Give your patio a fresh start with this easy-to-follow guide to cleaning concrete patios like a pro!
A clean concrete patio isn’t just about keeping up appearances, it’s about creating a safer, more welcoming space for backyard barbecues, morning coffee, and family hangouts.
Whether your patio is the stage for summer shenanigans or a quiet escape zone, giving it a good cleaning can remove slippery mold and work wonders for its looks.
So how do you clean a concrete patio? This guide breaks it down step by step and shares expert tips that’ll keep your outdoor space in great shape.
Step 1: Prep the Area
Before you break out the pressure washer, get your patio ready:
- Remove furniture, planters, and decor.
- Sweep away dirt, leaves, and debris with a stiff broom or leaf blower.
- Check for cracks, stains, or damage.
- Identify high-stain zones (think grease from the grill, rust from metal chairs, or mold and algae).
Prepping your patio properly sets the stage for a much more effective clean.
Step 2: Pre-Treat Stains
Spotted a grease spill or mystery blotch? It’s time for targeted stain combat. Here are some common stain-fighting tools to keep in your toolbelt:
- Grease/oil stains: Use a degreaser or dish soap and baking soda paste.
- Mold: A water/vinegar solution, mold-killing detergent, or mixture of bleach and water works well for mold, algae, or mildew.
- Rust stains: A commercial rust remover can help.
- Organic stains: An enzymatic cleaner works wonders on pet stains and food spots.
Always test your cleaner on a small area first to make sure it doesn’t discolor or etch the concrete.
Step 3: Protect the Surrounding Area
Before you get started with the fun part (pressure washing is so satisfying!), you’ll need to protect the nearby area.
Use heavy-duty plastic sheeting or tarps to cover windows, patio doors, siding, and even sensitive plants or landscaping.
Step 4: Configure Your Pressure Washer
A pressure washer is the best tool for deep cleaning your concrete patio. Follow these steps to set it up correctly:
- Attach the Right Nozzle: A 25-degree nozzle is great for general cleaning, while a 15-degree nozzle is more aggressive on grime. Avoid zero-degree nozzles, which can etch the concrete.
- Adjust Pressure Settings: If your pressure washer allows, start at a lower pressure and test a small, out-of-sight area before moving on to higher pressure.
- Use a Detergent (Optional): Some pressure washers allow for the use of detergent. Use a concrete-safe cleaner for an extra boost on especially dirty patios.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have a pressure washer, you can alternatively use a hard-bristled broom to scrub the cleaning solution into the concrete, then rinse completely with a garden hose.
Step 5: Pressure Wash Your Patio
To pressure wash your concrete patio, start at the highest point (usually the area adjacent to your home). Work your way away from the walls, directing the dirty water down and away from your home and already cleaned areas.
Use an overlapping pattern and keep the nozzle moving to avoid etching the concrete. Maintain the nozzle at a consistent distance from the surface to avoid a steaky finished product.
Step 6: Seal Your Concrete Patio
While this step is optional, sealing is highly recommended to protect your freshly cleaned patio!
Once your patio is clean and completely dry, sealing it can help protect against future stains, water absorption, and freeze-thaw damage, like cracking or crumbling.
A high-quality concrete sealer acts as a barrier against moisture, grease stains, UV rays, and mildew build-up.
Pro Tip: If you’re in an area with frequent freeze-thaw cycles during winter, a sealer can help prevent water from seeping into the pores of the concrete and causing cracks when it freezes.
Step 7: Keep It Clean!
A little routine maintenance can save you from so much cleaning when the weather gets nice every year. Here’s how to keep your patio looking great in between cleanings:
- Sweep regularly to prevent dirt buildup.
- Rinse off spills or pet messes immediately to avoid stains setting in.
- Caulk cracks and joints to prevent weed growth and water infiltration.
- Lift sunken slabs with professional concrete leveling to maintain a smooth, trip-free surface.
Pro Tip: If your patio slabs are settling towards your home’s foundation, they could be directing water towards your foundation and into your basement. Concrete leveling can fix that before it becomes a bigger issue!
Clean Concrete Patio, Clear Mind
There’s something satisfying about stepping onto a clean, fresh patio. Whether you’re hosting guests or sipping solo, keeping your concrete patio clean is one of the simplest ways to elevate your outdoor lifestyle while the weather allows.
Want to make cleaning and protecting your patio a breeze? Request a free estimate from an A-1 Concrete Leveling location near you. Your future self (and your patio) will thank you.
Sarah Etler
Sarah Etler joined A-1 Concrete Leveling after receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Northern Kentucky University. As A-1's Content Marketing Manager, she works closely with industry experts to produce content that will best answer questions related to concrete repair and maintenance practices. Sarah loves living a life full of discovery and is excited every day to see what new things she can learn and share with those around her.
