A simple solution of household bleach poured onto the problem area followed by a hot water rinse can remove dirt, grime, mold, and mildew. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Pressure washers unleash a concentrated stream of water, chiseling difficult messes from smooth, hard surfaces. Beyond cleaning patio furniture, the same method can be used in many other ways. The surfactants in the soap will help break up dirt and oil more effectively. Your email address will not be published. If you’re looking for a relatively safe and environmentally-friendly chemical for cleaning your concrete patio, try oxygen bleach, such as OxiClean. If there is a run off of the bleach and water solution towards a garden area or soil border. Scrub off stubborn stains, mold or mildew. Cleaning your patio slabs with vinegar . Most concrete or cement cleaning projects should begin with general cleaning of the entire surface. All you need is ½ a cup of bleach with 4-5 gallons of water. Heat may also partially neutralize the effects of bleach. Considering the funky discoveries I’ve already had on my patio this spring and that my daughter likes to sit on the concrete and draw with her sidewalk chalk, the way bleach kills germs and cleans has a huge appeal to me. Below are some quick insights regarding cleaning your patio with chlorine bleach. Bleach is commonly used to whiten concrete and is very effective at doing so if the initial stain is removed beforehand. For oil stains and other stubborn stains, pre-washing the concrete surface with bleach will prepare the area for a further power wash. It is effective for both poured and paved concrete patios. Using a strong spray, hose off the patio or surface that you just scrubbed. There are 18 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Treat stains created by substances like mulch, paint and charcoal immediately to stop them from setting in for good. There is often a general dinginess over time and potentially areas that have been stained. Cleaning Concrete Patio with Bleach . Fill a bucket with 1 gallon of warm water and 3/4 cup of … By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. It can be used on most patio furniture. Add 1/8 cup of liquid dishwashing detergent to the solution and put into a spray bottle. Then, sweep up all of the dirt. When renewing surfaces like concrete, it’s generally best to start with the gentlest cleaning method and work your way up from there. For more tips, including how to pressure wash your concrete patio, read on! of laundry soap, 3 oz. Don’t mix anything other than water with bleach, as certain cleaning agents can produce highly toxic fumes when mixed with bleach. Avoid any rainy days, so that the rain won’t wash away the vinegar. Concrete patios need to be pressure washed an average of once or twice a year to keep them free from buildup that may eventually cause structural damage. Cleaning products are essential to creating a healthy, sanitary environment both indoors and out. To clean the concrete patio area, you must first remove all furniture, grills and other items on the patio. Wear old clothes in case you spill bleach onto them. Cleaning patio furniture is a breeze with this easy method. In a bucket, combine 1/2 cup baking soda, 1 gallon of … Although the concrete is disinfected after just 5 minutes, lightening it will take a little longer. It freshens the look and disinfects the area as well. SF Gate recommends mixing 1 gallon of warm water with 3/4 cup of bleach when cleaning concrete. I personally use it to clean floors, drains and my washing machine. Best for: • Eco-friendly cleaning Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. Wash Safe Industries Ws Frx 3 Flood Rx Non Staining Mold Remover and Cleaner 3 Lb Container wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. After applying the solution to the surface, let it stand for about 15 minutes and then rinse off. That’s because the substance could fade your paver colors if regularly cleaned with bleach over a long period. If your patio is very dirty, use soapy water on your sponge. For more tips, including how to pressure wash your concrete patio, read on! It is amazing how much you can clean up and disinfect a patio area for the new season with bleach. http://www.grandviewoutdoor.com/general/how-to-clean-a-concrete-patio/, http://wonderopolis.org/wonder/why-do-some-things-rust, https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/how-clean-deck, https://www.familyhandyman.com/patio/renew-your-concrete-patio/view-all, http://www.installitdirect.com/blog/concrete-stain-removal/, https://www.reference.com/home-garden/vinegar-clean-concrete-894e0d8c6734d266, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-concrete/#.WOvQKNLyvIU, http://www.homedepot.com/c/pressure_washer_equipment_rental, http://www.info.gov.hk/info/sars/en/useofbleach.htm, https://www.concretenetwork.com/products-sealer/, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Apply the solution liberally. To keep your concrete flooring clean and spotless, a variety of cleansers and cleaning methods are readily available. Homemade concrete cleaner recipes 7 diy tips for cleaning 3 ways to clean concrete patio wikihow can you clean your concrete patio with chlorine bleach childers ask wet forget conquer concrete stains once and for all with ask wet forget conquer concrete stains once and for all with bleach to clean concrete patio mycoffeepot org. Learn more at Clorox.com. Some cleaning agents can produce toxic fumes when mixed with bleach. You must plan your patio cleaning on a day that will be sunny. Test a sample of diluted bleach on an out-of-the way area of the concrete to make sure it won’t leech the color out of a treated surface. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated space. Compensation for this article was provided by Clorox. Pour Clorox on the affected area, allow the bleach to soak into the surface for a short time, then follow with a hot water rinse. After diluting the bleach, scrub or mop concrete floors with the solution. A quick pressure washing or hosing will also help clear the air of irritating bleach fumes. Scrub at stains using a push broom, then let the bleach sit there for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off. You can typically rent pressure washers from home improvement stores and gardening centers for just a few dollars a day. If you’re combating tougher stains, you may need to use a more potent chemical cleanser, such as bleach, to restore the look of concrete. It is also handy for disinfecting cutting boards and other items that may come in contact with raw meats and don’t go in the dishwasher. Trisodium phosphate and similar cleaners contain harsh chemicals. For dirt, grime, and oil, simply apply some all purpose cleaner onto the patio and scrub it with a brush. Concrete Patios & Bleach If you’re cleaning your concrete patio or sidewalk and you’re worried about nearby plant life, this is your solution! Cleaning concrete steps is easy! Otherwise, you could be left with standing water to deal with. You can use a mold-killing detergent, diluted bleach, or a commercial cleaner made specifically for killing mold. Your email address will not be published. One of the most common ways of cleaning concrete floorings is by using bleach. Cleaning concrete indoors: your supplies are likely to be a … Make sure the surrounding area is set up for proper drainage. Use a pressure sprayer and pure water to remove mold from concrete indoors and out. For human-made colored concrete paving slabs or concrete pavers, we don’t recommend the use of bleach for cleaning. Remove all furniture and other objects. Make better use of your time by tackling other household cleaning and maintenance tasks while the concrete is soaking. Since concrete is porous, it will retain both odors and stains. Spray the solution onto the surface, let sit for a few minutes and then scrub with a stiff nylon-bristled brush. In certain instances, using a scrubber or a broom with a bleach solution can release embedded dirt. Avoid using wire scrubbers on concrete, as these can scratch or mark up smooth surfaces. If your patio is partially covered, leave the doors and windows open and plan on spending no longer than about ten minutes at a time inside the enclosure. Plan your cleaning project for a day with good weather to reduce the chances that unexpected rainfall will wash away the vinegar. Be aware that a too-concentrated stream can leave a mark on your patio. Here is a quick video from Clorox, which shows just how easy it is to clean patio furniture with bleach. Chlorine bleach is a caustic chemical that can be extremely harmful if ingested, inhaled or contacted with bare skin. It can help you get rid of moss, algae and weeds. This will ensure that the cleaning solution does not get absorbed into the concrete quickly. Leave the bleach solution on the concrete for about 20 minutes, then sweep briskly with the stiff broom to dislodge the softened grime. A bleach solution is generally regarded as the best way to clean a concrete patio. Start on one end and work your way across the patio using the jet setting on your hose nozzle to push the debris away. Sweep the surface with a push broom to remove debris. For extremely heavy stains, a power washer provides a much stronger stream of water to blast away the grime. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Concrete patios, sometimes referred to as cement patios, are durable, versatile and affordable, making them one of the all-around best options for finishing an outdoor lounge area. Consider finishing your patio with a specialty concrete sealant. Mom Food Blog with Family Recipes and Healthy Lifestyle. Cleaning Concrete Patio with Bleach . However, be wary of using it on softer stone and around your plants, as the strong alkaline base of typical household bleach can do damage to both. Keep Kids Safe – Clean off play sets, outdoor toys and kiddie pools with mild bleach water. This is because bleach will kill all plants and greenery. Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause metal furniture and appliances to rust. While a simple blast of water can take care of dirt, many homeowners are often in need of stronger chemical solutions to remove pesky patio stains. Pour it around on the concrete patio and spread with the broom. wikiHow's. Keeping your concrete patio clean is the best way to protect it and keep it looking new. Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Recipe – 30 Minute Dinner! Mix a bleach solution of 3/4 cup of Clorox bleach for each gallon of water used. This article has been viewed 15,592 times. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. Cleaning a concrete surface with bleach solution effectively kills the mildew. Scrub the concrete with a nylon-bristled brush and then rinse thoroughly with the garden hose. Do not mix anything with bleach other than water. Sweep any dust or debris from the concrete floor with a broom, pick it up in a dust pan and throw it away. In fact, bleach not only removes many stains, but it also deodorizes and kills mold and mildew when used properly. To be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to go somewhere else while the bleach is soaking into the concrete. While it is designed to last for years after the initial application, the concrete can be made white again with diligence and the proper materials. Spray your patio with a hose or pressure washer on a light-to-moderate setting regularly to prevent discoloration-causing buildup. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. In some cases, a good hosing may be all you need to remove a thin layer of dirt and sediment. Top tips for cleaning the patio. To keep your patio looking pristine, it’s essential to know what products and methods will work best for cleaning it. It may be necessary to mix up more solution if you’re cleaning a particularly large area. It is of course wise to do a test spot first if you are unsure about the bleach water durability of your furniture. These are just a handful of the many great ways bleach can keep your home healthy and looking it’s best. However, if you … Mix a solution of 1/2 cup of Clorox bleach per gallon of water and apply to the furniture with a sponge or old cloth. How to get rid of Mold on Concrete & Patio Stone. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. When a few hours have passed, the worst of the dirt will probably be gone. Then rinse with water. Instant Pot Salsa Chicken (Keto Friendly). If it’s been awhile since you last cleaned your patio, add some mild liquid dish detergent to a bucket of warm water to make a soapy rinse. If you don’t happen to have vinegar on hand, the same concentration of hydrogen peroxide should also do the trick. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ee\/Clean-a-Concrete-Patio-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-a-Concrete-Patio-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ee\/Clean-a-Concrete-Patio-Step-1.jpg\/aid8728150-v4-728px-Clean-a-Concrete-Patio-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"