Sometimes, you cannot help but think of pressure washers as a tool that you can’t get enough of. It’s a useful tool all the same.
Regardless of what you intend to use it for, pressure washers are of great importance when it comes to cleaning stuff.
They are also useful in effectively cleaning concrete patio within the backyard. When your patio is kept clean all the time, it becomes more inviting to the eyes, serving as the perfect hangout spot for you and your loved ones.
How to Clean Concrete Patio Without Pressure Washer?
However, it is not everyone that can afford pressure washers. Their prices can be on the high side, particularly when you do not have a big budget. So how do you go about cleaning your patio without using a pressure washer?
Besides, you can wreak havoc on your property when you are not skilled in the operation of a pressure washer. It can ruin your home by causing surface degradation or pitting lines when the spray is left on one spot for longer than expected.
The mortar separating the brick could also go bad because of how the joint’s sand washes away. So what’s the best way of having your concrete patio cleaned when you lack a pressure washer? You can clean your patio via other means without using any pressure washer.
1. Removing Loose Debris
Perhaps, the issue you have with your own concrete patio is debris and loose dirt related, then what you can do is to have it swept or sprayed off. Try sweeping your patio as many times as possible, so it will not amass any dirt.
The majority of the dirt you find on a patio can be taken care of by mere sweeping, on the condition that the dirt has not bonded with the patio’s concrete. Even in cases where it started setting in, you can apply a hose for the removal of the dirt if it has stayed there for a short period.
However, grime and dirt amassing on your concrete patio can be a serious challenge. When that occurs, there are a variety of methods through which you can get rid of the grime and dirt without risking any damages that can be caused by pressure washers.
Whenever you have a growing mass of fungi or grime, commercial cleaners can do the work for you. However, don’t forget that the harshness of the ingredients might impact the patio appearance, affecting neighboring plants negatively, or even causing issues when breathed in.
Fortunately, there are safer ways you can use such domestic cleaners without causing yourself or the environment any harm.
2. How To Use Vinegar
This one poses as a safe and natural cleaner that you can use anywhere around your home, and that includes your patio. To get this going, mix water and white vinegar. This is useful for removing stains from various surfaces.
Whenever you intend to clean a concrete patio, something as hard as a bristle broom will make a lot of sense. If after scrubbing properly, and the stain refuses to come out, you can have the undiluted vinegar sprayed upon the surface and wait for 10 more minutes for it to take effect.
With the vinegar setting in, you can now scrub the surface again. This technique works fine for tough stains. After which, you can apply your hose for spraying away from the cleaner and loose debris that were formed by scrubbing.
3. The Use of Baking Soda
Baking soda has been regarded as another eco-friendly option for having your own concrete patio cleaned. With a soiled hardscape, mix 1/2 cup baking soda into water (a gallon), and your cleaning solution would have been formed.
For something that is a little harder, you can include one-eighth of one cup of any liquid detergent.
After the solution has been created, spray it upon the stains. Alternatively, you can do the spraying on the patio’s entire surface, letting it stay for like 20mins. Within this timeframe, the said baking soda mixture will break the grime and dirt combo down. Finally, scrub the patio very well. The grime should just come off easily.
After the area has been scrubbed successfully, you can apply the hose for rinsing off the dirt, while you go ahead to enjoy your cleaned patio.
4. Using Bleach
The option of using bleach to clean your patio is acceptable when there is no other option for getting rid of the stubborn stains or hard grime. Always remember how much of a danger bleach can be to kids and even pets.
It is also expected that you apply protective measures whenever you are using it. Wear your gloves so the bleach does not make any direct contact with your body, as well as a mask so you don’t breathe in the fumes.
After that, have the bleach mixed with water in equal proportions, and then fill your spray bottle with the solution, so the bleach does not have to be concentrated on a specific spot.
After mixing the bleach solution, spray it on the affected portion and wait for like 10mins for it to take effect.
You don’t have to spray it in large quantities since the excess can affect the flowers and grass after rolling down the patio. This is to be avoided at all costs because of its devastating effects on plants.
After a period of 10mins, scrub hard with a deck kind of brush to get rid of the stains. The stains should come off easily due to the harshness of the bleach mixture you have created. Just ensure you clean out those spots properly with a hose when you are done.
Just use it cautiously because bleach can be deadly for plants. Bleach can also be used to remove mold from pavers or patio stones. Your bleach solution can be used for killing weeds and unwanted plants.
Should you use bleach, the concrete patio has to be totally dry before returning anything you must have taken from that area. Dampness should be avoided because it attracts moss and green algae, particularly for those patio stones.
Therefore, if your patio lacks any direct sunlight, look for any means to dry that moisture so it doesn’t result in any unwanted growth.
Ammonia can also serve the same purpose here. But never try mixing ammonia and bleach together. It can result in dangerous fumes that could be very hazardous to your health, especially when you are using it in an enclosed area.
5. The Use of Muriatic Acid
Muriatic acid is perfect for removing stubborn stains from any concrete patio. If there is dried rust or grout, this solution fits the bill.
You, however, have to be careful when using this chemical because of its toxic nature. Put on your eyewear and gloves when using this acid, and follow other instructions by the manufacturers.
When it is used in accordance with the instructions, this solution can be relied upon for getting stains off from your patio.
6. The Use of Trisodium Phosphate (TSP)
Water mixed with TSP is a reliable cleaning reagent. After creating your solution, use a hard brush to scrub it on the affected surface to get rid of stubborn stains.
Keep scrubbing till you are sure all the stains are gone. Spray the affected area with your hose afterward to remove all loose debris, along with the leftover solution. It is easy to purchase TSP. You can actually buy them from any of the departmental stores closest to you. And it also goes for a reasonable cost.
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With the appropriate ingredients and tools, you can create or buy a reliable cleaning reagent that will make your patio look neat and clean for some time.
When your patio is clean, it becomes a convenient hangout spot for everyone. Never allow a grime-covered, dirty space to spoil the fun. A quick, effective scrub is good enough to remove every unwanted particle.
Conclusion
Patios can become dirty and uninviting over a period of time for obvious reasons. But the good part is that no matter how dirty it has become, there is always something you can do to make it clean again. We’ve established that pressure washers make a good choice for getting your patios clean. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford one.
If you do not have any model of a pressure washer, this post has clearly outlined various ways through which you can have your patio cleaned. Some of the methods described above involve the use of harsh chemicals. So it is important that you follow safety instructions when using such chemicals.
When your patio is clean, it becomes a convenient spot where you can hang out with your loved ones. Never allow a grime-covered, dirty space to spoil the fun. A quick, effective scrub is good enough to remove every unwanted particle. One more thing, all the methods mentioned above are all DIYs.
