How to Clean a Concrete Patio? | Steps That Actually Work

A dirty concrete patio makes the whole backyard look neglected. But getting it clean doesn’t mean renting heavy equipment or calling in a pro. With a broom, a stiff brush, the right cleaner, and a garden hose or pressure washer, you can lift grime, mildew, oil spots, and rust in an afternoon. The key is matching the cleaner to the stain and never letting chemicals dry on the surface. Here is the exact sequence that works.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather your gear first so you aren’t hunting for tools mid-job. Most of it is already in the garage or shed.

• Outdoor broom for loose debris
• Stiff-bristle deck brush — nylon or soft bristle; never wire
• Bucket, mop, and garden hose with a spray nozzle
• Pressure washer (optional, 1,500–3,000 PSI works well)
• Protective gear: gloves, waterproof boots, and eye protection for any acidic or chemical cleaner

The Cleaning Sequence From Start to Finish

Sweep and Wet the Surface

Clear all leaves, dirt, and debris with a broom. Then wet the entire patio with a hose — this prevents dry cleaner from being absorbed into the concrete and etching the surface.

Choose and Apply the Right Cleaner

Match your approach to the type of stain. A good catch-all is Simple Green Oxy Solve Concrete and Driveway Cleaner. For a pressure washer, pour it straight into the detergent tank. For manual scrubbing, mix 1 part cleaner with 20 parts water, apply, let it sit 3–5 minutes, then scrub. If you want something from the pantry, mix ½ cup baking soda, 1 gallon warm water, and a squirt of dish soap into a paste and let it sit 20–30 minutes before scrubbing.

For mildew or mold, use equal parts white vinegar and water, let it sit 10–15 minutes, then scrub. For oil or grease, sprinkle baking soda or kitty litter directly on the stain, wait 10–15 minutes, then scrub with warm soapy water.

Scrub and Rinse Thoroughly

Scrub in small sections with a stiff-bristle brush, working the cleaner into the concrete. Don’t scrub so hard you damage the surface — let the cleaner do the work. Rinse thoroughly with a hose or pressure washer. If using a pressure washer, hold the nozzle 12–18 inches from the surface (about 2 feet for high-pressure rinsing). Use a 40-degree white tip for general cleaning or a 25-degree green tip for tougher grime. Move in even, overlapping passes. Never focus the spray on one spot or hold it closer than 12 inches — that can etch or chip the concrete.

Let It Dry Completely

After rinsing, let the patio dry for 24–48 hours before sealing or moving furniture back onto it. A fully dry surface prevents moisture from getting trapped under sealant, which causes peeling and discoloration. If you are ready to choose a cleaner worth keeping on hand, check out ourroundup of the best concrete patio cleaners for tested options.

What Not to Do

• Don’t use a wire brush. It leaves rust stains that are nearly impossible to remove.
• Don’t let cleaner dry on the concrete. It etches the surface and creates patchy marks.
• Don’t clean on a hot, sunny day. The cleaner dries too fast. Overcast or early morning is best.
• Don’t use bleach on colored, polished, or stamped concrete. It strips color and damages the finish.
• Don’t use muriatic acid unless you truly need it for extreme stains, and never on colored, polished, or stamped concrete.

FAQs

Can I just use bleach on my concrete patio?

Bleach works on plain gray concrete for mildew and mold, but it can discolor colored, polished, or stamped concrete. For plain surfaces, a vinegar-water mix or oxygen bleach cleaner is safer and equally effective.

How often should I clean a concrete patio?

Once a year is enough for most patios. If you live in a wet or shaded area where mildew grows quickly, twice a year — once in spring and once in fall — keeps the surface in good shape without over-washing.

Can I pressure wash concrete without damaging it?

Yes, if you keep the nozzle 12–18 inches from the surface and use a wide spray pattern (40-degree tip for general cleaning). Never focus the stream on one spot or use a zero-degree tip, which can carve grooves into the concrete.