Clean Cement Concrete: Porch And Patio Maintenance Guide

If your concrete porch or patio is looking a little worse for wear, it's time to give it a good clean. Concrete is durable, low-maintenance, and inexpensive, but it's not impervious to stains. Luckily, there are several ways to clean it effectively. Before you start, clear the area of any furniture, grills, and plants. Then, sweep or blow away any loose dirt and leaves. If you're using a cleaning product, be sure to protect any nearby plants and wear suitable protective gear, including gloves and safety goggles. You can use a variety of cleaning solutions, including dish soap and water, vinegar, oxygen bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or a power washer. For tough stains, you may need to use a stronger product like muriatic acid, but always exercise caution when handling such substances.

Removing furniture, plants and rugs

Before you start cleaning your concrete porch patio, it's important to first clear the space. This means removing all furniture, grills, plants, toys, and utility cabinets. If you have rugs, move them off the patio and away from the area. It's a good idea to cover any nearby plants or landscaping with a tarp or plastic sheet to protect them from any cleaning solutions you plan to use.

Once you've moved everything off the patio, it's time to sweep or blow away any loose dirt, debris, or leaves. You can use a broom or a leaf blower for this task. Getting rid of this built-up debris will make it easier when you start cleaning with your chosen solution.

If you're using a pressure washer, you may want to do a spot test first by testing the washer on a small, inconspicuous area of the patio. This will ensure that your method will not cause any discoloration or damage to the concrete.

After clearing the patio, you can then start preparing your cleaning solution and getting ready to apply it. Remember to wear protective gear, including gloves, safety goggles, and clothing you don't mind getting dirty.

Sweeping off debris

The next step is to use a broom or leaf blower to get rid of leaves, rocks, twigs, and any other built-up debris. Sweeping helps to remove loose dirt and debris from the surface of the concrete. It is also important to cover any nearby plants or landscaping with a tarp or plastic sheets to protect them from cleaning solutions.

If you are cleaning a patio or driveway, you may also need to remove and treat any weeds that have infiltrated cracks. This can be done with a string trimmer. Sweeping off debris is an essential step in preparing your cement concrete porch or patio for further cleaning and treatment. It ensures that the surface is clear and ready for the application of cleaning solutions or pressure washing.

It is worth noting that if you are dealing with a mould or mildew problem, especially indoors, it is not advisable to sweep the area as this can spread mould spores and cause a bigger problem. In this case, it is recommended to vacuum loose dirt off the surface instead of sweeping.

Applying a cleaning solution

After you have cleared the space of furniture, grills, plants, toys, and other items, and removed loose dirt and debris, it's time to apply a cleaning solution.

For water stains, mould, and mildew, use a garden hose or pressure washer to remove the stains. If this doesn't work, mix a solution of 3/4 cup bleach and 1 gallon of water. Wear protective gear, including rubber gloves, and scrub the area with a brush. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and ensure the patio is fully dry before putting items back.

For grease and oil stains, sprinkle sawdust, cornstarch, or baking soda on the stain to absorb any spills. You can also mix baking soda with a little water to create a cleaning paste. Gently scrub it into the stain and let it sit for 30-60 minutes. Then, wash away the solution or sweep away any remaining powder. If the stain is old, it might have penetrated the surface, so try using a degreaser and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

For rust stains, white vinegar is a practical, eco-friendly solution. Spray it directly onto the stain and let it sit for less than an hour to penetrate deep stains. Scrub with a stiff-bristle brush. If the concrete has a grain, try to brush in line with the original surface to avoid scratches. Rinse with water and let it dry. If the stain persists, repeat the process or try a concrete rust remover.

For tough stains, a mixture of dish soap and water can be effective. Create a cleaning solution of warm water and a few drops of dish soap and apply it to the surface. Let it sit, then mop the patio and rinse with fresh water. Repeat as needed.

For stubborn charcoal or rust spots, vinegar or baking soda can be used. 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. Protect your hands, eyes, and nose to minimise irritation. Do not use vinegar and baking soda in a power washer.

For a safe and environmentally friendly solution, try oxygen bleach. Wear rubber gloves and use a cup to sprinkle the solution over the entire patio. Scrub it using a push broom or soft-bristle mop. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with fresh water from a hose. Never mix bleach with other cleaning agents.

For extremely tough stains, muriatic acid may be effective, but be cautious as it is a dangerous substance that can burn or damage your eyes, lungs, skin, and nose lining, and can kill plants and grass. Carefully mix one part muriatic acid powder with four parts hot water, then gently pour the mixture over the entire surface of your concrete, taking care not to splash it on yourself, pets, furnishings, or landscaping. Let it sit for no more than ten minutes, then thoroughly rinse the mixture away before it dries. Neutralise any remaining acid by sprinkling on baking soda. Combine this procedure with a power washer for a thorough clean.

Scrubbing the patio

Once you've prepared your patio for cleaning by removing furniture, grills, plants, and other items, and you've swept away loose dirt, debris, or leaves, it's time to start scrubbing.

If you're using a liquid laundry detergent and water solution, target the stained area by pouring the soap directly onto the stain. Use a stiff nylon brush to scrub the area, avoiding wire-bristle brushes as metal can scratch concrete. Rinse with water and allow the patio to dry. If the stain persists, repeat the process with a mixture of white vinegar and water, or baking soda and water.

For grease and oil stains, sprinkle sawdust, cornstarch, or baking soda on the stain to absorb any spills. You can also mix baking soda with a little water to create a cleaning paste. Gently scrub the stain and let it sit for 30-60 minutes. Then, wash away the solution or sweep away any remaining powder. If the oil stain is old, it might have penetrated the surface, so try a degreaser to remove it, following the manufacturer's instructions.

To remove rust stains, use white vinegar. Spray or pour it directly onto the stain and let it sit for up to an hour to penetrate deep stains. Then, scrub with a stiff-bristle brush. If the concrete has a grain, try to brush in line with the original surface to avoid scratches. Rinse with water and let it dry. Repeat the process if necessary, or try a concrete rust remover.

For water stains, mould, and mildew, use a garden hose or pressure washer to remove them. If that doesn't work, mix a solution of 3/4 cup bleach and 1 gallon of water. Wear protective gear, including rubber gloves, and scrub the area with a brush. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and let the patio dry before putting items back.

For a natural, stronger solution to tackle stubborn stains, mix flour and hydrogen peroxide into a paste with a consistency similar to peanut butter. Spread it over the stained area, scrub it with a non-metallic brush, and let it sit overnight.

If you're using a pressure washer, fill it with a DIY cleaning solution. Combine a gallon of hot water with baking soda, dish soap, and a quart of bleach.

Remember to always wear protective gear, including gloves, safety goggles, and a respirator, as needed, to protect yourself from irritation or the harmful effects of cleaning products.

Rinsing and drying

After rinsing, it's important to ensure the concrete is completely dry before replacing any furniture or decorative items. Use a mop or cloth to remove any standing water, and consider using a leaf blower or towel to speed up the drying process. If you're using a power washer, you may want to go over the concrete with clean water to ensure any cleaning solution residue is removed.

For bleach solutions, it's essential to re-water any nearby plants and landscaping that may have been exposed to the bleach solution during the cleaning process. This will ensure that any bleach residue is diluted and washed away from these areas.

Always allow the concrete to air dry completely before replacing outdoor décor and furniture. This will ensure that your concrete porch or patio is ready for entertaining and enjoying with family and friends.

Frequently asked questions