How to Clean a Concrete Patio and Pavers (With or Without a Pressure Washer)

A patio takes a beating from weather, foot traffic, falling leaves, barbecue grease and mildew. Over time, concrete and pavers can turn gray, green or blotchy. A good clean once or twice a year makes a huge difference, and you don't necessarily need a pressure washer.

What You'll Need

A stiff-bristle broom or deck brush
A garden hose with a spray nozzle
Oxygen bleach powder
Dish soap
A bucket
Rubber gloves and eye protection
A pressure washer (optional)
Baking soda or cat litter (for oil stains)

Step 1: Clear and Sweep

Move furniture, grills and planters off the patio. Sweep away leaves, dirt and debris. Pull weeds from the cracks or joints.

Step 2: Protect Your Plants

Wet nearby plants and grass with plain water before you start. This helps protect them from cleaning solution runoff. Rinse them again when you're done.

Step 3: Pre-Treat Stains

Oil and grease: Cover the stain with cat litter or baking soda and let it sit overnight to absorb the oil. Sweep it up, then scrub the spot with dish soap and hot water.
Rust: Use a rust remover made for concrete, following the label carefully. Test on a small area first.
Mildew and algae: These come off with the oxygen bleach solution in the next step.

Step 4: Scrub with Oxygen Bleach

Mix oxygen bleach powder in a bucket of warm water according to the package directions.
Pour or spread it over the patio, working in sections.
Let it sit for 10–15 minutes. Don't let it dry.
Scrub firmly with the stiff brush.

Oxygen bleach is effective on mildew and dirt and is gentler on plants and surfaces than chlorine bleach.

Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse the patio with the hose, working from the area closest to the house outward so dirty water flows away.

Using a Pressure Washer Safely

A pressure washer speeds things up, but it can damage surfaces if used wrong.

Start with a wide-angle nozzle (25 or 40 degrees) and hold it 12 inches or more from the surface.
Keep the wand moving in even, overlapping strokes.
Never point it at people, pets, windows or wood siding.
On pavers, use lower pressure so you don't blast out the joint sand.

After Cleaning Pavers

Pressure washing and scrubbing can wash sand out of the joints between pavers. Once they're dry, sweep new polymeric sand into the joints and follow the product directions to set it. This helps stop weeds and keeps the pavers stable.

Seal for Longer Protection

Once the patio is clean and fully dry (usually after 24–48 hours), you can apply a concrete or paver sealer. Sealing helps resist stains and makes future cleaning easier. Most patios need resealing every 2–3 years.

FAQ

Can I use vinegar on concrete? Occasional diluted vinegar is fine for mild stains, but frequent use can wear down the surface of concrete. Oxygen bleach and dish soap are better for regular cleaning.

How do I clean a patio without killing the grass? Wet the grass before and after cleaning, use oxygen bleach instead of chlorine bleach, and rinse runoff away from planting beds.

How often should I clean my patio? A light sweep weekly and a deep clean in spring and fall.