We all love a good cookout with friends on our inviting patio, especially during a balmy day. So, it’s not surprising that after weeks of hosting friends over at your house, grilling Gag or Red Grouper freshly caught from the Bay paired with delish salsa and cold beer that always seems to be spilling on your floor, your patio is looking worse for wear. With you planning to invite friends over again but do not want them to see your grimy patio, you might be checking out what’s the best way to clean your concrete patio in Tampa.
Well, you are in luck! Because this guide has the information you sorely need to get your patio back in shape. From what causes stains, besides the usual spills, to different cleaning tips, we got you! For all you concrete services in Tampa, call Pro Concrete Contractor Tampa.
Tampa Bay is a coastal area. It is cradled between the Hillsborough River and the Gulf of Mexico and is a prime location, albeit it comes with a couple of drawbacks for concrete decks. One consideration is our subtropical climate. The daily high humidity (think an average of 78%) and blistering temperatures in summer that average 90°F create a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Besides our subtropical climate, there’s the salt spray from the nearby Gulf’s seawater. Salt spray can do a couple of things to concrete. For one, it can cause spalling. Second, it can corrode the steel reinforcement and compromise the structural integrity of the concrete. Third, salt spray causes efflorescence. Like a sneaky hitchhiker — it gets carried by the wind or unwitting passersby. When salt spray hits the concrete, the salt dissolves and gets absorbed. Just like the minerals in concrete, the dissolved salts permeate the concrete.
In time, they eventually crystallize on the surface as a white, chalky substance or efflorescence. If you are using limestone aggregate, it contributes to the formation of efflorescence. Limestone contains calcium carbonate, a type of salt that can migrate and contribute to efflorescence formation.
Now that we've identified the unique culprits plaguing Tampa's concrete, let's get to know them a little better:
- Mold & Mildew: These health hazards flourish in subtropical climates. Besides being bad for our health, they also look ugly and smelly. Think black streaks and greenish patches – not exactly the “look” you’d want to associate with the Gasparilla season.
- Efflorescence: You’ll know it when you see it! It’s like concrete dandruff you can spot from anywhere. While not really harmful, it makes your property look unkempt.
- Salt Stains: Tampa's proximity to the Gulf means our concrete patios are bombarded by salt spray daily. If you don’t take preventive measures, this salt can eat away at the concrete. Eventually, the concrete cracks, and the structure becomes compromised.
Now that we know the enemy, what can we do about it? Well, it’s now time to choose the method that works best for the given situation. But before you grab the nearest power washer and blast away, you need to consider the stain and the size of your patio.
Severity Matters:
- Light Dirt & Debris: Similar to you getting ready before setting sail at Adventureland, you should also set aside a few minutes for a regular weekly sweeping. Sweeping away debris and dust prevents crusting on the surface, making it easier to remove dirt.
- Stubborn Stains: For mold, mildew elbow grease is your secret weapon! Use your hose and a mild dish soap solution to remove more ingrained dirt.
Size Me Up!:
- Compact Patios: A bucket, brush, and some good old-fashioned elbow grease are all you need to keep a cozy patio sparkling.
- Large Patios or Deep Cleaning: Consider using a power washer when washing large areas. It is also helpful when removing heavy stains on surfaces, like oil and Cuban coffee stains. But be cautious when using a pressure washer cause it can damage the concrete. Think of it like setting sail on the Hillsborough River – a steady pace is key to a smooth journey.
There’s nothing wrong with cleaning a part of your home yourself. You get to take care of your property, plus you can save on professional fees - all you need is a self-pat on the back!
However, we have to be realistic. When you know your patio needs extensive cleaning, maybe saving your time and energy is worth paying someone to do the cleaning for you. Also, if you are dealing with delicate stamped concrete that might get damaged, it is more prudent to call a professional cleaner to avoid etching or damaging the flooring, which might cost you more when you have to have it repaired.
Now that you've decided which way to go about this, let’s discuss the proper way of cleaning concrete.
This budget-friendly option is perfect for regular maintenance and light cleaning. Here's how to wage war:
- Mix a bucket of warm water with a squirt of dish soap (phosphate-free is best for the environment).
- Dip your brush and start scrubbing, focusing on stained areas.
- Rinse thoroughly with a hose – think of it as giving your patio a refreshing dip in the Gulf (without the jellyfish!).
For deep cleaning heavily stained surfaces, a pressure washer can be a lifesaver. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility:
- Safety First: You may think it is over the top, but you should wear protective gear when cleaning. Wear goggles, gloves, and long pants when cleaning your patio. They’d protect you from flying debris and high water pressure.
- Start Gentle: Don’t go Rambo with the power washer! Be gentle and set the pressure to low setting. To avoid damaging the surface, use a wide spray pattern.
- Work in Sections: Focus on a small area at a time. Move the wand in a steady, sweeping motion and do overlapping strokes. When you do this, you avoid gouging the surface.
- Mind the Distance: Hold the wand at a safe distance. Don’t move it too close to the surface or you risk etching the surface. Imagine yourself at a Gasparilla parade, keeping a respectful distance from the extravagant floats.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the patio thoroughly with plain water to remove any cleaning solution residue. Think of it as giving your patio a final refreshing dip after a hard day's work.
Commercial Cleaners: Friends or Foes?
Do you sometimes feel like when tackling stubborn stains, commercial cleaning items like bleach are waving at you like a friend? It can be quite tempting. But, as with anything harsh, proceed with caution:
- Read the Label: Read and follow the manufacturer's usage instructions. When used incorrectly, these products may damage the surface. Plus, most of these products are not environmentally friendly.
- Less is More: Start with a diluted solution and test it on an inconspicuous area first. Remember, you can always add more cleaner, but removing damage is a whole other ball game (think trying to untangle fishing lines at Egmont Key State Park – a frustrating experience!).
- Eco-Alternatives: When you can, always go with eco-friendly concrete cleaner. They can be tough on stains but are gentle on the environment. If you want a clean patio while keeping your conscience clear, check with your local stores if they offer these kinds of products.
As Tampa Bay embraces its status as a sustainable city, here are some eco-friendly cleaning tips for your patio:
Water Wise Ways:
- Bucket Brigade: Ditch the hose and opt for a bucket and brush for regular cleaning. Think of it as a water conservation parade – every drop saved counts!
- Consider Restrictions: Tampa occasionally implements water restrictions during peak seasons. Bucket cleaning helps you comply with these regulations while keeping your patio clean.
Eco-Conscious Choices:
- DIY Solutions: For light cleaning, a mixture of vinegar and water can be surprisingly effective. White vinegar is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer, making it a great choice for tackling mildew and musty odors. This solution is also great for maintaining pavers.
- Biodegradable Cleaners: Several eco-friendly products are specifically designed for concrete. These cleaners are tough on stains but gentle on the environment, allowing you to have your clean patio and a healthy bay too.
