it's always a good idea to test any cleaning solutions on a small, inconspicuous area of your patio first to ensure they don't cause discolouration or damage. By following these steps, you can effectively clean your concrete patio while keeping your grass healthy and vibrant!
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Use a non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning product
Using a non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning product is a great way to clean your concrete patio without damaging the grass. These products are designed to effectively remove tough stains, grease, and grime from concrete surfaces while being safe for the environment and your surrounding grass and plants.
Dish Soap and Water
Start with a mild, non-toxic solution like dish soap and water. Mix two gallons of warm water with two teaspoons of dish soap in a bucket. Use a mop to apply the solution to your concrete patio, scrubbing the areas affected by grease and grime. Let it sit for a while to allow the soap to lift the oils out of the concrete, then rinse. Repeat the process if needed. This method is gentle yet effective and avoids the use of harmful chemicals.
Vinegar Mixture
For more stubborn marks, such as charcoal, pet stains, or rust spots, you can use a vinegar mixture. Combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the stained areas and let it sit for at least a few hours. The vinegar will react with the rust and other materials, causing them to dissolve. After the waiting period, scrub the treated areas with a soft-bristle brush and rinse. If the stains persist, try scrubbing them again with undiluted vinegar for a stronger approach.
Oxygen Bleach
Oxygen bleach products, like OxiClean, are another safe and environmentally friendly option. Sprinkle the powder generously over your entire patio and scrub it with a push broom. Let the oxygen bleach solution sit for 15-30 minutes before rinsing it off with water. Be sure to wear rubber gloves during this process, as bleach products can be harsh on the skin.
Eco-Friendly Concrete Cleaners
There are also dedicated eco-friendly concrete cleaners available on the market. These cleaners are designed to be non-toxic, biodegradable, and safe for surrounding plants and waterways. Some recommended options include:
- Simple Green Oxy Solve Concrete and Driveway Pressure Washer Cleaner
- ECOS Pro Orange Plus Concentrate All-Purpose Cleaner and Degreaser
- Terminator-HSD Concrete Cleaner
- Act Concrete Cleaner Eco
- Oil Eater Cleaner Degreaser
- Ghostshield Non-Acid Based Concrete Etcher and Cleaner
- Naturama All Natural Concrete Cleaner
Always be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging and test the product on a small area first to ensure it doesn't cause any discolouration or damage to your concrete patio.
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Avoid using metallic brushes to prevent rust stains
When cleaning concrete, it's important to avoid using metallic brushes. While it may be tempting to reach for a wire brush to scrub away stubborn stains, doing so can actually cause more harm than good.
Concrete is a porous material, meaning that any liquid that comes into contact with it can be absorbed into its surface. This includes water, paint, oil, and other fluids. As a result, concrete stains can't simply be wiped away—they must be treated with the right methods, chemicals, and tools.
If you use a metallic brush to scrub your concrete patio, you run the risk of leaving behind tiny metal bits that can rust and stain your concrete. Rust stains are common on older concrete and can occur if ferrous metals such as iron and steel are allowed to rest on the surface. The rust can penetrate the concrete, causing unsightly orange or brown discolouration that can be difficult to remove.
To avoid this issue, it's best to opt for a non-metallic brush when cleaning your concrete patio. Plastic or nylon brushes with stiff bristles are ideal for this purpose. These types of brushes are effective at removing dirt, debris, and stains without leaving behind any metal particles that could cause rust stains.
In addition to using the right type of brush, it's also important to choose the appropriate cleaning solution for your concrete patio. Some effective options include vinegar, baking soda, oxygen bleach, and concrete cleaners or degreasers. These solutions can help lift stains and grime from the concrete without causing damage or discolouration.
By avoiding metallic brushes and choosing the right cleaning tools and solutions, you can effectively clean your concrete patio without causing any unwanted rust stains.
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Try a natural cleaner like vinegar or baking soda
Natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda are great for cleaning concrete patios without damaging nearby grass and plants. Here are some methods you can try:
Baking Soda, Detergent, and Water
This natural cleaning solution is excellent for gently washing concrete. It is ideal for removing stains from leaves or plant debris, but it may not remove tough grease stains without significant effort.
Here's what you'll need:
- Baking soda
- Dishwashing detergent
- Water
- Bucket
- Soft-bristled scrubbing brush
- Mop (optional)
Here's what you'll do:
- Combine 1/2 cup of baking soda with one gallon of water in a large bucket.
- Slowly mix in 1/8 cup of liquid dish detergent and stir with a spatula.
- Use a mop or a soft-bristled scrubbing brush to apply the cleaning solution to the patio.
- Lightly scrub any areas with more stubborn stains.
- Rinse the cleaning solution off with water and let it dry.
Baking Soda and Bleach Paste
This powerful and easy-to-make cleaning agent is great for removing stains from oil, leaves, and other debris that can accumulate on concrete surfaces. However, be careful when using this solution around plants as bleach is toxic to most plants.
Here's what you'll need:
- Baking soda
- Bleach
- Bucket
- Rubber gloves
- Safety glasses
- Soft-bristled scrubbing brush
Here's what you'll do:
- In a large bucket, mix three parts baking soda with two parts bleach until you get a soup-like consistency.
- Work the paste into any stained areas using a soft-bristled scrubbing brush.
- Let the cleaning solution sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Scrub again to remove stubborn stains.
- Rinse the cleaning solution off with clean water and mop the concrete area, allowing it to dry.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Paste
This natural cleaning mixture uses ingredients you probably already have at home. It is environmentally friendly and safe to use around plants.
Here's what you'll need:
- Distilled white vinegar
- Baking soda
- Bucket
- Rubber gloves
- Eye protection
- Soft-bristled scrubbing brush
Here's what you'll do:
- Pour a small amount of distilled white vinegar into a large bucket.
- Slowly add baking soda and mix with a spatula. It will create some foam, so allow the foam to disperse and gently mix until you get a thick, paste-like consistency.
- Add more baking soda to get the desired consistency.
- Cover any stains and give the affected area a light scrub with a soft-bristled scrubbing brush.
- Let the mixture sit for 15-30 minutes.
- Scrub the area again to remove any remaining dirt or stains, and then rinse the cleaning solution off with water.
Vinegar and Water
Vinegar is a non-toxic, natural cleaner that is versatile and effective at removing grease stains.
Here's what you'll need:
- White vinegar or cleaning vinegar
- Scrubbing brush with a long handle (natural or nylon bristles)
Here's what you'll do:
- If your concrete patio is unfinished, pour the vinegar solution directly onto the surface and let it sit for around 30 minutes.
- If you are cleaning finished concrete, let the solution sit for between five and ten minutes.
- Scrub the concrete with a scrubbing brush.
- Rinse the area with clean water and let it dry.
General Tips for Cleaning Concrete Patios:
- Before cleaning, clear the patio of all furniture, potted plants, and accessories.
- Cut back any overhanging plants to have a clear view of the patio.
- Remove any moss, grass, and weeds that may have grown between concrete slabs.
- Brush away dirt, leaves, and loose debris using a stiff outdoor brush, leaf blower, or outdoor vacuum cleaner.
- Do a spot test by testing your cleaner in an inconspicuous area to ensure it does not cause any additional discoloration or damage to your concrete.
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Frequently asked questions
First, do your tidying on an overcast day so your cleaning solution won't evaporate before it has time to work. Clear the space by removing furniture, grills, plants, toys, and utility cabinets. Sweep or use a leaf blower to get rid of leaves, nuts, twigs, and any other built-up debris.
There are several natural cleaning solutions that are safe for grass and other plants. These include:
- Dish soap and water
- Vinegar and water
- Oxygen bleach
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Baking soda
- Cat litter or sawdust (for fresh spills)
You can use a scrub brush, mop, sponge, towels, leaf blower, outdoor vacuum, or pressure washer.
The best method will depend on the type of stain you are trying to remove. For grease stains, a natural cleaner like vinegar, baking soda, or soda can be effective. For charcoal, pet stains, and rust spots, a mixture of vinegar and water can be used. For tough stains, a pressure washer with a DIY cleaning solution or a store-bought concrete cleaner can be used.