A concrete patio looks tough enough to ignore, until it starts looking dull, blotchy, and permanently dirty. The good news is that most patios can be brought back with the right prep, the right cleaner, and a method that works with concrete instead of against it.
The challenge is that concrete is porous. Use the wrong chemicals or too much pressure and you can etch the surface, strip sealer unevenly, or leave streaks that stand out every time the patio dries.
This guide walks through a dependable, repeatable way to clean a concrete patio safely. It also covers targeted fixes for common problems like algae, oil stains, rust, fertilizer marks, and general buildup. You’ll learn when pressure washing helps, when soft washing is the better option, and how to keep the patio looking clean longer once you’re done.
Before You Start: Understand the Surface You’re Cleaning
Not all concrete behaves the same way. Newer patios are usually denser and more forgiving. Older concrete often has worn areas, hairline cracks, exposed aggregate, or remnants of old sealer that change how it reacts to water and cleaners. Decorative finishes like stamped or colored concrete need even more caution.
It also helps to understand why patios get dirty in the first place. Moisture, shade, foot traffic, organic debris, and nearby landscaping all play a role. If you want a deeper breakdown of what causes buildup and staining over time, this guide explains it well: Why Concrete Patios Get Dirty and What You Can Do About It .
Before cleaning, take a few minutes to inspect the surface. Look for crumbling edges, flaking sealer, chalky residue, pitting, or areas that stay damp long after rain. These details affect how strong your cleaner should be and whether high pressure is a bad idea.
- Stamped or colored concrete: Avoid harsh acids and high pressure near the surface.
- Previously sealed concrete: Some cleaners can strip or discolor sealer unevenly.
- Older or damaged concrete: Gentle cleaning usually works better than aggressive blasting.
What You’ll Need
You don’t need specialty equipment for most patio cleaning jobs. The goal is simple: remove loose debris, apply the right cleaner, scrub where needed, and rinse thoroughly so nothing is left behind to dry on the surface.
Basic tools
- Broom or leaf blower
- Stiff nylon brush (skip wire brushes on decorative finishes)
- Bucket, garden hose, and spray nozzle
- Gloves and eye protection
- Plastic or towels to protect nearby plants
Optional but useful
- Pump sprayer or foam cannon for even application
- Wet/dry vacuum for low spots
- Pressure washer with a wide fan tip or surface cleaner
- Concrete-safe cleaner for general washing
- Degreaser or poultice for oil stains
Protect Yourself and Your Landscaping
Even mild cleaners can irritate skin and eyes, and overspray can damage plants if you’re not careful. A little preparation prevents most problems.
- Remove furniture and sweep away loose debris.
- Pre-wet nearby plants and soil with clean water.
- Cover delicate plants if using stronger cleaners.
- Wear gloves and eye protection.
- Clean on a calm day to control overspray.
Be mindful of runoff, especially if your patio drains toward gutters or storm drains. Use only what you need, rinse thoroughly, and follow product instructions.
Step-by-Step: A Reliable Way to Clean a Concrete Patio
Step 1: Sweep thoroughly
Remove all loose dirt and debris, including edges and corners. Organic material breaks down and stains concrete if it’s left in place.
Step 2: Pre-rinse the surface
Wetting the concrete helps cleaners spread evenly and reduces the risk of streaks. Use a hose to evenly dampen the entire patio.
Step 3: Apply a concrete-safe cleaner
For general buildup, use a cleaner designed for concrete. Mild soap and water can help with light dirt, but it won’t handle deeper staining.
Apply evenly and work in sections. Allow the cleaner to dwell as directed, keeping it wet so it doesn’t dry on the surface.
Step 4: Scrub the surface
Scrubbing lifts dirt from the pores of the concrete. Focus on traffic areas, shaded edges, and spots near grills. Be gentle on decorative finishes.
Step 5: Rinse completely
Rinse from high to low and keep water moving. Residue left behind can cause streaks once the surface dries.
Step 6: Let it dry and evaluate
Concrete looks different wet than dry. Once dry, check for remaining stains that may need targeted treatment.
Pressure Washing vs Soft Washing
Pressure washing can be effective, but only when used correctly. Soft washing relies more on cleaning solutions and less on force, which is often safer for older or decorative concrete.
When pressure washing works well
- Heavy dirt that won’t lift with scrubbing
- Large patios in good condition
- Surfaces without loose or flaking material
How to avoid damage
- Use a wide fan tip, not a zero-degree nozzle.
- Keep the wand moving.
- Start farther away and adjust gradually.
- Test a small area first.
When soft washing is the better choice
- Older or worn concrete
- Algae-heavy shaded areas
- Stamped or colored surfaces
Removing Common Concrete Patio Stains
After general cleaning, treat any remaining stains individually. Matching the cleaner to the stain makes a big difference in results.
Mold and algae
Use a cleaner designed for organic growth. Scrub lightly and rinse thoroughly. Long-term control depends on reducing moisture and shade.
Oil and grease
Oil penetrates concrete. Fresh spills should be absorbed immediately. Older stains may require degreasers or poultices and multiple treatments.
Rust stains
Rust removers made for concrete work best. Always test first, especially on decorative finishes.
Leaf and fertilizer stains
Organic stains often respond to general cleaners and scrubbing. Prevent them by sweeping regularly and avoiding wet debris sitting on the surface.
Paint residue
Fresh paint is easier to remove. Dried paint usually needs a concrete-safe remover. Grinding should be a last resort.
Fixing Streaks or Uneven Results
Streaks usually come from residue or uneven rinsing. Re-wetting and thoroughly rinsing the entire surface often solves the problem.
- Rinse consistently from top to bottom
- Avoid letting cleaners dry on the surface
- Clean out of direct, intense sunlight when possible
Should You Seal After Cleaning?
Sealing can reduce staining and make future cleaning easier, but it isn’t always necessary. Make sure the concrete is completely dry before sealing, and choose a product suited to your surface.
- Apply thin, even coats
- Test first for appearance
- Allow full curing before use
Keeping Your Patio Cleaner Over Time
Regular maintenance prevents heavy buildup and saves time in the long run.
- Sweep regularly
- Rinse after storms
- Adjust sprinklers to avoid constant moisture
- Use mats under grills
- Address drainage issues