Cleaning and sealing your concrete patio is a great way to improve the appearance and durability of your patio. Cleaning and sealing stamped and colored concrete should be done on a regular basis, about every 2-3 years to protect your investment. If you wait longer, you may notice the color fade slightly. The frequency will depend on how much chemical, environment, and foot traffic the concrete is exposed to, and the process only takes a few hours.

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FOLLOW THESE 6 STEPS TO CLEAN AND SEAL YOUR CONCRETE PATIO

1. RINSE:

Use a garden hose or pressure washer to rinse off your concrete, depending on how set-in the dirt or debris may be. If you do not own a power washer, you can either purchase one from a local hardware store or rent one from any tool rental shop.

2. ADD CLEANER:

Applying to the surface of your patio, add any cleaning chemical that is specifically formulated for cleaning concrete. Some cleaning solutions are specifically formulated for moss or other stains, so take into consideration the type of stains you’re facing. Bleach and water, or a small amount of dish soap will also work well

3. SCRUB:

Using a long handle push broom, scrub the area thoroughly with the cleaning solution, paying close attention to the areas with worse stains.

4. RINSE AGAIN:

In a back and forth motion across the width of your patio, rinse the area with your hose or power washer. Work your way down the concrete to rinse it thoroughly until there are no signs of soapsuds or chemicals. If any noticeable stains remain, you can repeat step 3 and re-rinse the concrete.

5. DRY:

Once you are satisfied with the look of the concrete, allow it to dry completely before proceeding. Typically, this will take around 24 hours, though hot sun or cool air may shorten or prolong drying time. Alternatively, you can also use a leaf blower to increase the drying time. DO NOT APPLY SEALER TO A DAMP/WET SURFACE.

6. APPLY SEALER:

Once the surface is completely dry, you are now able to apply the sealer. Pour your concrete sealer of choice into a roller pan.

• TIP: You can add a jar of anti-skid material to your sealer.

Apply your sealer with a nap roller, using a slow, gentle motion to distribute the sealer with a thin, even coat. Apply sealer in approximately 2′ x 4′ sections, to ensure full coverage without missed spots.

• TIP: Sealer should be applied when air temperature is above 55 F. Best results will be obtained by applying sealer during cooler temperatures, such as fall and spring, or before 10 am and after 4 pm in summer months when surface temperatures should be under 90F.

You will need to do 2-3 applications of the sealant, which can be applied once the previous coat is tack free. Remember to keep the coats thin to ensure there are no bubbles. All that is left to do is allow your sealant to dry, and enjoy your freshly cleaned and sealed patio!