Entertaining guests does not have to be always done inside the house. In fact, there are various tips for this. Having a backyard or pool for barbecues will surely be an experience for them. With this, it would be beneficial for you to have a patio. You can also have dinner or lunch parties with it. You can also have your meals in it from time to time for some change.
A patio can be built with different materials, but it also has different costs and durability. Concrete is one of the most popular choices because of its versatility and adaptability. Add to that, it also costs less than the others but durable enough.
1. Clear the Patio
But of course, like anything in your house, you have to maintain it and clean it regularly. Surely, clean concrete is definitely good for the eyes. With these simple steps, you can definitely do the cleaning on your own:
The first thing you need to do is clear your patio. Put the furniture and plants out of the way. If there are appliances such as a grill and toys of your kids or pets, put them in a safe place. After that, you can sweep or use a leaf blower in removing dirt and leaves. Then wash your concrete with a hose.
2. Mix the Cleaning Solutions
Then it is time to mix the solutions you will use. There are three solutions you can use. First is the baking soda and bleach paste that is good for stains. If you want more environmentally friendly, vinegar and baking soda paste will be good for that. For the smaller areas, have vinegar, salt, and water in a spray bottle to apply it on your targeted zones.
3. Clean
Before you do your clean, protect the nearby plants by hosing them with water or covering them. Then, apply the solution and let it sit for a while. Then scrub it with a brush. Use one that has a long handle, so it will be easier and comfortable. For deeper stains and mildews, be sure to use the right solution for it. This may also require to let the solution sit in longer. Another alternative would be using a pressure washer to be more convenient especially for tougher stains and molds. Just be sure you know how to use it because it might affect or even damage your concrete. Also, be aware of the solutions you will use with it because some of them are damaging to the washer. Another thing to watch out for is the nearby plants. The high pressure might destroy them.
4. Rinse
After all of that, rinse away the solutions from the concrete. If the nearby plant is not covered, have them sprayed with more water. Then let the concrete dry. If you want, you can apply a sealer to provide more protection from future stains. Once it is all dry, you can rearrange your patio and is ready for use again.