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Writer's pictureAstrid van Essen

Get Your Concrete Planters Looking Like New Again: 10 Cleaning Tips

Concrete planters add a beautiful, rustic touch to any garden or outdoor space. However, they can accumulate tough stains from soil, fertiliser, moss, and more over time. If your once pristine concrete planters look worse for wear, don't give up on them yet! With some elbow grease and the right cleaning solutions, you can get them looking as good as new.


Get Your Concrete Planters Looking Like New Again: 10 Cleaning Tips
Get Your Concrete Planters Looking Like New Again: 10 Cleaning Tips

Here are 10 cleaning tips for removing different types of stains from concrete planters:


1. For General Dirt and Grime Stains:

Mix warm water and a mild detergent or dish soap. Use a scrub brush to work the solution into the stained areas in a circular motion. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. For tougher stains, make a paste with trisodium phosphate (TSP) and water and scrub it into the concrete before rinsing.


2. For Moss, Mildew or Algae Stains:

Create a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water. Wear gloves, and use a scrub brush to work it into the affected areas. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes before rinsing fully. You may need to repeat this process for stubborn growth. The bleach will kill any organic stains.


3. Rust Stains:

Make a poultice by mixing baking soda and water or lemon juice until it forms a thick paste. Spread it over the rust stains and allow it to dry completely, which may take hours or overnight. Once dry, the rust stain should be easy to scrub off using a stiff brush.


4. For Fertiliser or Hard Water Stains:

The acid in vinegar can dissolve mineral deposits and fertilizer stains. Mix equal parts vinegar and water and scrub it into the stained areas using a stiff brush. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.


5. For Set-In Oil Stains:

You'll need a degreaser or absorbent powder like cat litter to tackle oily stains. Sprinkle the powder over the oil spots until they are covered, and allow it to sit for 24 hours to absorb the oil. Then, sweep it away and scrub the area with warm water and dish soap.


6. Work in the Shade

When working on concrete planters, the hot sun can cause cleaning solutions to dry too quickly. Working in a shaded area or on a cool, overcast day is best.


7. Use a Pressure Washer for Tough Jobs

If scrubbing by hand isn't cutting it, you can use a pressure washer to help remove stubborn stains and built-up grime. Start with a wide fan tip and keep the wand about 6 inches away from the surface to avoid damaging the concrete.


8. Seal the Concrete After Cleaning

Once your planters are clean, consider sealing them to help prevent future staining. Use a clear concrete sealer made for outdoors and apply it with a brush or sprayer according to product instructions.


9. Try Making a Baking Soda Scrub

For stains that cover large areas, make a baking soda scrub by mixing 1/2 cup baking soda with enough water to form a paste. Spread it over the stains and let it sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.


10. Use Steel Wool or a Scouring Pad

If regular scrub brushes aren't working, try using a pad of steel wool or a scouring pad made for concrete to add some extra abrasion when scrubbing tough stains.


Wrapping it up: Cleaning Tips Concrete Planters

Your concrete planters can look revived and brand new with patience and a little scrubbing! And bear in mind: it's always easier to treat stains when they are fresh. If you notice a new stain, clean it immediately before it can penetrate further and set into the concrete. Taking the time to maintain them will ensure they stay beautiful for years to come.

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