After a particularly rainy season, you may have noticed that you have mildew growing on your concrete patio and would like to get rid of it. If so, use the following three-step guide for removing the mildew and its stains on your home's concrete patio:

Step 1:  Douse the Area with Bleach Water

The first step in cleaning the mildew growth on your patio is to douse the area with bleach water. Not only will the chlorine in the bleach kill the growth, but it will also help remove the greenish black stains left behind.

To make the bleach water, add a cup of bleach to a gallon bucket. Then, fill it with warm water. After mixing the solution, slowly pour the water over the surface of your patio. If you have any bushes or flowers growing around the edges of the patio, pour the water with the bucket's spout close to the surface to reduce splatter.

After dousing the area with bleach water, let it sit for about an hour to give the chlorine time to soak into the mildewed areas. Then, go on to the next step.

Step 2:  Scrub the Patio with a Stiff Brush

Once you have treated the mildewed areas of your patio, the next step involves scrubbing the concrete with a stiff brush. Not only does this remove the residual mildew from the surface, but it also pushes the bleach deep within the pores of the concrete to further remove the stains.

Before you start scrubbing, make sure you put on a pair of rubber gloves. The gloves will protect your hands from the chlorine that could irritate your skin. Once you have scrubbed the entire patio, go on to the next section.

Step 3:  Rinse Thoroughly 

The last step involves rinsing the surface of your concrete patio with high-pressure water. The force of the water will not only thoroughly rinse away the bleach, but it will also help remove any stuck-on mildew.

While you could use the highest setting on your garden's nozzle, a pressure washer will deliver a greater force. If you do not have one, you can either rent one from a hardware store or contact a pressure washing service.

Using the above guide can help you remove small amounts of mildew on your concrete patio. However, if your patio has deep mildew stains, contact a pressure washing service to discuss having them use a professional grade detergent and pressure washer to permanently remove the stains and inhibit future mildew growth.