Patios are likely to take a beating over the years. This is due to wear and tear as well as being impacted by the weather. Therefore, you will need to keep your patio clean, and spring is the best time to do it. In fact, if you maintain your cement patio regularly, you will retain its glamour and look for years to come.

Here is how to properly clean a cement patio:

Move plants and fixtures off the patio

It’s essential to move your furniture, plants, and other accessories off the patio. Always sweep the surface to remove debris and dirt. You should also remove the weeds that may have grown along the edges, especially between the pavers and cracks.

Using dishwashing detergent

If your patio is lightly soiled, you can remove the debris and dirt with a stiff brush and cleaning solution. We recommend using water and bleach, so add at least 1/8 cup of dishwashing detergent to the solution and put it in a spray bottle.

Spray the solution onto the cement surface and wait for a few minutes before scrubbing it with a nylon-bristled brush. It’s not advisable to use a metallic brush since this can leave metal bits on your concrete surface, leading to stains and rust.

Also, if you have flowerbeds surrounding your patio, you should protect them when you’re cleaning because bleach can harm plants. In addition, don’t forget to rinse the bleach with the hose. When using bleach, try using the oxygen variant since it’s a much safer option. Just dilute it with water and spray it on the patio, then rinse it off after at least 30 minutes.

If you have tough stains on your patio, try mixing oxygen bleach with water to create a paste that you could apply on stained areas. Let it sit for about an hour and scrub with a nylon-bristle brush.

Using eco-friendly cleaners

There are various eco-friendly alternative cleaners from ingredients in your kitchen. One good example is vinegar which is a go-to natural cleaner that works well on patios. Try mixing it with water, or just use the full strength of vinegar for heavily soiled patios. You can also use baking soda, trying mixing at least ½ cup to one gallon of water for a gentle cleaning solution.

Just spray it on your patio surface and let it sit there for 30 minutes before you scrub and rinse. For heavily mildewed and stained patios, you may need to use a pressure washer. You can either buy the equipment or rent it from a tool rental centre. Don’t forget to follow instructions on the machine and always wear protective gloves and eyewear when using the pressure washer because the water will come out at high force.

Lastly, once your patio is clean, you can protect it further by sealing it with a concrete sealer. You can use a paint roller when applying the sealer. Start from the middle of your patio to the edges in a uniform manner. This will ensure that you’ll have a sparkling clean patio that you will enjoy for years to come.

Are you planning on beginning a concreting project in the warmer months? Check out our tips for hot weather concreting