How to clean concrete patios: The best methods for spotless surfaces

Concrete patios are generally low-maintenance, durable, and budget-friendly compared to natural stone or pavers. However, the downside is that they attract stains easily. That’s because concrete is a porous material that absorbs liquids, oils, and other substances that settle on its surface.

As such, you need to regularly clean patio concrete to preserve its look and longevity.

Keep reading to learn how to clean concrete patios, with or without a pressure washer, plus tips to prevent future stains.

Preparing your concrete patio for cleaning

Before cleaning, you need to prep the patio. Remove furniture, planters, grills, rugs, or décor to access the entire surface. Cover nearby plants, flowers, or grass with plastic sheeting or old towels to protect them from overspray. Next, use a broom or leaf blower to remove loose dirt, leaves, and twigs. This makes the actual cleaning process more effective. 

How to clean a concrete patio without a pressure washer

Whether it’s a routine cleaning or you’re focusing on stubborn stains, here’s how to clean your concrete patio without a pressure washer.

Basic cleaning tools and materials

You’ll need a broom or leaf blower, a scrub brush with nylon bristles, a large bucket for mixing your cleaning solution, and a regular garden hose with a spray nozzle. Avoid metal bristles, as they can damage the concrete. Use dish soap, white vinegar, or baking soda as cleaning solutions.

Step-by-step process for cleaning

Follow these simple steps to restore your concrete patio’s appearance.

Step 1: Hose it down

Spray the entire patio with your garden hose. You don’t need high pressure; a steady stream of water is enough to dampen the concrete and loosen any surface grime. 

Step 2: Apply a cleaning solution

Mix a few drops of dish soap into a bucket of warm water. Stir it well until bubbles form. Then, apply it generously over the concrete surface. Ensure the entire area is covered, and let it sit for about 10 minutes to loosen up stuck-on grime before scrubbing.

Use white vinegar if your patio has mildew, algae, or tougher stains. Pour undiluted white vinegar directly on the stained areas or spray with a spray bottle for more control. Let the vinegar soak in for 10 to 15 minutes so it has time to break down the buildup.

Step 3: Scrub the surface with a nylon-bristled brush

After the cleaning solution has had time to soak in, scrub the concrete in circular motions. Apply firm pressure and pay extra attention to visible discoloration or built up areas. Work section by section, and don't forget to scrub around edges and corners where dirt can hide.

Step 4: Rinse thoroughly with clean water

Give the surface a good rinse with your garden hose until the water runs completely clear to avoid leaving any residue behind. Let the patio air dry naturally in the sun. Once dry, you can return your furniture and plants and enjoy your freshly cleaned space.

Dealing with stubborn stains

After a good scrub, you might still notice a few stubborn stains that refuse to disappear. Different types of stains need different treatments, so it helps to know what you’re dealing with.

Grease stains

Sprinkle a generous amount of cornstarch or baking soda directly on the stain and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Leave it for longer if the stain is fresh and oily. Then sweep or vacuum up the powder and wash the surface as usual with dish soap and warm water.

Rust stains

If you spot reddish or orange discoloration on your patio, you’re likely dealing with rust stains. Pour white vinegar directly on the stain. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes so the vinegar has time to break down the rust. Then, scrub the area with a stiff nylon brush. If vinegar alone doesn’t work, try a concrete-safe rust remover; you can get it at most hardware stores.

Mold and mildew

Mold and mildew leave dark green, black, or brown patches that look bad, are slippery, and unsafe. To fix this, mix one part chlorine bleach with ten parts water, apply it to the affected area, and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Be sure to wear gloves and avoid getting the bleach on plants or grass. Next, scrub the area thoroughly and rinse it clean with water. If you prefer a ready-made solution, use a mildew remover for outdoor surfaces.

How to clean a concrete patio with a pressure washer

Pressure washing is excellent for deep cleaning your concrete patio. It saves time and effort, especially on large surfaces or set-in stains that haven’t responded to other scrubbing methods. 

Let’s look at how to set it up.

Setting up your pressure washer

Connect the garden hose to the pressure washer's water inlet and ensure it’s tightly secured to prevent leaks. Then, connect the high-pressure hose to the spray wand. If the machine is electric, plug it into a grounded electrical outlet, or follow the manufacturer’s instructions for a gas-powered unit. 

Next, choose a fan spray nozzle. A 25 or 40-degree fan tip is ideal for concrete.  Set the pressure to around 3,000 PSI to avoid damaging the concrete.

Cleaning process with a pressure washer

Once your pressure washer is set up, follow these steps for a thorough clean.

Step 1: Wet the surface lightly to loosen debris

Lightly spray the entire patio with water to loosen surface dust and debris and prevent the detergent or cleaner from drying too quickly.

Step 2: Apply a concrete cleaner or mild detergent

If your patio is particularly dirty, stained, or covered in mildew, apply a concrete cleaner or mild detergent to the patio surface. Some pressure washers have a built-in soap tank, which lets you spray the detergent directly through the nozzle. Let the cleaner sit for 5 to 10 minutes to soak in and break up dirt. 

Step 3: Pressure wash the patio

Using the pressure washer on the fan spray setting, hold the nozzle about 12 inches from the surface and move it back and forth in smooth, overlapping sweeps. Start from one end of the patio and work in sections so you don’t miss any spots. 

Pay extra attention to stained or heavily soiled areas, but keep it moving. Staying in one spot too long can cause uneven marks or damage. If needed, go over those spots a second time.

Next, rinse the area well with clean water to remove all cleaner residue. Let the patio air dry completely before replacing furniture or decorations.

Tips for best results

Here are some quick and practical tips for getting the best results when cleaning your concrete patio:

• Clear the patio of furniture, décor, and plants before starting.
• Test the pressure on a small, hidden area first.
• Use a fan spray tip (25 or 40 degrees) for even coverage.
• Avoid using bleach in the detergent tank. Apply to the surface separately if needed.
• Start from the highest point of the patio and work downward.
• Keep the nozzle moving to avoid streaks or surface damage.
• Work in sweeping motions, overlapping each pass.
• Wear protective eyewear and closed-toe shoes while washing.
• Rinse thoroughly and let the patio dry completely.
• Seal the concrete after cleaning for long-lasting results.

Best way to clean concrete patios

The best way to clean a concrete patio is to combine methods rather than rely on just one. Regular sweeping and occasional manual scrubbing with dish soap, vinegar, or baking soda are for routine maintenance. They’re especially great for removing loose debris, dirt, and minor stains before they become a bigger problem.

On the other hand, a pressure washer is far more effective for deep cleaning or tackling stubborn stains like mold, grease, or rust. It reaches into the tiny pores and textures of the concrete and strips away layers of grime that have built up over time.

Preventing future stains on your concrete patio

Applying a concrete sealer is one of the most effective ways to protect your concrete patio from future stains. It creates a protective barrier over the surface, making it more resistant to moisture, oil, rust, mildew, and even UV damage.

Other ways to prevent future stains are:

• Clean regularly each week to remove leaves, dirt, and debris, along with light scrubbing using soap and water each month. Pay quick attention to small spills, food oil, or plant water runoff.
• Use weatherproof covers to protect the furniture and the patio beneath.
• Place trays or pads under planters to catch water and soil that can leave marks. 
• Use outdoor rugs or mats under grills and dining areas to prevent grease or food stains. 
• Add rubber or plastic tips to the legs of metal furniture, especially in humid or rainy areas, to prevent rust rings from forming on the concrete.
• Trim overhanging trees to limit falling leaves, sap, or bird droppings.

Cleaning a cement patio: What to use to clean concrete patios?

Knowing the type of stains you’re dealing with makes a big difference when cleaning concrete patios. For regular cleaning, mild dish soap, white vinegar, and baking soda are safe and won’t harm your concrete or surrounding plants. For tougher problems like grease or rust, use cornstarch, white vinegar, or a dedicated concrete rust remover.

It’s also important to know what to avoid. Skip harsh acidic cleaners like muriatic acid unless necessary and use them carefully. In addition, stay away from metal-bristle brushes, which can scratch the concrete and leave behind rust-prone fragments.