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How to Clean a Concrete Patio to Remove Tough Stains

Dusty Rhodes • June 20, 2022

Concrete patios are durable, inexpensive, and low-maintenance. However, dirt, debris, and food can blemish these tough surfaces over time. Here’s how to clean a cement patio and remove unsightly stains.


There are many elements that can stain your patio. Regular foot traffic can track dirt, grime, and grease over outdoor cement flooring. Plus, concrete patios are exposed to harsh weather and lots of use during warmer months. This can leave your walkway, cement deck, concrete pavers, and other patio features looking less than ideal. Regular cleaning and maintenance, however, can restore your cement patio and ensure it looks beautiful for years to come. 


Whether you are spring cleaning or removing stuck-on stains, here's how to clean a concrete or cement patio easily—with or without a pressure washer.


How to Clean a Concrete Patio

What You'll Need

  • Broom or leaf blower
  • Sponge or mop
  • Tarp
  • Scrub brush
  • Garden hose
  • Spray bottle or bucket
  • Cleaning solution (see below for options)
  • Protective gear, including rubber gloves, safety goggles, and respirator (as needed based on cleaning method)

Step 1: Remove Loose Dirt and Debris

Remove any furniture, grills, or planters from the patio so that the entire surface is visible. Sweep away loose dirt, debris, or leaves. Cover any nearby plants or landscaping with a tarp for protection.


Step 2: Treat Patio Stains

Water stains, mold, and mildew: Use a garden hose or pressure washer to remove water stains or mildew. If this doesn't do the trick, mix a solution of 3/4 cup bleach and 1 gallon water. Wearing protective gear, including rubber gloves, scrub the area with a brush. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Ensure the patio is fully dry before putting decorative items or furniture back in place.

Grease and oil stains: Sprinkle sawdust, cornstarch, or baking soda on the stain to absorb any spills. You can also mix baking soda with a bit of water to create a cleaning paste. Scrub it gently into the stain and let it sit for 30-60 minutes. Then wash away the solution or sweep away any remaining powder.


Remember: Concrete is porous. If the oil stain is old, it might have penetrated the surface. Try using a degreaser to remove old grease stains from a concrete patio, following the manufacturer's instructions.


Rust stains: White vinegar is a practical, eco-friendly way to remove rust stains from cement patios. Spray it directly onto the stain and let it to sit for less than an hour to penetrate deep stains. Scrub with a stiff-bristle brush. If the concrete was made to look like stone or designed with a grain, try to brush in line with the original surface to avoid any unsightly scratches. Rinse with water and let it dry. If the stain doesn't improve, repeat the process, or try a concrete rust remover.


Step 3: Clean Patio Floors

Dish soap and water: Dish soap is a degreaser, and it works well to clean oily and grimy concrete. Create a cleaning solution of warm water and few drops of dish soap and apply it to the surface. Let it sit for a while, then mop the patio and rinse it with fresh water. Repeat the process as many times as needed.


Vinegar or baking soda: These natural cleaners work well to clean cement patios with stubborn charcoal or rust spots. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, scrub the patio with the mixture, then give it a good rinse. If stains don't dissolve, try undiluted vinegar. Do not use vinegar and baking soda mixture in a power washer. And be sure to protect your hands, eyes, and nose to minimize any irritation.


Oxygen bleach: Wear rubber gloves. Use a cup to sprinkle the solution over the entire patio. Scrub it using a push broom or soft-bristle mop. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse it off thoroughly with fresh water from the hose. Never mix bleach with other cleaning agents.


Concrete cleaner or degreaser: These are typically made from concentrated alkaline soap to loosen oil. Although they can be effective for porous concrete, they might not work well on old stains.


Pressure washer: Pressure washers can effectively clean concrete patios and are widely available to rent or purchase. If you are unsure which pressure setting is best, test the power washer on a small area first to see the effects. If you choose to use a power washer, opt for a store-bought solution.


Muriatic acid: This substance is commonly used on driveways or garage floors where oil leaks from a car have stained the concrete. When used carefully, muriatic acid can remove mineral, oil, paint, and rust stains, while also brightening concrete. Be cautious as this acid is dangerous and can kill plants and grass. Use protective gear, including a respirator, to protect against dangerous contact and fumes. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for best practices.


Prevent Patio Stains in the First Place


A concrete sealer is the best option to avoid stains on a cement patio. If you're up for the challenge, apply them yourself using a paint sprayer or roller. Otherwise, call a professional.


Clean outdoor concrete floors annually. This is also a great time to inspect the deck for damage and make any necessary repairs before beginning the cleaning process.



If you're not sure what to use to clean your concrete patio, test a shaded or inconspicuous area to make sure that a cleaning solution won't discolor the patio or etch the concrete. Once you've perfected the method, use protective gear, and take all necessary precautions to finish cleaning the entire patio.


Source: BHG


Dusty Rhodes Properties is the Best Realtor in Myrtle Beach! We do everything in our power to help you find the home of your dreams. With experience, expertise, and passion, we are the perfect partner for you in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We love what we do and it shows. With more than 22 years of experience in the field, we know our industry like the back of our hands. There’s no challenge too big or too small, and we dedicate our utmost energy to every project we take on. We search thousands of the active and new listings from Aynor, Carolina Forest, Conway, Garden City Beach, Longs, Loris, Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, and Surfside Beach real estate listings to find the hottest deals just for you!

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Myrtle Beach OKs extension for halting new long-term rentals near ocean

By Dusty Rhodes • November 18, 2024
Myrtle Beach City Council on Tuesday approved first reading to extend the temporary moratorium established in the spring that halted converting short-term rentals into long-term ones. The original ordinance passed first reading on April 9 and second reading on May 14. It imposed a 270-day halt on “acceptance, review and approval of applications to convert multi-family short-term rental properties to multi-family long-term rental properties within an area spanning from the east or seaward side of Ocean Boulevard to Kings Highway, and from Grand Dunes Boulevard to the point where Ocean Boulevard and Kings Highway intersect near the south city limits,” the ordinance reads. The 270-day halt was set to expire in January, according to the ordinance. The extension adds another 60 days to the moratorium. The council also approved a motion to declare certain vehicles abandoned or derelict in an effort to improve the appearance of both commercial and residential neighborhoods. “This report includes vehicles staff tagged as abandoned or derelict. Council’s approval allows these vehicles to be towed from their private property locations to a tow yard where they may be reclaimed by the current owner upon payment of the applicable towing and storage fees,” the motion reads. “If the vehicles are not claimed by the owner within 30 days of the required notice, then the tow company may sell the vehicle and keep the proceeds as compensation.” All four items on the consent agenda passed, including three grants of $110,262, $84,825 and $300,000. The $110,262 grant comes from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety and is for continuation of Myrtle Beach police’s Project Safe Neighborhoods program. According to the motion, the funds will be used “to support the full-time NIBIN detective dedicated to the acquisition, correlation, analysis, investigation, and prosecution of gun and gun-related crimes.” The $84,825 grant comes from the South Carolina Attorney General for the Violence Against Women Act. Those funds will be used “to support the hiring of a Police Victim Advocate dedicated to immediately responding to the safety needs of victims of violent crime. This position will allow Myrtle Beach police to provide, enhance, and expand its direct services to primary and secondary victims.” The $300,000 grant comes from the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services and will allow Myrtle Beach police to establish a Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program. “LEAD is a pre-booking diversion program that allows law enforcement that allows law enforcement to redirect low-level offenders to community services, including mental health services and drug rehabilitation,” the motion reads. “MBPD will use this funding for two Health Outreach Coordinators and scholarships for participants.” Before the meeting, proclamations were also made recognizing former Horry County Police Chief Joe Hill, who retired last month, as well as Horry County Administrator Steve Gosnell, who will retire in December. Gosnell was awarded the Order of the Palmetto in September.

Ways to Thank Service Members and Veterans

By Dusty Rhodes • November 11, 2024
While any time is a good time to thank military members for their service, some military-related holidays and observances are an especially great time to recognize those who took the oath to serve and protect our country. Looking to show your appreciation for service members and veterans beyond just words? Here are a few ideas. Acts of Service Buy a meal. If you see a service member in uniform or recognize someone is a veteran while dining out, picking up the tab for their meal is a nice gesture – and an even better surprise. Lend a hand. Are you good at carpentry, plumbing, or landscaping? Do you enjoy sewing, cooking, or cleaning? Offer your skills to help a military family in need, especially if a service member is deployed. Using these skills to show your support could ] brighten someone’s day and make life a little easier for military families juggling responsibilities. Volunteer at a VA hospital or veterans’ shelter. Not every veteran has someone checking up on them, so seeing a friendly face, especially during times of struggle, could mean more than you know. VA medical facilities depend on volunteers to help with various services, including visiting patients, running errands, or helping facilitate recreational activities. In addition, serving meals at a veterans’ shelter or donating goods to food pantries and shelters that serve veterans helps ensure basic needs are being cared for. Connect With Veteran Networks Participate in parades and other veteran events. Many cities hold parades and celebration events during military-related holidays, like Memorial Day and Veterans Day. By attending the events, you can show your gratitude in person. Consider joining wreath-laying ceremonies for Memorial Day to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, or take your family to one of the many Veterans Day events across the country to show your support. Check-in with military families. If you know someone or have neighbors with a service member in the family who is stationed away from their loved ones, take time to check in and let them know you’re there to help if needed. The simple gesture will help the family know they have support and give the service member more peace of mind, knowing there is someone nearby to look in on their family members . Listen to veterans’ stories. If you meet a veteran, take time to connect and learn more about their time in service. You’ll likely be amazed and inspired by their stories. If you’re a company or organization seeking a veteran speaker for an event or fundraiser, programs like Wounded Warrior Project’s Warriors Speak® give warriors and military caregivers a platform to share their stories and raise awareness of the needs of injured veterans. Donate to a veterans’ charity. One of the easiest and most impactful ways to honor service members and veterans is to donate to a veterans service organization (VSO). Wounded Warrior Project is dedicated to serving veterans and their families by providing a holistic approach to care, including mental wellness , physical health and wellness , peer support , financial education , and much more. Supporting VSOs is a meaningful way to empower veterans to thrive and live their lives to the fullest. Send a Military Care Package Another way to thank active-duty service members is to send a military care package. Even during peacetime, there are things service members stationed in the U.S. and abroad can use and enjoy. It also doesn’t hurt to get an unexpected gift and reminder of home when you’re away from family. Here are some ideas on what to send in a military care package: Toiletries: Items like deodorant, soap, shampoo, and razors are always needed and appreciated. Costs for these little things can add up, and they are necessary, whether in the field, deployed overseas, or even at home. Deck of cards, puzzles, books. Even with all our modern technology, a deck of playing cards is a classic care package item. Books, puzzles, and games can also be a fun way to pass the time on deployment, in the field (if allowed), or at the barracks. Feminine-hygiene products. Women are the fastest-growing demographic of veterans, and more and more are serving in the Armed Forces. Sending items specifically to women warriors shows them they’re being seen for their service and helps provide much-needed supplies that are often an extra expense for servicewomen. Snacks. Consider portable snacks like beef jerky, trail mix, or energy bars for warriors in combat zones. For those in basic training or stationed away from home, send local treats or popular snacks that are easy to share. Add comfort items like soup cups, instant coffee, flavored drink mixes, or cookies. A card or letter. It’s always nice to hear that what you’re doing is appreciated. When sending a note or card in a military care package, include how important the service member’s sacrifice is to you why it matters. Reading these words of support and appreciation can go a long way in brightening someone’s day. Regardless of how you decide to show your appreciation to service members and veterans, we must never forget the sacrifice members of the U.S. Armed Forces are willing to make for us. Find out other ways you can help wounded veterans. Contact: — Paris Moulden, Public Relations, pmoulden@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.570.7910 About Wounded Warrior Project Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more . 

Why Home Sales Historically Bounce Back After Presidential Elections

By Dusty Rhodes • October 28, 2024
With the 2024 Presidential election fast approaching, you might be wondering what impact, if any, it’s having on the housing market. Let’s break it down. Election Years Bring a Temporary Slowdown In any given year, home sales slow down slightly in the fall. It’s a typical, seasonal trend. However, according to data from BTIG , in election years there’s usually a slightly larger dip in home sales in the month leading up to Election Day ( see graph below ): 
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