Maintaining your concrete patio during the summertime is admittedly a lot easier (and arguably more enjoyable) than doing so in the winter.  No snow, no leaves, way less debris.  However, the weather can get windy, and there’s always the occasional summer thunderstorm that can make things messy again.

Luckily, concrete patios are pretty low maintenance.  They don’t need to be cleaned too often, usually only once or twice a year.  But when it does come time to clean it, there’s a certain way you should go about it during the summer.  If you have food stains or grease from the grill, you may want to add another thorough cleaning session in the fall as well.

When you do decide to take this on, make sure it’s not too sunny or hot out, as you’ll want the cleaning solution to actually kick in and not evaporate too quickly.  Here are some of the supplies you’ll need:

• Broom

• Leaf blower

• Scrub brush

• Sponge mop

• Distilled white vinegar

• Baking soda

First, you’re going to want to clear everything off your patio.  Remove any of your furniture, grills, plants, or toys.  Use a broom and/or leaf blower to remove all other loose debris. Then, take a garden hose with a spray nozzle and wet down the concrete patio.

Secondly, you have to mix the cleaners together.  Pour one cup of baking soda into a plastic bucket. Then, add two cups of the distilled white vinegar. This mixture will foam up at first, but will settle if you mix it slowly. The consistency should be similar to a creamy soup—thick enough to cling to the surface but not too thick to spread. Once this is good to go, spread the mixture over the concrete with your sponge mop. Feel free to double or triple the ingredients depending on the size of your patio.

Let the mixture sit on the concrete for a good half hour at least to soak in.  Once that has been done, scrub, scrub, and scrub away.  Use a nylon-bristled scrub brush instead of a metal one, because metal brushes can leave small pieces of metal in the concrete that could cause them to rust over time. Use a scrub brush with a long attachable handle, that way it won’t be so hard on your knees and back.

Now, rinse everything off and let the patio dry.  Make sure that you spray clean water on any shrubbery or grass next to the patio that may have been splattered with the vinegar and baking soda during the cleaning process. Allow the concrete to air dry completely before replacing any furniture and accessories to prevent staining.

At B&W Custom Concrete, we’re here to help you with all of your custom landscaping needs.  Let us help you create your dream outdoor living space for the warmer months in Western New York.  Contact us today for a free estimate to discuss your future custom concrete designs in Buffalo, NY.