Take a look at your concrete at the end of the winter. It tends to be very dirty for those who live in places that snow. The sand and salt from the season leave quite a mess. Getting your concrete clean can be an essential task in the spring. But how do you clean it while keeping your flowers alive? We've found the best cleaner options to keep your plants safe and your outdoor concrete gleaming.
There are some plant-safe options for concrete cleaners. These types of cleaners are safe to use with pets, children, and wildlife. These recommended plant-safe cleaners made our list:
- ACT Microbial Concrete Cleaner
- GP66 Miracle Cleaner Gallon
- Simple Green 18202 Cleaner
- Simple Green Oxy Solve
Continue reading for some excellent environment-friendly options to clean concrete while keeping your lawn and flowers healthy and happy.
1. ACT Microbial Concrete Cleaner
This concrete cleaner uses bioremediation, an environmentally friendly choice. Microorganisms clean stain messes that other cleaning agents, such as soaps, degreasers, and detergents, can't break down.
2. GP66 Miracle Cleaner Gallon
This product is certified by OSHA as environmentally friendly and cleans not only concrete but everything around the home!
3. Simple Green 18202 Concrete
This product is very safe and does not contain any toxic components. It will get your concrete sparkling even without a pressure washer. Just apply it and hose it down. There is no need for deep scrubbing here!
4. Simple Green Oxy Solve
This product, also from Simple Green, achieves the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Safer Choice Program criteria. Therefore, it is safe for kids, pets, and the landscape. It can also clean wood, metal, siding, and foundations! This one seems like the best bet.
Do you need a power washer to clean concrete?
No, you don't. Actually, you are better off not using a pressure washer if you're looking to care for the landscaping surrounding your concrete areas. The pressure washer has so much power that it may blast your landscape away. A pressure washer speeds up the process a bit, but it is unnecessary.
What is the best plant-safe product to remove oil stains from concrete?
This product can be applied wet or dry and is more accessible than a pressure washer. It is backed with responsive support and continuous customer assurance. Its waterless formula is tough on stains but safe for plants surrounding your concrete, family, and pets.
It can also serve as a multi-purpose cleaner on many other outdoor surfaces, including driveways, sidewalks, stairs, and other surfaces. It is best to remove oil because this cleanser contains microbes that break down the stains of oil, grease, gas, and diesel.
How do you clean a concrete patio without harming plants?
There are some gentler concrete cleaning options as well, including:
- Water
- Oxygenated Bleach
- Baking Soda
- Elbow grease
- Bleach
Prepare to Prevent
Your concrete can get really grimy. From oil to dirt to moss or rust and mold, it's probably everywhere. A little routine care can save you from big messes later on. Concrete also tends to be porous and just sucks up those substances making it harder to remove them! It is essential to keep any wet leaves from sitting on the concrete. This is where mold and algae grow.
Prepping the concrete is the best way to care for it. Plan to seal the concrete every five years or so. Give it an excellent cleaning yearly, and sweep away the leaves that can sit on it and damage it once a week. Doing these three things will really help in the long run.
Water
Sometimes, a little water goes a long way. If there are no stubborn stains, a quick rinse with the hose can remove mild build-up. Be sure to give the area a quick sweep first to remove any leaves or other dry trash items. You can even buy special nozzles to attach to your hose to get a little more power if needed.
A pressure washer sounds like a good choice, but you won't be able to clean the concrete edges without blasting away any grass or plants located there.
Oxygenated Bleach
This works similarly to chlorine but without the adverse side effects. When this is mixed with water, thousands of tiny bubbles go to work to get rid of all that dirt and grime. This is a practical yet safe option.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is known as the king of cleaning when you're looking to reduce chemicals. It works for almost anything. It is used to clean clothing, dishwashers, bathtubs, floors, you name it. It is an excellent option for chemical-free cleaning. Just sprinkle it along with the concrete, wet it, and scrub away. It should bubble up white and form a thin paste.
Elbow Grease
If you are looking to use safe materials, be prepared to put a little bit of work into cleaning your concrete. Unlike other cleaners, baking soda or oxygenated bleach is not as strong, so it will take more effort to remove the stains. A strong-bristle brush will probably be your best friend in these situations.
Bleach
Bleach is known for being a strong cleaner, and you may be wondering if it is safe for plants. Bleach is an excellent option for concrete because it essentially eliminates stans differently than other cleaning does. It turns everything it touches white! The secret is to dilute the bleach with water as much as possible before the bleach can make its way to your plants!
Closing
In closing, it is essential to remember that cleaning your concrete should be part of your basic cleaning necessities yearly. This will keep it in good shape, prevent cracking, and keep it dry. No matter what, any of these cleaners are great options for keeping your concrete clean and your family and plant safe!
Here are a few great other articles to discuss safe cleaners: