Cleaning your concrete patio is a great way to make it look new again. However, some people worry that the pressure washer they are using will harm their grass or other plants in the area. Luckily this blog post will show you how to clean concrete patio without killing grass.
A concrete patio is a beautiful way to provide more outdoor space for your family, but the problem is that it can be challenging to keep clean. Dirt, grass clipping, and other debris can get stuck to it making your patio look dirty.
And if you attempt to clean it with certain household cleaners, it can actually do more harm than good. You may end up damaging the grass around the patio.
The good thing, though, is there are simple ways of how to clean concrete patio without killing grass. Here are some tips on how you can give your concrete patio a good scrubbing without damaging the lawn.
Contents
- How to Clean Concrete Patio Without Killing Grass
- 1. Use Vinegar to Clean your Concrete Patio
- 2. Use Baking Soda & Water
- 3. Use Diluted Bleach to Clean your Concrete Patio
- 4. Using Trisodium Phosphate
- 5. Using Sodium Peroxide
- FAQ’s on Cleaning Concrete Patio Without Killing Grass
- 1. How Often Should I Clean My Concrete Patio To Prevent Staining?
- 2. Will Bleach Clean Concrete Patio?
- 3. Does White Vinegar Kill Grass?
- Author
How to Clean Concrete Patio Without Killing Grass
The majority of homeowners with a concrete patio end up killing their grass because they are unaware that using chemicals to clean their concrete can kill their grass.
Let’s have a look at several things you can do to help with this problem.
1. Use Vinegar to Clean your Concrete Patio
Vinegar is a great cleaning tool. If you have a standard concrete patio, then try adding 1/2 cup of vinegar to 3 gallons of water and use it as your cleaner. The acidity from the vinegar will help break down the dirt particles leaving your patio looking good as new!
The trick here is to scrub with a stiff-bristled brush and let it dry completely before walking on the surface. If you’re not comfortable using a large amount of vinegar, use white distilled vinegar instead.
It still has that acid that can kill those stubborn dirt particles, but it won’t kill your grass or give anything around the lawn an unpleasant smell.
2. Use Baking Soda & Water
Baking soda is another great household cleaner that is safe for both humans and animals but can be very effective at killing dirt particles on the surface of your concrete patio. Just spread some baking soda over the surface you wish to clean, then use a brush to scrub down.
After scrubbing it, use a hose with plenty of force behind it and rinse it away. It will leave your patio looking new! However, if you have very stubborn stains, you may have to scrub more than once.
Also: Fix water ponding on concrete patio
3. Use Diluted Bleach to Clean your Concrete Patio
Using bleach to clean your concrete patio is another way to get it looking clean again. However, you should use caution when using bleach because it can be harmful if used in excess or applied incorrectly.
You’ll need about one gallon of water and half a cup of liquid chlorine (or bleach). Stir the liquid well, then add some liquid dish soap (about 1 tbsp) which helps the cleaning process. You can also add up to 3 gallons of water if needed to make sure that all the surface is covered with this mixture.
Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing with a stiff brush. It should start removing tough stains very quickly! Just make sure that you rinse everything off once you’re done scrubbing!
Also read: Cheap concrete patio cover up ideas
4. Using Trisodium Phosphate
Trisodium phosphate is another good cleaner for your concrete patio. It works by breaking down the oils so that you can easily wash them away. This is a great product to use if you have pets and notice their urine stains on your concrete.
Simply mix it with water until you get a smooth consistency, then scrub with a stiff brush. You should see the stains start to fade away as the cleaner works its way into the porous surface of your concrete.
When cleaning, just remember that you can always add more water to dilute the solution! Be sure to wear gloves and ensure that no children or pets are in the area when using this type of cleaner. If the soil around your patio has grease stains, then you’re in luck because this mixture will remove them!
Removing rust from metal outdoor furniture
5. Using Sodium Peroxide
Sodium peroxide is another effective cleaner that will kill those stubborn dirt particles on your lawn.
This product can be found at any home improvement store and has two different forms, so you should read the directions to make sure you are using it correctly!
See also: How to clean mesh chairs for patio
As with other cleaners, simply sprinkle some over the surface of your patio, then scrub with a stiff brush. The sodium peroxide will help break down tough stains and kill bacteria as well.
Just make sure that you rinse everything thoroughly if there’s still a chemical smell left behind after cleaning.
Get rid of birds pooping on the patio
FAQ’s on Cleaning Concrete Patio Without Killing Grass
1. How Often Should I Clean My Concrete Patio To Prevent Staining?
You should try and clean your concrete every couple of weeks with either baking soda or diluted bleach to remove any stains that may form.
By keeping it clean, not only will your concrete patio look nice, but you’ll also save money by decreasing the need for heavy-duty cleaning products in the future!
See also: How to remove rust stains from sandstone patio
2. Will Bleach Clean Concrete Patio?
Yes, bleach is a great cleaner for tough stains such as planter stains on patio. However, you should always wear gloves and make sure that kids or pets are not allowed in the area when using it!
3. Does White Vinegar Kill Grass?
No, white vinegar does not kill the grass. In fact, it does not affect the greenery around it whatsoever. If you notice the grass in your backyard turning yellow, then that is a sign of dehydration, and you’ll need to water more often.
Also: Wash out spray paint on grass
Cleaning your concrete patio is actually easier than most people think. By following the above tips on how to clean concrete patio without killing grass, you’ll have no trouble getting it looking new again!
With the right cleaners, you should be able to remove tough stains that would otherwise discourage even the most dedicated homeowner!
