From Fourth of July barbecues to lazy Sunday afternoons, your concrete patio is an excellent place to lay back and forget about life’s stresses. However, if your patio is starting to show signs of aging, the need for maintenance could make it hard to relax. Luckily, you can avoid the headache by following these care tips.

3 Tips for Caring for a Concrete Patio

1. Clean It Regularly

Since concrete is a porous material, you have to wash it every few weeks to prevent all-over discoloration. Use a hose—or in extreme cases, a pressure washer—to blast away dirt, leaves, and other natural debris. Then, use a hard-bristled broom and dish soap to scrub away set-in particles. Rinse the concrete patio with a hose, and use a leaf blower for a quick, slip-proof dry.

2. Get Rid of Stains Immediately 

If you like to entertain on your concrete patio, it’s only a matter of time before red wine, propane, and melted Popsicles® stain the surface. As soon as you spot a spill, wipe up and rinse away the substance immediately before it can soak into the surface. If any pigment is left behind, use a mixture of vinegar and concrete cleaner to avoid a permanent stain. If this doesn’t work, try mixing baking soda with water; this is especially effective if the stain is greasy.

3. Schedule Professional Sealing

To truly safeguard your patio, you’ll need to seal it every couple of years. This is especially necessary for stamped concrete that has been dyed and texturized, as the sealant will act as a transparent shield for the design. Along with perfecting the appearance of your surface, you can ask for a sealant that has slip-resistant qualities, making your backyard a safer place to relax and have fun in.

If you’re looking for help maintaining your concrete patio or if you’d like to install one on your property, Melvin Hubbard Concrete Construction can help. This Broken Arrow, OK-based company has over 15 years of experience, and they are proud to offer top-tier services for affordable prices. Along with patios, they also build parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, and other essential surfaces. For more information on their offerings, visit the website. Call (918) 857-1163 to ask for a free estimate.