If you’re like most gardeners, you have a beautiful lawn surrounding your concrete patio. And, you’re probably looking for ways to clean your concrete patio without harming your grass.
Now, this isn’t easy, because most store-bought chemicals are very harmful to plants. But, with a little bit of know-how, you can clean your concrete patio in no time at all.
The best way to clean your concrete patio without killing the grass is to use a pressure washer. Since there are no harsh chemicals used in the process, it’s the best and most environmentally friendly way to clean your concrete patio without harming your grass.
In this article, we will show you how to clean your patio with and without chemicals.
So, let’s get started!
Contents
Method 1 (Non-chemical method)
Cleaning your patio with a pressure washer
Tools you will need:
- An electric or petrol pressure washer.
- access to water.
You can buy a pressure washer at most hardware stores, and they’re relatively inexpensive.
There are two types of pressure washers. You can either buy an electric or petrol-powered pressure washer. Electric pressure washers are cheaper, but they don’t have as much power as petrol-powered pressure washers.
An electric pressure washer will be fine for the vast majority of households since the area that you are going to clean is relatively small.
A petrol-powered pressure washer is more powerful, and it’s perfect for cleaning large areas or areas where you have heavy moss or dirt build-up.
- The first step is to sweep the patio clean of all debris, such as leaves and dirt.
- Once the patio is clear, you can start pressure washing.
- Start by spraying the pressure washer from the back of the patio towards the front. This will help push any dirt or debris that’s in front of the machine towards the edge of the patio.
- Make sure to keep the machine moving at all times, and never stay in one place for too long. If you do, you will damage the grass near your border.
- If there is any moss or algae on the patio, use a brush to scrub it off.
Related: How To Clean A Patio (Without Chemicals)
Method 2 (Chemical method)
Cleaning your patio with washing up liquid
Tools you will need:
- Washing up liquid (non-perfume).
- A stiff brush.
The first step is to identify the type of soil on your patio. If it’s clayey, then you’ll want to use a detergent that’s high in alkalinity. And, if it’s sandy, you’ll want to use a detergent that’s low in alkalinity.
- The first step is to sweep the patio clean of all debris, such as leaves and dirt.
- Next, mix together a gallon of water with a quarter cup of washing-up liquid.
- Dip your brush in the solution and start scrubbing the concrete.
- Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
- Once you have finished scrubbing, rinse off the patio with a hose. If there are any stubborn stains left, repeat the process until they are gone.
Note: This method works well if you have a small patio. That’s because it will take a lot of elbow grease to scrub the entire surface.
Related: How To Clean Patio Slabs (Without A Pressure Washer)
Method 3 (Chemical method)
Cleaning your patio with vinegar
Tools you will need:
- White vinegar.
- A stiff brush.
If you have a large patio, then method 1 might not be practical. In that case, you can use vinegar to clean your concrete patio.
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and cleaner, so it’s perfect for cleaning concrete.
Plus, it’s environmentally friendly and safe for plants.
- The first step is to mix together one part vinegar with three parts water.
- Using your brush apply the solution to the concrete and scrub until the stains are gone.
- Rinse off the patio with a hose when you’re finished.
- If there are any stubborn stains left, repeat the process until they are gone.
Note: Vinegar can be harsh to some skin types, so wear gloves when using it.
Related: When Is The Best Time Of Year To Pressure Wash Your Patio And Driveway?
Method 4 (Chemical method)
Cleaning your patio with baking soda
Tools you will need:
- Baking soda.
- A stiff brush.
If you’re looking for a non-toxic way to clean your concrete patio, then baking soda is the solution for you.
Baking soda is a natural abrasive, so it’s perfect for removing stubborn stains from concrete.
Plus, it’s environmentally friendly and safe for plants.
- The first step is to mix together one part baking soda with three parts water.
- Apply the solution to the concrete with a brush or sponge and scrub until the stains are gone.
- Rinse off the patio with a hose when you’re finished.
- If there are any stubborn stains left, repeat the process until they are gone.
Method 5 (Chemical method)
Cleaning your patio with vinegar and baking powder
Tools you will need:
- Vinegar and baking soda.
- A stiff brush.
This is a combination of methods 2 and 3. The reason why I have added this as an option is that when you mix vinegar and baking soda together, it creates a chemical reaction that helps to remove stains.
- The first step is to mix together one part vinegar with three parts water.
- Add one tablespoon of baking powder to the solution and stir until the baking powder has dissolved.
- Apply the solution to the concrete with a brush or sponge and scrub until the stains are gone.
- Rinse off the patio with a hose when you’re finished.
- If there are any stubborn stains left, repeat the process until they are gone.
Related: Household Goods That Make Excellent Diy Cleaners
Concrete Patio Maintainance
There are a few ways to keep your concrete patio looking good all year long:
- One way is to seal it every year or every other year with a concrete sealant. When you seal concrete, it forms a barrier that protects it from staining and fading.
- If you have a paved patio, you can also install a drainage system to keep the water from pooling on the surface.
- And finally, you can keep it clean by sweeping it off regularly and hosing it down once a month. This will help maintain the color and integrity of the concrete.
Related: What Is Water Pooling? (How Can I Stop It!)
FAQs
How do you clean a patio without harming plants?
You can use a combination of vinegar and baking soda and a stiff brush to scrub the concrete. There are no harsh chemicals, so it’s safe for plants.
Can you seal the concrete to prevent staining?
Yes, you can seal concrete with a concrete sealant to protect it from staining and fading. It will need to be applied each year or every other year.
Related: How To Lay A Patio (WITHOUT CEMENT)
Is concrete cleaner safe for grass?
There are many efficient concrete cleaners on the market, although many of them include strong acids and harsh chemicals that will harm or destroy surrounding grass.
Depending on how dirty your concrete is, you can make your own DIY cleaner from vinegar and baking soda.
Will white vinegar clean concrete?
Yes, white vinegar is a great cleaning agent for concrete. Mix it with water and scrub the stains away. Make sure to rinse the patio well when you’re finished.
Is it necessary to hose down my patio every month?
Hosing down your patio once a month will help keep it clean and looking good. You can also sweep it off regularly to remove any dirt or debris.
Related: How To Clean Your Patio Without a Hose (STEP BY STEP)
Summary
Cleaning a concrete patio can be a daunting task, but with the right methods, it can be done quickly and easily.
Whether you choose to use a chemical or a manual method, there are many ways to get the job done. Just make sure to apply protection to your plants if you are using a chemical method.
Thanks for reading!
Some other useful articles:
Does Bleach Remove Black Spots On My Patio?
The Cheapest Way to Lay a Patio (INC. THE BEST MATERIALS)
How To Get Rid Of Black Spots On Patio Slabs (Fast!)
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