How to Clean a Concrete Patio: DIY Methods & When to Call a Pro (2026)

Most people think a dingy concrete patio just needs a harder blast of water. The real problem is that "dirty" patios are usually three different problems wearing the same gray coat: loose surface grime, organic growth like algae and mildew, and stains that have soaked into the pores. Each one responds to a different method, so matching the cleaning to the mess is what actually gets results.

Once you see it that way, cleaning a patio becomes a lot more straightforward, and you stop wasting effort on the wrong approach. Light grime wipes away with soap and water, growth needs the right cleaner, and deep stains often call for professional pressure washing from 317 Seal. In this article, we break down the DIY methods that work, how to handle the stubborn stuff, and when calling a pro is the smarter move.

How to Clean a Concrete Patio: DIY Methods

For everyday grime and light buildup, you can get a patio looking sharp with basic supplies. Work through these in order:

Sweep and Rinse

Clear the furniture, sweep off leaves and loose dirt, then give the slab a good rinse with a garden hose. Starting clean and wet keeps you from grinding grit into the surface as you scrub.

Soap, Water, and a Stiff Brush

For general dirt, a mix of warm water and dish soap or a mild concrete cleaner does the job. Work it in with a stiff-bristle brush, focusing on high-traffic paths and seating areas, then rinse clean.

Treat Algae and Mildew

Shady, damp patios often grow green or black organic film. A dedicated cleaner or a diluted oxygen-bleach solution clears it without the risks of harsh chemicals. Our guide to what is good for cleaning concrete helps you pick a product that lifts growth without harming the surface or nearby plants.

Tackling Tough Patio Stains and Grime

When buildup has set in deeper than soap and a brush can reach, you need more power and the right targeted treatment:

• Heavy grime and growth: Pressure washing strips away ground-in dirt and organic film across the whole slab fast.
• Grease and food stains: Patios near grills collect oily spots that need a degreaser before washing.
• Rust and mineral stains: These need a dedicated remover, not a general cleaner, to lift cleanly.

When pressure washing is performed incorrectly, it can etch or gouge concrete, and the wrong product can set a stain for good. When grime is widespread or a stain refuses to budge, professional stain removal uses commercial-grade products and the correct technique, producing a thorough clean that doesn’t damage the surface.

When to Call a Pro to Protect Your Patio

Call a professional when stains have set in for years, when algae keeps returning no matter how often you scrub, or when you simply want it done right without renting equipment and spending a weekend on it. A pro also knows how much pressure a given slab can take.

Cleaning is only half the job, though. Once the patio is clean and dry, concrete sealing fills the pores so dirt, grease, and algae have far less to grab onto, and it guards against the road salt and freeze-thaw cycles that wear Indianapolis concrete down. A sealed patio simply stays cleaner and is easier to maintain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to clean a concrete patio without a pressure washer?

A stiff-bristle brush with warm water and dish soap or a mild concrete cleaner handles most everyday grime. For algae or mildew, use a dedicated cleaner or diluted oxygen bleach. Scrub, let it dwell, and rinse thoroughly for the best result.

Can I use bleach to clean my concrete patio?

Oxygen bleach is the safer choice for algae and mildew, since chlorine bleach can harm nearby plants and lighten the concrete unevenly. Whichever you use, dilute it, rinse well, and keep runoff away from the lawn and garden beds.

How often should I clean and seal my concrete patio?

A good cleaning once or twice a year keeps most patios looking sharp, with spot cleaning as needed. Plan to reseal every two to three years in the Indianapolis area. 317 Seal Inc. can clean and seal your patio so upkeep between visits stays easy.

Get a Summer-Ready Patio

Cleaning a concrete patio comes down to matching the method to the mess: soap and a brush for grime, the right cleaner for algae, and pressure washing or pro stain removal for the deep stuff. Sealing afterward is what keeps the work from being a constant battle through Indiana's seasons.

Want your patio cleaned and sealed before your next backyard get-together? Get a free cleaning quote from 317 Seal Inc. or call us at (833) 317-7325. We’ll get your concrete clean and protected for the season.