Depending on where you live, moss and buildup from lawn trimmings can leave a mess on your patio since concrete is somewhat absorbent and not entirely solid. It can take on water and subsequently invite discoloration along with it.
Concrete is permeable to water. Therefore, a strong jet of water can easily cause damage such as chipping and weathering, which allows algae, mold, and mildew to grow back faster.
Use a sprayer for the chemicals and a hose pipe for water. You get to save on water since pressure washers use pressures of 1500 to 3300 pounds per square inch.
However, using a pressure washer is the best way to clean your concrete patio without killing the grass since no harsh chemicals are used in the process.
It’s the most environmentally friendly way to clean your patio without harming your grass.
All you will need is an electric or petrol-powered pressure washer. And access to water.
How to clean your patio?
Begin by clearing all debris from the concrete patio. Use a broom or a brush to sweep it generously. Make sure you don’t use a brush with metal bristles.
Because any bristles fall off and lie on the concrete, it could cause rust to develop.
Baking soda is an all-natural cleaner that can go a long way toward freshening things up. It is a great choice if you want to stay away from chemicals.
Mix roughly a gallon of hot water with a cup of baking soda. To add to the cleaning power of this solution, add dishwashing detergent.
Baking soda is highly abrasive and alkaline. It contains sodium bicarbonate, an antimicrobial perfect for removing stubborn stains. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly and safe for plants.
On the other hand, dish soap can be used alone. This degreaser is a powerful surfactant that pushes dirt and grime off the concrete.
Simply combine two gallons of water with two teaspoons of dish soap. Then splash it generously on the concrete then use a broom to scrub thoroughly. After letting it sit for ten minutes.
Vinegar is the universal cleaning miracle. When cleaning the patio, spray it with a spray bottle. Or combine equal parts of vinegar and water.
Only apply a small amount of vinegar to your lawn when you want to use vinegar as an herbicide to your grass at the same time.
With both the baking soda and the vinegar, you can always reapply. In case you don’t get the results you desired. However, on the second wash, let the solution sit a while longer than ten minutes.
Moreover, you can mix vinegar and baking soda together. The solution creates a more powerful chemical reaction that helps remove stains.
Mix together one-part vinegar with three parts water. Then add one tablespoon of baking powder and stir until it dissolves.
For calcium and lime deposits on the patio, go for the CLR. It is a safe chemical that should be used with caution.
Apply the entire concrete patio with the CLR by dampening a cloth or a mop. Then soak the entire surface area of the patio. Scrub, then rinse it off thoroughly using hose water.
Rinsing off the patio thoroughly is important because you don’t want any of these chemical cleaners left off after you have finished scrubbing. They can be harmful to pets and children.
Are you wondering how to remove that icky mold from your patio? Oxygenated bleach diluted with water is the way to go.
It works in a similar way as chlorine but without adverse side effects. Once mixed, thousands of tiny bubbles go to work to eliminate all the dirt and grime.
Wear gloves when combining one gallon of water with one cup of bleach.
Hydrogen peroxide is a relatively mild disinfectant and cleaner. It is also an oxygenated bleach which makes it safe for plants.
If possible, replace the screw cup on your bottle with a spray nozzle for easier use. It will remove dirt and whiten the patio.
Once you have achieved a clean concrete patio, you may want to apply a commercial concrete sealer. It will protect it against stains, rust, and mildew.
The patio in the yard could be joined with a grass lane. Therefore, the chemicals used to clean the patio should be friendly to the grass. Such that they don’t kill the grass.
Always start with a gentle approach. Not forgetting to saturate the concrete and water the surrounding plants as the first step.
You should also identify the type of soil on your patio. If it’s clayey, you will want to use a detergent high in alkalinity.
On the other hand, if it’s sandy. You will want to use a detergent that is low alkalinity. This will help in choosing cleaners that are safe to use for pets, children, and wildlife.
Acids kill concrete and grass. So, plan on cleaning your patio with a baking soda solution after using an acid.
While cleaning, keep in mind that mixing acid and bases releases toxic gases, which can harm your health.
Always let your patio dry completely before letting children or pets return to the area. Regular maintenance routines will greatly reduce the need for chemicals to clean stains.
For example, sweeping off leaves to prevent tannin stains. This is where mold and algae grow.
As well as wiping up spills quickly, especially with liquids like wine, coffee, or oil immediately when they happen.
On the same maintenance note, install a drainage system if you have a paved patio. This will keep the water from pooling.
Sometimes a little water goes a long way. If there are no stubborn stains, a quick rinse with the hose can remove mild buildup.
Be sure to quickly sweep the area first to remove any leaves or trashy items. You can even buy special nozzles to attach to your hose. This will give you a little more power if needed.
In conclusion, it is essential to remember that cleaning your patio should be part of your cleaning schedule. This will keep it in good shape, prevent cracking and keep it dry.