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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Should You Pay for Your Buyer’s Closing Costs? What Sellers Need To Know.

By Dusty Rhodes • June 15, 2026
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By Dusty Rhodes • June 8, 2026
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Choose landscaping that looks attractive while remaining low-maintenance. Create outdoor spaces buyers can picture themselves using When staging an outdoor space , the goal is to help buyers imagine how they would actually live there. A cozy patio setup, welcoming front porch, or peaceful backyard can make the home feel like a retreat rather than just another property on the market. Buyers are often drawn to spaces that feel functional, relaxing, and easy to enjoy from day one. “Think about it: It’s Friday afternoon, you just got off a busy work week, you’re dreaming of how long until you escape to your home, that peaceful haven from the chaos,” says Justin Wilson of American Irrigation Repair . “When you’re selling your house, you’re not just selling just the structure, you’re selling a vision of how a buyer feels when they step on the property.” To create outdoor spaces buyers can connect with: Arrange simple seating areas on patios or decks. Add outdoor pillows or neutral decor for warmth. Incorporate planters or flowers for natural color. Keep pathways and gathering spaces open and uncluttered. Highlight features like fire pits, gardens, or dining areas. Use lighting to make the space feel inviting during evening showings. Less clutter, more function: Keep outdoor staging simple When staging outdoor areas, simplicity often has the biggest impact. Buyers want to see spaces that feel open, functional, and easy to maintain, rather than overcrowded with furniture, decorations, or excessive landscaping features. A clean and thoughtfully arranged yard allows buyers to focus on the home itself while still appreciating the outdoor lifestyle it offers. “When staging an outdoor space to sell, focus on making it feel clean, welcoming, and easy for buyers to picture themselves comfortably living in and using the space,” says Beth Wren of Copper Creek Landscaping . “The goal is to create an outdoor space that feels polished, functional, low-maintenance, and like a natural extension of the home.” To keep outdoor staging simple yet effective: Remove broken furniture , excess décor, and unused yard items. Define seating areas without overcrowding the space. Add fresh mulch and trim overgrown plants. Highlight one or two focal points , like a bird bath or statement planting. Don’t forget the emotional connection buyers feel outdoors Outdoor spaces often leave the strongest emotional impression during a home tour. Long after buyers forget square footage or listing details, they tend to remember how a home felt – especially in areas where they can imagine relaxing, gathering, or unwinding. A thoughtfully staged exterior helps turn a property into something more personal and memorable. At its core, outdoor staging is about selling a feeling as much as a space. Buyers respond to environments that feel peaceful, cared for, and inviting, where they can easily picture everyday moments unfolding. Key emotional drivers in outdoor staging include: A sense of calm and retreat from daily stress. The feeling of a “personal oasis” or private escape. Warmth and comfort created through greenery, lighting, and layout. Subtle signals that the home has been well cared for over time. Spaces that feel ready for connection , whether with family, friends, or nature. How to stage your outdoor space to sell successfully Staging your outdoor space is about more than improving curb appeal – it’s about helping buyers imagine the lifestyle your home offers. Small updates like fresh landscaping, defined seating areas, lighting, and thoughtful decor can make your property feel more welcoming, memorable, and move-in ready. By taking the time to stage your outdoor space to sell, you can create a strong first impression that helps your home stand out to potential buyers.

What a Builder Warranty Covers on New Constructions (and What You’re on the Hook for Yourself)

By Dusty Rhodes • June 1, 2026
Buying a newly constructed home can come with a number of perks, one of them being a builder warranty. Now, the assumption is that the warranty means the builder will assume financial responsibility for anything that breaks . The truth is, while a builder warranty is issued to most new constructions, it covers a very specific list of features in and on the house. Understanding what is covered by this warranty and if you'll need a home warranty in addition to your insurance is an important step for first-time buyers of new-construction homes. Home warranty vs. builder warranty There are importants differences between a builder warranty and a home warranty . The primary difference is that a builder warranty covers new construction or a remodel by a builder. Most newly built homes come with a builder warranty. A home warranty applies to existing properties and covers appliances (like the oven, range, and garbage disposal) and household systems (like electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling). And while a builder warranty is provided by the builder, a home warranty is purchased by the buyers. What’s covered and what’s not? The lifespan of a builder warranty depends on the specific features of the house. However, the typical builder warranty lasts six months to two years, with some lasting up to 10 years for "major structural defects" like an unsafe roof. While there are differences in warranties from builder to builder, in general, they should cover all of a home’s materials and workmanship. In most cases, that includes: Concrete foundations and floors Dry basement Clapboard and shingles Landscaping Carpentry Thermal and moisture cover Waterproofing Insulation Roofing and siding Doors and windows Glass Garage doors Paint Plumbing Electrical Heating and cooling Septic system Most builder warranties don't cover: Household appliances Defects resulting from work conducted by the homeowner or anyone else after the builder's work is completed Shrinkage and expansion of the house Normal fading of paint Shrinkage of joints/minor cracking Weather-related issues Dampness/condensation caused by failure of the homeowner to maintain adequate ventilation Insect damage Builder warranty essentials While a builder warranty is an “absolute must” if you're buying a new home, it shouldn't make you feel too comfortable, says Robert Pellegrini Jr. , Esq, president of PK Boston, a real estate law firm in Massachusetts . “A builder warranty can give a false sense of security to homebuyers, so you need to be careful.” You might assume something is covered that actually isn't. It’s up to you to ask your builder for the details of the warranty and, ideally, have an attorney look over the contract. “It's a significant negotiation—the builder wants to be responsible for essentially nothing, and it's in the buyer's best interest to have the builder on the hook for as much as possible.” Before you sign the contract, make sure you know not only what is and isn't covered, but also the length of the coverage. Pellegrini says you should also make sure you understand how to notify the builder should something go wrong during the warranty period. If you don't notify the builder in accordance with the contract terms, it could void the warranty. Some of the biggest disagreements arise when the cause is the issue, and the question is: "Was the damage due to neglect during building or to misuse by the homeowner?" For example, if a homeowner decides to clean his paintbrushes in his kitchen sink after he moved in, but doesn't realize that doing so will render the septic system inoperable, he will be liable for replacing it at his own expense. It’s not always cut and dried, though. “If homeowners act in good faith and work well with the builder, the builder is more apt to help you, even if it's not a warrantied item,” Pellegrini says. If the builder goes out of business, however, all bets are off. “In most cases, the buyer is out of luck,” he adds.  Bottom line? If you buy a new construction, make sure you get a builder warranty. But don't bank on that warranty covering everything that might go wrong with your home. While you should try to get as much coverage from your builder as possible, repairs and maintenance fees are all part of the homeowning game.