Sweep up the kitty litter and inspect the stained area. If it remains, repeat step one. If the stain is nearly gone, spray the area with a commercial degreaser and scrub the stain with a nylon-bristled brush. Rinse with a garden hose and allow to dry. Repeat if needed. Use limited data to select advertising.

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Develop and improve services. Use limited data to select content. List of Partners vendors. Mildew Stains Spray bottle or sponge mop Old towels or plastic sheeting Eye protective gear Nylon-bristled scrub brush Garden hose or power washer. Grease Stains Broom Nylon-bristled scrub brush Garden hose.

Materials Unsealed Concrete Patios Distilled white vinegar Baking soda. Mildew Stains Chlorine bleach Water. Grease Stains Kitty litter or cornstarch Commercial degreaser.

How to Clean Unsealed Concrete Patios Just a few supplies and a bit of elbow grease are needed to clean a patio. More from The Spruce. You may accept or manage your choices by clicking below, including your right to object where legitimate interest is used, or at any time in the privacy policy page.

These choices will be signaled to our partners and will not affect browsing data. Let it sit for a while, then mop the patio and rinse it with fresh water.

Repeat the process as many times as needed. Vinegar or baking soda : These natural cleaners work well to clean cement patios with stubborn charcoal or rust spots. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, scrub the patio with the mixture, then give it a good rinse.

If stains don't dissolve, try undiluted vinegar. Do not use vinegar and baking soda mixture in a power washer. And be sure to protect your hands, eyes, and nose to minimize any irritation. Oxygen bleach : Wear rubber gloves. Use a cup to sprinkle the solution over the entire patio.

Scrub it using a push broom or soft-bristle mop. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse it off thoroughly with fresh water from the hose. Never mix bleach with other cleaning agents. Concrete cleaner or degreaser: These are typically made from concentrated alkaline soap to loosen oil.

Although they can be effective for porous concrete, they might not work well on old stains. Pressure washer : Pressure washers can effectively clean concrete patios and are widely available to rent or purchase.

If you are unsure which pressure setting is best, test the power washer on a small area first to see the effects. If you choose to use a power washer , opt for a store-bought solution. Muriatic acid: This substance is commonly used on driveways or garage floors where oil leaks from a car have stained the concrete.

When used carefully, muriatic acid can remove paint , mineral, oil, and rust stains, while also brightening concrete. Be cautious as this acid is dangerous and can kill plants and grass. Use protective gear, including a respirator, to protect against dangerous contact and fumes. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for best practices.

A concrete sealer is the best option to avoid stains on a cement patio. If you're up for the challenge, apply them yourself using a paint sprayer or roller. Otherwise, call a professional.

Clean outdoor concrete floors annually. Metal will need to be treated with a non-corrosive liquid. It's handy to buy an all-in-one solution if you have multiple surfaces to clean.

How does it need to be applied? There are lots of ways to clean a patio and the one you choose will depend on how big your outdoor space is — and how hands-on you are prepared to be. Concrete cleaners have different levels of involvement, some you can pour over and leave to act these are the easiest kind for sure.

Others need a pressure washer or sometimes a scrub with a broom for the best results. How much comes in a bottle? You'll want to work out the amount of solution that comes in the bottle and compare it with the price to see if you're getting good value. In some cases, where dilution isn't needed, you might need to buy more than one bottle.

Solutions you need to dilute will obviously be able to cover more space than those you pour straight onto your patio. The majority of concrete cleaners can simply be applied and left to do their work and any forecasted rain can rinse it off.

The only situation where you might need a pressure washer is if the solution is strong and you don't like the smell lingering or the idea of your pets walking over it. Otherwise, if there's a lot of algae build-up, it might be quicker to initially remove this with a pressure washer before using a solution.

You can always do two applications of the cleaner for better results. Other than that, an application with a brush or stiff broom is enough for most situations.

It's on our to-do list to test all of the concrete cleaners featured in this guide, but our team of writers and editors only have so many patios and balconies between us. While testing these solutions, we like to use them on an entire patio, which means that this testing process is slower than most.

This means that currently, we've had hands-on experience with only one of these solutions, however, in our UK guide we've tested everything we recommend. As we've mentioned, while some concrete cleaners work instantly, others can take months to work but they provide long-lasting results.

As always, we update our buying guides with new products as soon as they've been reviewed — and once we've managed to come to a verdict. Get the best home decor ideas, DIY advice and project inspiration straight to your inbox!

I'm Annie, and I'm the Head Ecommerce Editor at Real Homes. I've been part of the Real Homes team since , when I joined as Deals Editor.

Along with covering major sales events — from Black Friday to Amazon Prime Day — I review home must-haves so that you can buy with peace of mind. Mostly focusing on home fragrance and sleep, as well as a few vacuum cleaners, I've tested pretty much every item you can think of that you need in your home.

I live on the outskirts of the city in a two-bed apartment with my husband and my pug, Doug. So I am always searching for compact alternatives and ways to save floor space. What about when I am not typing away?

Well, you'll find me enjoying an iced coffee no matter the season and trying out the latest brunch spots the city has to offer, or booking my next holiday. Where else can you find my words? It's actually possible to make a narrow entryway look wider with a few easy steps.

By Camille Dubuis-Welch Published 12 February The Ninja Sizzle Smokeless Indoor Grill and Griddle cooks with quintessential char marks — but won't set your fire alarm off. By Paige Cerulli Published 12 February Other versions of this page are available with specific content for the following regions:.

Depending on the size of the patio, you will probably need to double or triple the ingredients. Allow the mixture to sit on the concrete surface for around 30 minutes. Use a nylon-bristled scrub brush metal brushes can leave small pieces of metal in the concrete that will rust to clean the entire surface.

Use a scrub brush with a long attachable handle to save your back and knees. Rinse away the cleaning solution. Make sure to spray clean water on any shrubbery or grass next to the patio that may be splattered with the vinegar and baking soda. Allow the concrete to air dry completely before replacing any furniture and accessories to prevent staining.

Rust stains from furniture legs and grills can be especially difficult to remove. In some areas of the country, the soil contains so much iron that red mud stains must be treated like rust stains. Rust stains should be treated before removing mildew stains.

Chlorine bleach can permanently set in rust stains. Sweep away any debris from the stained area. Follow the directions on the packaging and apply the cleaner to the stained area and scrub with a nylon-bristled brush. Rinse away cleaner with clean water and allow the area to dry. Repeat if stain remains.

Quite often, heavy mildew stains will appear on concrete due to outdoor dampness. To effectively kill the mildew spores and remove the black stains, you will need to use chlorine bleach. Oxygen-based bleach will remove the stains but will not kill the spores.

After you have removed everything from the patio, mix a solution of one part chlorine bleach to two parts water in a plastic bucket or spray bottle. You will need to protect the lawn and shrubbery from the solution with old towels or plastic sheeting. The bleach will burn and possibly kill greenery.

Always wear old clothes to prevent bleach spotting and protective eyewear for safety. Spray on the bleach solution or use the mop to spread the solution onto the mildew-stained areas. Allow the cleaner to work for five to 30 minutes depending on how heavy the stains are on the surface.

Scrub the concrete with a nylon-bristled brush and then rinse thoroughly with the garden hose. For extremely heavy stains, a power washer provides a much stronger stream of water to blast away the grime. Use a hose to rinse greenery after the patio is clean.

Grease stains should be treated as soon as possible after they happen because concrete is porous and the longer the grease sits, the deeper it goes into the surface. Be patient; you may need to treat grease stains several times before they disappear. Sprinkle the grease stain with a thick at least one-inch layer of kitty litter or cornstarch.

Allow it to remain on the stain for 24 hours or up to three days to absorb the grease. Sweep up the kitty litter and inspect the stained area. If it remains, repeat step one.

If the stain is nearly gone, spray the area with a commercial degreaser and scrub the stain with a nylon-bristled brush. Rinse with a garden hose and allow to dry. Repeat if needed. Use limited data to select advertising.

However, you don't have to waste your money to get it clean. You can clean your patio or deck easily with a few chemicals you have at home. Just remember to be safe when using these chemicals and mix them outside with protective gear. You may opt out of our email messages at any time.

Home Cleaning Outdoor Formulating a homemade deck cleaner or patio scrub is not only simple, but it's often more economically and ecologically friendly than what you find in the aisle of your grocery store.

DIY Deck Cleaner and Patio Cleaner Recipes The following are only a few recipes to try. Materials Trisodium phosphate also known as TSP Powdered oxygen bleach found in your grocery store's laundry aisle Warm water Directions Mix one and a half cups of TSP with a gallon of water.

Throw in one cup of oxygen bleach if there is an excessive amount of mold. If you are concerned about too strong of a mixture, start with only one cup of TSP and be sure to always use powdered oxygen bleach because liquid chlorine bleach can damage the wood.

Wash down your deck with the hose, which opens up the wood and makes it much simpler to clean. Use a scrub brush attached to a long pole or handle so you are not down on your hands and knees breathing in the TSP and bleach.

Hose off the mixture and repeat if necessary. Quick Tip. Once-a-Year Homemade Patio Cleaner and Deck Scrub While too harsh for regular cleaning, this recipe gives your deck or patio a good scrub down once or twice a year.

Materials Water Powdered oxygen bleach Liquid dish detergent Directions Add two cups of oxygen bleach to two gallons of water. Pour in ¼ cup of dish detergent and mix until it suds. Use a broom or another large brush and cover the entire deck. Scrub where there is stubborn dirt and grime and then rinse off.

Yearly Mildew-Busting DIY Deck and Patio Cleaner If you find that your once-a-year cleaner doesn't have enough juice to get rid of the mildew, you can add a bit of borax.

Materials Borax Oxygen bleach Dish soap Water Directions Mix two gallons of water, two cups of oxygen bleach, and one cup of borax. Stir the recipe until everything dissolves. Add ¼ cup of dish soap and stir. Apply the cleaning solution and scrub with a brush. Hose off the solution. Try These 17 Clever Borax Uses It's Not Just for Cleaning.

Kile's Magic Mildew Wash for Decks Named after the man who invented it, this cheap and extremely simple recipe has proven to work as effectively as store-bought brands. Materials Water Chlorine bleach Murphy's oil soap Directions Mix together one gallon of water, four cups of chlorine bleach ensure it is inexpensive laundry bleach , and two tablespoons of Murphy's or another ammonia-free detergent.

After the ingredients are mixed, simply brush it onto your deck or patio and rinse very thoroughly with hose water.

Are you InTheKnow? Invalid email. I agree to receive email communications from LoveToKnow. DIY Patio Cleaner With Baking Soda Baking soda is a superstar natural cleaner for a reason; it just works super well.

Materials Baking soda Vinegar Scrub brush Hose Directions Make a paste with two parts of baking soda to one part of vinegar. Spread the paste on the patio surface and scrub with a brush we like a long-handled one so you don't have to bend over.

Hose off the paste when you're done, keeping in mind that you should steer it away from bushes and vegetation.

Important Tips Creating DIY patio cleaners and deck wash recipes can be very effective and cheap. Remember to always mix your solution outside or in a very well-ventilated room. Check the warning on any bottled chemicals you use to ensure they will not adversely mix with another ingredient in your recipe.

Failure to do so can result in a chemical reaction that can be very dangerous. Keep all deck cleaner away from small children. This can be trickier if you don't have a contained, factory-made container, so designate a bottle or bucket for your cleanser that will remain out of reach at all times.

Be sure to wear protective gear like gloves and goggles when working with chemicals to avoid burns. Do not mix products containing ammonia with bleach. This can create a toxic chemical.

Dispose of unused cleaner when you are done. Make a fresh batch of cleaner every time to clean your deck. Be sure to keep your cleaners with chlorinated bleach away from grass or plants; it can kill them.

Homemade Deck Cleaner for a Sparkling Patio Store aisles are full of different cleaners for your deck. Trending on LoveToKnow.

Designed to be used with your pressure washer, this Karcher universal cleaner is tough on dirt and. Restore the appearance of your patio, decking, fencing, and paving with the Roxil that'll kill. If you're looking for truly effortless cleaning performance, it would be worth investing in a.

Electric wire brush tools aren't a new invention, but the Ryobi Patio Cleaner is cordless, giving. Available as a ready-to-go formula or a concentrate that needs diluting, patio cleaner solutions are designed to target algae, mould, moss and more.

You can also clean your patio using soap or vinegar mix solution, though this will require much more effort to scrub the areas clean and bleach - not an eco-friendly option.

With a pressure washer, you'll get more immediate results, as the water pressure will blast the dirt to oblivion, but if you don't already own a pressure washer, it makes for a more expensive upfront cost.

Pressure washers are superb for delivering a quick and satisfying clean, and you can even find budget pressure washers that are under £ These tools are designed to remove various types of lichen, fungi, weeds and more from your patio. Designed much like a household vacuum, these electric tools sweep over your patio with a tough wire, steel or nylon brush rolling at high-speed to remove debris and dirt from the surface and crevices without the need for chemicals.

Ingredients: If you have a pet, you'll want to be particularly wary of the ingredients in your patio cleaner, so they're non-toxic to your furry friend. Many contain ammonia which is toxic, whilst others contain bleach, which you'll need to keep pets away from until it's completely dry.

If you can keep your pet away from the patio whilst you wait for it to dry, those labelled as pet-safe or organic are a good choice. Alternatively, consider a pressure washer or wire brush tool that doesn't require chemicals.

Budget: Fortunately, most patio cleaner solutions are reasonably budget-friendly, but they are single-use and won't work instantly.

If you have the budget, investing in a pressure washer or wire brush tool could save you money in the long run. Plus, a pressure washer can be used on all sorts, not just the patio, making it a versatile and eco-friendly option.

Required equipment: Consider what else you'll need to get the job done. Some patio cleaners are super easy to apply - you can simply spray on and leave, whilst others may require you to do some scrubbing or require the aid of a pressure washer.

Make sure you've got all the equipment you need to get your patio cleaned efficiently. Type of dirt: There are three main types of dirt that need ousting; algae, moss, and dirt. For dirt or oil, consider a more powerful patio cleaner solution. Moss can be removed using a moss killer, whilst algae requires an algae remover.

Most patio cleaner solutions will identify what they're best for cleaning, but for those more embedded areas of lichen and dirt, you'll likely need to use extra elbow grease. Quantity: How big is your patio?

Most patio cleaner solutions will come with a guide as to how big an area the solution will cover. Make sure you've got enough for the job.

While the majority of patio cleaners are biodegradable, this doesn't necessarily mean they are eco-friendly, so you should avoid contact with live plants during the cleaning process. Biodegradable just means that you don't need to apply anything extra to make the solution safe once dry.

If you're looking to keep your patio spick and span, but aren't sure how to keep it looking its best during the passing seasons, here's a short guide to staying on top of any mould or dirt throughout the year:. Winter: During the cold and slippery months, it is common to use salt to de-ice the patio, however, de-icing salt can cause discolouration on your patio.

Look for brands that are non-staining and less corrosive than standard brown rock salt or grit. Spring: After the wear and tear over the winter months, you should give your patio a thorough clean from all the dirt and grime. A literal spring clean! This is the prime time to check the joints between the slabs, as they might need repointing.

Summer: This is most likely the time you will be on the patio, so make sure to clean up any spillages or mess as they happen to minimise any long-term staining.

Autumn: Crunchy autumn leaves can stain your patio if left over the months, so it is good to keep up regular maintenance and sweep your patio frequently. Pressure washing and using a patio cleaner are the easiest ways to clean your patio, but if you'd prefer to use what you already have in the cupboards and don't mind getting on your hands and knees and putting in that extra effort, you can try using the soap, vinegar, or bleach method.

Step 1: In either a bucket or a watering can a watering-can works best as it gives you more control , mix the water with bleach. The best ratio is five parts water to one part bleach. Step 2: Pour the solution over the area you want to clean, and try to avoid pouring it over any plants and flowers.

Step 3: Use a hard-bristled brush to scrub the area, white foam should start to build up. Best electric pressure washers to tackle dirt and grime. Best Kärcher pressure washers for a powerful yard clean.

Best cordless pressure washer for fast cleaning. Discover everything you need to know to make your outside space look fantastic quickly and easily,. She's always looking out for inspiration online for stylish and affordable designs, and enjoys spending time in nature. Outdoor Living. How To. Garden Vacuums.

The best patio cleaner for effortless cleaning Make your patio look good as new with these easy-to-use cleaning solutions. by Eleanor Weaver Updated on 05 01 Patio Magic!

Jarder Spray and Leave 4 x 5 Litre Concentrate Cleaner. JCB Heavy Duty Patio Cleaner. Algon Organic Path and Patio Cleaner Concentrate. Defenders Concentrated Path and Patio Cleaner.

SmartSeal Patio Clean Xtreme. Pro-Kleen Patio and Driveway Cleaner. Wet and Forget Moss Mould Lichen and Algae Remover. Karcher Canister Pressure Washer Detergent. Roxil Green Mould, Algae and Lichen Killer. Bosch A7F70 EasyAquatak High Pressure Washer. Make the most out of your outdoor space with a Modern Gardens Membership.

Best patio cleaner for weeds. Price: £ This one does require a pressure washer, so if you don't have one or have no desire in getting one, then keep on scrolling.

Otherwise, reviewers love how it can clean all of your surfaces at once — think wood, composite, vinyl, metal, fabric, plastic, wicker, concrete, stone, brick, and asphalt. It's safe to use around pets and wildlife.

Though it's an extra step to dilute it, it's more cost-effective as you'll need less of it to cover a larger space. This product really lives up to its name. It works fast, which is ideal if you have people coming over this weekend and cleaning the patio is still on your list.

It requires pretty minimal effort to apply; all you need to do is spray it on, scrub down problem areas, and then hose it off or chuck a bucket of water or five on it for a lovely clean finish — no pressure washer required. It's best at making a difference when it comes to the appearance of mold, mildew, dirt, and grime.

If your patio has been neglected for quite some time, then you might need something a little stronger. Think about safety — and when you're going to apply it If you have kids or pets, it goes without saying that you will need a non-toxic concrete cleaner. Check the product information to see what the guidance is on using the product you've chosen near animals and people.

Most are safe for use after several hours, but it can be easier said than done to keep pets away. Also, check and see how long it takes to dry. How versatile is the solution? Some concrete cleaners are not just for stone but can also be used to clean your patio furniture and other materials.

For wood, you will want something that kills algae, which is prone to showing up on damp wood. Metal will need to be treated with a non-corrosive liquid. It's handy to buy an all-in-one solution if you have multiple surfaces to clean.

How does it need to be applied? There are lots of ways to clean a patio and the one you choose will depend on how big your outdoor space is — and how hands-on you are prepared to be.

Concrete cleaners have different levels of involvement, some you can pour over and leave to act these are the easiest kind for sure. Others need a pressure washer or sometimes a scrub with a broom for the best results.

How much comes in a bottle? You'll want to work out the amount of solution that comes in the bottle and compare it with the price to see if you're getting good value.

In some cases, where dilution isn't needed, you might need to buy more than one bottle. Solutions you need to dilute will obviously be able to cover more space than those you pour straight onto your patio.

The majority of concrete cleaners can simply be applied and left to do their work and any forecasted rain can rinse it off. The only situation where you might need a pressure washer is if the solution is strong and you don't like the smell lingering or the idea of your pets walking over it.

Otherwise, if there's a lot of algae build-up, it might be quicker to initially remove this with a pressure washer before using a solution. You can always do two applications of the cleaner for better results. Other than that, an application with a brush or stiff broom is enough for most situations.

It's on our to-do list to test all of the concrete cleaners featured in this guide, but our team of writers and editors only have so many patios and balconies between us. While testing these solutions, we like to use them on an entire patio, which means that this testing process is slower than most.

This means that currently, we've had hands-on experience with only one of these solutions, however, in our UK guide we've tested everything we recommend.

As we've mentioned, while some concrete cleaners work instantly, others can take months to work but they provide long-lasting results. As always, we update our buying guides with new products as soon as they've been reviewed — and once we've managed to come to a verdict.

Get the best home decor ideas, DIY advice and project inspiration straight to your inbox! I'm Annie, and I'm the Head Ecommerce Editor at Real Homes. I've been part of the Real Homes team since , when I joined as Deals Editor. Along with covering major sales events — from Black Friday to Amazon Prime Day — I review home must-haves so that you can buy with peace of mind.

Mostly focusing on home fragrance and sleep, as well as a few vacuum cleaners, I've tested pretty much every item you can think of that you need in your home. I live on the outskirts of the city in a two-bed apartment with my husband and my pug, Doug. So I am always searching for compact alternatives and ways to save floor space.

What about when I am not typing away? Well, you'll find me enjoying an iced coffee no matter the season and trying out the latest brunch spots the city has to offer, or booking my next holiday. Where else can you find my words?

It's actually possible to make a narrow entryway look wider with a few easy steps. By Camille Dubuis-Welch Published 12 February The Ninja Sizzle Smokeless Indoor Grill and Griddle cooks with quintessential char marks — but won't set your fire alarm off.

By Paige Cerulli Published 12 February Other versions of this page are available with specific content for the following regions:.

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