Use asturdy push broomor leaf blower to eliminate all loose debris.

Then, use a garden hose with a spray nozzle to wet the concrete.

Most patios only need to be cleaned once per year.

Concrete patio being cleaned with blue broom and water

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Spring is an ideal time to clear accumulated winter mud and grime.

If the concrete has food stains or from a barbecue grill, add a thorough cleaning in the fall.

Safety Considerations

When using bleach, protect the lawn and shrubbery with old towels or plastic sheeting.

Plastic bucket mixed with baking soda and distilled white vinegar

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

The bleach will burn and possibly kill greenery.

Always wear old clothes to prevent bleach spotting.

Wear waterproof gloves and protective eyewear for safety.

Nylon-bristled broom scrubbing cleaning solution on unsealed concrete patio

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Mix the Cleaners

Pour one cup of baking soda into a plastic bucket or bowl.

Slowly add two cups of distilled white vinegar.

The mixture will foam up but will settle if you mix it slowly.

Garden hose spraying water to rinse unsealed concrete patio

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

The consistency should be thick.

Spread the mixture over the concrete with a sponge mop.

Scrub the Concrete

Allow the mixture to sit on the concrete for about 30 minutes.

Rust stain cleaner scrubbed on concrete patio steps with nylon-bristled brush

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Scrub with a nylon-bristle scrub brush.

Use a scrub brush with a long handle to spare your back and knees.

Rinse and Dry

Rinse off the cleaning solution.

Rust stain cleaner rinsed with water from concrete patio steps

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Spray clean water on shrubbery or grass next to the patio that may be splattered with the mixture.

Allow the concrete to air dry before replacing any furniture and accessories to prevent staining.

Remove Red Mud and Rust Stains

Rust stains from furniture legs andgrillscan be especially difficult to remove.

Chlorine bleach and water solution in spray bottle to remove mildew stains on concrete steps

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Rust stains should be treated before removing mildew stains.

Do not use bleach to clean rust from concrete as this may intensify the color.

Instead, try lemon juice.

Bleach solution sprayed on to concrete patio for mildew stains

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Apply the Cleaner and Scrub

Rinse away cleaner with clean water and allow the area to dry.

Repeat if stain remains.

Remove Mildew Stains From Concrete Patios

Heavy mildew stains often appear on concrete because of outdoor dampness.

Blue nylon-bristled broom scrubbing bleach solution on to concrete

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Use a hose to rinse greenery after the patio is clean.

Remove Grease Stains

Grease stains should be removed soon after they happen.

Concrete is porous, and the longer the grease sits, the deeper it penetrates.

Corn starch sprinkled on grease stain on concrete patio

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Sweep up the cat litter and inspect the stained area.

If it remains, repeat step one.

Rinse with a garden hose and allow to dry.

Nylon-bristled broom scrubbing corn starch on grease stain

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

you’re able to clean a concrete patio without a power washer.

Scrubbing with a nylon-bristle brush and water removes a majority of stains on concrete patios.