How to Clean Patios and Outdoor Surfaces

By
Lisa Hallett Taylor
photo of writer Lisa Hallett Taylor
Lisa Hallett Taylor
Lisa Hallett Taylor is an expert in architecture and landscape design who has written more than 1,000 articles about pool, patio, garden, and home improvement over 12 years. She has a bachelor's degree in Environmental Design and is certified in fine and decorative arts appraisal.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 06/07/22
Reviewed by
Brandon Pleshek
Brandon Pleshek headshot.
Reviewed by Brandon Pleshek
Brandon Pleshek of Clean That Up! is a seasoned veteran of the cleaning industry with over 20 years of experience in commercial and residential cleaning. He is a member of The Spruce's Cleaning and Organizing Review Board
Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
moss on patio bricks

The Spruce / Sydney Brown

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 2 - 4 hrs
  • Total Time: 2 hrs, 30 mins - 4 hrs, 30 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $20

If you have greenish-black stuff on your concrete patio, it's probably mold, mildew, or moss. Damp or moist conditions from rain or humidity can encourage mold and mildew to grow in those nooks and cracks of concrete pavers or bricks. It's important to find a sure way to remove it that won't destroy nearby landscaping and harm the environment with a blast of harsh chemicals. This method uses natural, super-versatile ingredients in most homes, such as vinegar and Borax. These cleaners should be able to tackle most cases of mold or mildew.

How Often to Clean Your Patio or Outdoor Surface

The frequency of cleaning will depend on how much mold, mildew, or moss there is and how often it comes back. Applications may need to be repeated for especially moldy areas. Other times, this could be done once a year for a spring cleaning every season. Remember, it will be worth the effort when guests come over and there will be no embarrassment from the unsightly mold.

Tip

For hard-to-clean areas, you may want to consider hiring a professional.

materials for removing moss and mildew stains

The Spruce / Sydney Brown

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Knee pads
  • Hard-bristle scrub brush (non-metallic)
  • Hose with power nozzle or a power washer (pressure washer)
  • Bucket

Materials

  • 1/2 cup White vinegar
  • 1/2 cup Borax
  • Water

Instructions

How to Clean Your Patio With Homemade Solution

No need for fancy cleaners; this homemade patio cleaning solution and methodology will get your patio and other outdoor surfaces sparkling in no time.

  1. Prepare the Solution

    Dissolve 1 cup of warm water together with the white vinegar and Borax. Pour the solution into a spray bottle or keep in a bucket and use a sponge to apply.

    mixing a patio cleaning solution

    The Spruce / Sydney Brown

  2. Wet the Area

    Using a power nozzle or a strong spray, hose off the area that needs to be clean. Get it completely wet.

    wetting the patio

    The Spruce / Sydney Brown

  3. Apply the Solution

    Apply the solution with a sponge or spray bottle. Do one area at a time. If you have a large area, break it into manageable parts.

    applying the solution with a spray bottle

    The Spruce / Sydney Brown

  4. Let the Solution Soak

    Allow cleaning ingredients to permeate surface(s) for a few minutes. Give it time to work. If the mildew or moss is especially aggressive, allow the solution to soak in for a longer amount of time, like a half-hour or more.

    letting the solution soak

    The Spruce / Sydney Brown

  5. Scrub With a Hard-Bristle Brush

    Don a pair of waterproof rubber gloves, get down on hands and knees (here's where knee pads might come in handy), grab the hard-bristle brush, and start scrubbing. Scrub in a circular, clockwise, or counterclockwise motions, tackling about a 3-foot x 3-foot area at a time. Dip the brush into the solution if it starts to run out. Keep going until some progress is accomplished. Make sure to tackle the entire green-infested patio, walkway, or surface. Just think how strong that scrubbing arm will be. Switch arms for an evenly toned workout.

    scrubbing the patio with a brush

    The Spruce / Sydney Brown

  6. Rinse the Patio

    Using a strong spray, hose off the patio or surface that you just scrubbed. If you followed directions, used the right amount of pressure while scrubbing, and didn't slack off, the green patio should start to look concrete-colored again. Choose a time of day when there is as much sunlight as possible to dry the rinsed-off patio. Moss and mildew love dampness and shade.

    Check back in a week to see if further cleaning is needed.

    rinsing off the patio

    The Spruce / Sydney Brown

Tips to Keep Your Patio Clean Longer

For those who followed the instructions, scrubbed hard, and used the solution a few times without much luck, know that sometimes tougher measures are called for. A product like Wet & Forget should do the job. While the label says it is bleach-free, phosphate-free, non-acidic, and safe near plants and on all outdoor surfaces (when used as directed), do take caution when using this product. Wear rubber gloves and avoid unnecessary dripping into your garden or grass.

Follow the directions on the container of the cleaning product, making sure that the previous cleaning solvents have been thoroughly rinsed off with a strong blast from the hose. While the product used may claim that scrubbing isn't necessary, it will probably be necessary to have those sleeves rolled up; continue to scrub the moldy/mossy area until it's free of all the green stuff.

Try revisiting the area in a week or two to keep on top of the mold and mildew. Persistence will pay off—if you regularly do a light cleaning of the space, more thorough cleanings every few months won't be necessary.