The Simple Solution That Can Clean Dirty Concrete Without A Pressure Washer

Part of being a homeowner is understanding that the seasons bring dirt and grime, which makes your outdoor concrete, like patios and front walkways, unsightly. Over time, this mess builds up, and won't be guest-ready for your outdoor spring and summer events. A pressure washer is a great tool to help rid your concrete of this mess, though there are several mistakes everyone makes when pressure washing that can do more harm than good.

Instead of renting or buying equipment that isn't suited for things you should never clean with a pressure washer, turn to your cupboard and reach for the baking soda instead. Baking soda is a mild abrasive, making it great for lifting surface stains and cleaning the grime off your concrete, without the risk of damage. This is a cost-effective alternative that is safe for pets and kids, that is to be used instead of a pressure washer — not inside of it. Like most DIY cleaning solutions, before using baking soda on your grimy concrete, you'll need to test a small, inconspicuous area — this method is best for standard, unsealed concrete, but may damage stained or polished finishes.

Homeowners recognize the incredible impact power washing has on their home's resale value, but this solution isn't always practical due to cost and time constraints. Baking soda is a budget-friendly solution, and even though you have to scrub, it's highly effective. Before prepping any baking soda solution for cleaning your patio or walkway, you need to first prep the surface. This involves clearing off any debris, leaves, or loose dirt with a broom to ensure a clean slate. Next, you'll need to gather the ingredients to mix your solution. You'll need 1 cup of baking soda, a large squirt of dish detergent, and 1 gallon of water, mixing them all in a large bucket.

Pour the mixture over the dirty sections of the concrete. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to give the baking soda time to break down the grime. Next, use a stiff-bristled nylon brush (avoid wire brushes, which can leave rust-prone metal bits) to scrub the area in circular motions. You should see the suds turn grey or brown as the dirt and grime lift. Once done scrubbing, use your garden hose to rinse away the residue, making sure you rinse thoroughly so no white baking soda film remains.

If you have a particularly dirty spot, you can use the baking soda to make a paste to spot-treat stubborn stains. You'll need to mix some baking soda with water for this — aim for the consistency of toothpaste. Next, spread the paste over the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes, then scrub vigorously and thoroughly rinse. In no time, you'll have clean concrete without the hassle and expense of a power washer.