Spring means it's time to explore the great outdoors—that is, the part of it that is directly outside our doors. We're here to demonstrate to you how to modernize your patio without utilizing a power washer right now. Now is the ideal chance to focus in and apply some old fashioned elbow grease.

Here's what you'll need:

Now that you have gathered all the required cleaning items let’s explore the process step by step. 

Step 1: Clear the Decks

First things first, you'll want to clear everything off your patio. Furniture, grills, plant pots—everything must go. You're setting the stage for a deep clean, and that means starting with a blank canvas.

Step 2: Sweep It Up

Now that you have your broom, go sweep. You're preparing the surface for a complete cleaning, not just clearing away leaves and other debris. The most tenacious dirt likes to hide in the corners and along the edges, so be sure to get inside them as well.

Step 3: Make Your Cleaning Solution

Let's now combine our covert weapon. A tried-and-true combination of dish soap and warm water works wonders. For a regular patio size, mix roughly 1/4 cup of dish soap into a pail of warm water. Add half a cup of white vinegar to the mixture if the mess is oily or the stains are very difficult to remove. This mixture works well for slicing through filth and is safe for use on any kind of patio surface, including brick and concrete.

Step 4: Scrub Like You Mean It

It's time to put some muscle into it. Employ a hard-bristled brush immersed in the cleaning mixture and scrub vigorously. In the presence of challenging spots, fear not to tackle them in incremental segments, even if it necessitates kneeling and employing manual dexterity. Scrubbing should be done in a circular motion since it helps remove dirt more efficiently than using straight lines.

Step 5: Rinse and Repeat

Use a garden hose set to a light spray or a pail of clean water to rinse off the area you've scrubbed. By doing this, the cleaning solution and loosen dirt will be helped to wash away. Until the patio is completely cleaned, keep doing this. You may need to do the scrubbing and rinsing procedure more than once to get rid of especially tough stains.

Step 6: Let It Dry

Allow the patio to air dry thoroughly. Depending on the water utilized and the weather, this could take several hours or a full day. You can check to see if there are any areas you missed or stains that require additional care after it has dried.

Wrapping it Up!

Always remember that routine upkeep is the secret to a gorgeous patio. These easy procedures can help you maintain the best-looking outside area all year long, ready for summer cookouts and cozy fall fire pit nights. Given that your patio won't clean itself, gather your cleaning materials and let's get to work!

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