Concrete is a material very often chosen when installing a new terrace. Very often, its ease of maintenance as well as its solidity make it an option of choice compared to wood, tiles or stone. However, once faced with the fait accompli, we quickly realize that not all household products are suitable for carrying out this cleaning. But then, how to clean a concrete terrace and how to remove stubborn moss stains which are very common there? Here are some grandmother’s tips that will ensure its durability as well as its cleanliness. The dirt will not have time to become embedded!
Important information for successful maintenance of a concrete terrace
Above all, know that despite its solidity, concrete does not withstand all maintenance products. For example, just like marble, it cannot tolerate acidic natural products (lemon juice, white vinegar, etc.) which can make it porous. The same goes for bleach as well as ammonia which also make concrete slabs porous over time. These toxic products are also harmful to the environment. They should therefore be avoided in any case for the maintenance of outdoor spaces!
As for the high pressure cleaner, it is not necessarily to be banned, but care must be taken to keep the jet away concrete tiling to avoid excessive pressure which could again increase the porosity of the slabs. However, a push broom remains a safer solution. Additionally, perform a regular maintenance and be sure to quickly remove stains as soon as they appear to prevent them from becoming embedded. (The products below will be perfect for this.) For polished concrete, you can even squeegee it after a rain. This will keep the patio clean!
So, how to properly clean your concrete terrace?
Black soap, ideal for your terrace
Soapy water is a very effective and gentle solution for successful cleaning. Choose black soap here which is a very degreasing and stain removing cleaning product. In addition to restoring shine to your terrace, this soap will also clean it from top to bottom and protect it. To do this, add a cap of liquid black soap to 3 liters of hot water. All you have to do is use a little elbow grease! Scrub the floor with your push broom, then rinse with clean water.
Sodium bicarbonate, obviously!
Baking soda will remove grease and limescale stains, but also remove more stubborn dirt. We advise you to add it to hot soapy water (black soap or possibly Marseille soap). Then, you can gently rub this mixture onto the floor and rinse with clean water.
Soda crystals for a dirty concrete terrace
Soda crystals are another step up from baking soda. If your terrace is very dirty, use these crystals to replace bicarbonate.
How to Remove Moss from a Concrete Deck
Normally, mosses and lichens do not have the opportunity to settle in if regular maintenance is carried out. However, we are never safe from a bad surprise! To combat moss on a terrace, you can dissolve coarse salt in hot water and apply it to the affected areas. You can absolutely recycle here salty and starchy water still hot potatoes or pasta. Then, rub the green marks vigorously to remove them. Other tips include wood ashes or even citric acid diluted in hot water. For the latter solutions, plan for days without bad weather so that you can leave it to act for a few days before rinsing and scrubbing.