
Mildew is a type of fungus that thrives in damp, dark conditions and can ruin the appearance of your concrete patio. It can also cause or irritate respiratory problems, so it's important to get rid of it. To clean mildew off your concrete patio, you'll need to scrub the area with a mildew-killing detergent or a homemade solution of bleach, water, and laundry detergent. Allow the solution to sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub the area with a stiff brush to remove any remaining mildew. Rinse the patio thoroughly with a hose or pressure washer and allow it to air dry.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
What mildew looks like | Black, green, or white splotches |
Where it grows | Shady, damp areas that don't receive a lot of sun or heat |
How to remove it | Bleach, laundry detergent, and water solution; scrub with a brush; rinse with a power washer |
Vinegar | Vinegar can be used, but it may eat away at the sealer or top cement layer |
Mildew prevention | Seal concrete with an acrylic sealer designed for exterior use |
What You'll Learn
Use a bleach solution, laundry detergent, and water
Mildew is a type of fungus that thrives in damp or dark conditions. When it grows on your concrete patio, it can appear as green or black, foul-smelling patches. It can ruin the appearance of the patio, and even cause or irritate respiratory problems.
To clean mildew off a concrete patio, you can use a bleach solution, laundry detergent, and water. Here's a detailed guide:
Step 1: Prepare the Cleaning Solution
Fill a bucket with warm water, bleach, and powdered laundry detergent. The exact quantities may vary, but a recommended ratio is 3 quarts of warm water, 1 quart of bleach, and 1/3 cup of powdered laundry detergent. Stir the solution with a wooden spoon until the detergent dissolves completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Work Area
Before applying the cleaning solution, ensure you move any furniture, plants, or other items from the patio. This will ensure that you can access all areas of the patio and prevent any potential damage to these items from the cleaning solution.
Step 3: Apply the Cleaning Solution
Once your solution is mixed and the area is prepared, pour the solution onto the concrete patio, focusing on areas affected by mildew. Allow the solution to sit for a while, typically around 10 to 15 minutes. This gives the solution time to penetrate the pores of the concrete and kill the mildew.
Step 4: Scrub and Rinse
After allowing the solution to sit, use a stiff-bristled broom or brush to scrub the patio and remove any remaining mildew. Pay particular attention to areas with heavy mildew growth. Once you've scrubbed the entire area, thoroughly rinse the patio with a garden hose or pressure washer to remove any residue from the cleaning solution.
Step 5: Dry and Inspect
Finally, allow the concrete patio to air dry. Once it's completely dry, inspect the patio to ensure that all mildew has been removed. If any mildew remains, you may need to repeat the process or try a different cleaning method.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove mildew from your concrete patio using a combination of bleach, laundry detergent, and water. Remember to always wear protective gear, such as rubber gloves and eye protection, when handling cleaning solutions and during the cleaning process.
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Scrub with a brush and rinse
To get mildew off your concrete patio, you'll need to scrub the area with a brush and rinse it clean. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Prepare the Cleaning Solution
Before you begin scrubbing, you'll need to prepare a cleaning solution to loosen the mildew's grip on the concrete and kill the spores. In a bucket, mix warm water, bleach, and powdered laundry detergent. The exact quantities you'll need are 3 quarts of warm water, 1 quart of bleach, and 1/3 cup of powdered laundry detergent. Be sure to put on rubber gloves before you start stirring the solution with a wooden spoon. It's important to mix until the detergent is completely dissolved.
Clear the Area and Apply the Solution
Move any furniture, plants, or other items from your patio before you start cleaning. Once the area is clear, pour the cleaning solution you prepared onto the concrete, focusing on the areas affected by mildew. It's a good idea to let the solution sit for up to 15 minutes. This will give it time to penetrate the concrete and ensure that all mildew spores are killed.
Scrub and Rinse
Now it's time to grab a stiff-bristled broom and start scrubbing! Work the brush vigorously across the affected areas to dislodge any remaining mildew and lift it from the pores of the concrete. After scrubbing, use a garden hose to thoroughly rinse away the cleaning solution and any remaining mildew debris. Finally, let the concrete patio air dry.
Post-Cleaning Tips
While the cleaning process will remove the mildew, there are a few additional steps you can take to prevent future growth. Firstly, keep the patio clean and as dry as possible. Mildew thrives in damp and dark conditions, so ensuring the area is well-lit and free of standing water will make it less inviting for mildew. You can also seal the concrete with an exterior acrylic sealer. This will create a barrier that prevents mildew from taking root. Just be sure to let the concrete dry for a few days in rain-free, sunny conditions before applying the sealer.
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Use white vinegar
White vinegar is an effective, natural cleaner that can be used to remove mildew from a concrete patio. However, it is important to note that vinegar is acidic and can eat away at the sealer or top cement layer of your concrete if used undiluted.
Step 1: Prepare the Area
Before applying any cleaning solutions, it is important to remove all items from the patio, such as potted plants, furniture, and decorative items. This will ensure that they are not damaged by the vinegar solution and that you have a clear space to work in.
Step 2: Sweep or Blow Away Loose Dirt
Use a broom, leaf blower, or vacuum to remove any loose dirt, debris, or weeds from the surface of the concrete. This will ensure that the vinegar solution can come into direct contact with the mildew and will prevent debris from being blown around while using a pressure washer.
Step 3: Create the Vinegar Solution
Mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar in a garden pump sprayer. The vinegar will kill the mildew and cut through any grime and dirt. It is important to dilute the vinegar with water to prevent it from damaging the concrete.
Step 4: Apply the Vinegar Solution
Thoroughly coat the affected area with the vinegar solution. If you are using a pressure washer, allow the solution to sit for about 15 minutes before proceeding to the next step. If you are not using a pressure washer, proceed to the next step immediately after applying the solution.
Step 5: Scrub the Area
Use a long-handled, soft-bristled scrub brush to clean the area. Scrub vigorously to ensure that the solution penetrates the pores of the concrete and reaches the roots of the mildew. For particularly difficult mildew stains, let the solution soak into the concrete for a few minutes before scrubbing.
Step 6: Rinse the Area
If you are using a pressure washer, rinse the area with the washer after scrubbing. If you do not have a pressure washer, use a garden hose to thoroughly rinse the area, ensuring that all traces of the vinegar solution are removed.
Step 7: Dry the Area
Allow the concrete to air dry completely. You can speed up this process by using a fan or heater that is safe for outdoor use. It is important to ensure that the concrete is completely dry before replacing any items or allowing children and pets to use the area.
Precautions:
- Vinegar can kill plants, so be sure to cover or move any flowers or bushes near the patio before cleaning. Even when diluted, vinegar can harm plants, so take the necessary precautions.
- Avoid using vinegar on concrete countertops and polished concrete floors, as it can strip away the top coat, leaving them dull and porous. Instead, use a pH-neutral concrete cleaner, such as dish soap and water.
- Always wear protective gear when handling mildew and vinegar. This includes disposable gloves, safety goggles, and a respirator or face mask to protect your skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
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Try a pressure washer
A pressure washer is a great option for removing mildew from your concrete patio, especially for larger areas of mildew or more stubborn infestations. It uses a high-pressure water jet to efficiently remove mildew from the surface. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a pressure washer to get rid of mildew:
Step 1: Set Up the Pressure Washer
Start by carefully setting up the pressure washer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure that all connections are secure before proceeding.
Step 2: Choose the Right Nozzle and Setting
Select a low-pressure nozzle to begin with, to avoid causing any damage to the concrete surface. You can gradually increase the pressure as needed. It is recommended to use a nozzle with a wide fan for rinsing.
Step 3: Point the Pressure Washer Away from People and Delicate Objects
Always be mindful of where you're directing the pressure washer. Point it away from people and any delicate objects that could be damaged by the high-pressure water stream.
Step 4: Apply a Detergent
Fill the detergent tank of your pressure washer with a mould and mildew house and siding detergent that is safe for use in pressure washers. Turn the tank on and spray the detergent onto the mildew-affected areas of your concrete patio. This will help loosen the mildew's hold on the surface.
Step 5: Let the Detergent Soak
Allow the detergent to soak into the mildew for a few minutes. This will give the detergent time to work and break down the mildew's grip on the concrete.
Step 6: Power Up the Pressure Washer
Once the detergent has had time to soak, it's time to power up your pressure washer. Hold the pressure washer wand about 10-12 inches away from the concrete surface and start blasting away the mildew. Use smooth, overlapping strokes to ensure you cover the entire area and remove any remaining dirt or mildew.
Step 7: Inspect the Cleaned Area
After pressure washing, inspect the patio to ensure that all mildew has been removed. Look for any remaining spots or stains and address them promptly.
Benefits of Using a Pressure Washer
Using a pressure washer can be an effective and efficient way to remove mildew from your concrete patio. It can cover a large area in a short amount of time and reduce the amount of manual scrubbing required. Additionally, it can help remove stubborn mildew that may not come off with scrubbing or hosing alone.
Safety Precautions
When using a pressure washer, always wear protective gear, including gloves, goggles, and a respirator or mask. Be mindful of your surroundings and keep the pressure washer pointed away from people and delicate objects. Additionally, be cautious when working with detergents or chemicals, and always follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines.
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Seal the concrete
Sealing your concrete patio is a great way to prevent mildew and mould from returning. Concrete is porous, so it's a great incubator for mould, but there are ways to prevent this.
Firstly, ensure your concrete is completely dry before sealing. You should wait at least 2-3 days of rain-free, sunny conditions to ensure the concrete is dry.
You can then apply a good-quality acrylic sealer designed for exterior use. A low-solids solvent-based sealer is a good option, as it allows for better breathability.
There are a variety of concrete sealers available, including:
- SX5000 WB Silane Siloxane Clear Matte Transparent Concrete Sealer
- AR350 Wet Look Sealer Tintable Clear Satin Gloss Transparent Concrete Sealer
- SX5000 Penetrating Sealer Clear Matte Transparent Concrete Sealer
- Lithi-Tek 9500 2-in-1 Penetrating Waterproofer Plus Densifier Transparent Concrete Sealer Concentrate
- Siloxa-Tek 8500 Penetrating Water and Salt Repellent Transparent Concrete Sealer
These sealers will not only prevent mould and mildew but will also protect your concrete from chips, cracks and stains.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a bucket, rubber gloves, a wooden spoon, a stiff-bristled broom, and a garden hose. Fill the bucket with 3 quarts of warm water, 1 quart of bleach, and 1/3 cup of powdered laundry detergent. Put on the gloves and stir the solution until the detergent dissolves. Pour it onto your patio, focusing on mildewed areas. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrub the patio with the broom. Rinse with the hose and let the patio air dry.
Mildew is a type of fungus that thrives in damp and dark conditions. It can grow in the moisture trapped in the tiny nooks and crannies of concrete.
To prevent mildew, seal your concrete with a good-quality acrylic sealer designed for exterior use. Let the concrete dry for 2-3 days in rain-free, sunny conditions before sealing.
According to the U.S. EPA, mildew can cause or irritate respiratory problems.