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Rain on a Tin Roof

DIY and Home Decor Blog. Fly Your Freak Flag.

You are here: Home >> Cleaning >> How to Clean A Ridiculously Gross & Dirty Sidewalk

August 25, 2014 By Jenna 84 Comments

How to Clean A Ridiculously Gross & Dirty Sidewalk

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Isn't that difference crazy?! How to Clean A Sidewalk. 9 MUST READ Cleaning Tips!

I am almost ashamed to show you just how gross my sidewalk was.

Almost.

But I know that you guys understand the concept of real life.

Real life that involves neglecting things such as the sidewalk while focusing on much more important and fun things such as a kitchen makeover or just chasing around the circus at the park.

When we bought the beloved foreclosure, the exterior was the last thing on our minds. It may not have been that pretty, but there was nothing wrong with it and we would have rather had a functional kitchen and bathroom rather than a pretty exterior.

So we didn’t really touch the exterior except for some painting on the porch and a semi-makeover on the screened-in porch.

This summer I kicked the screened-in porch up quite a few notches with a complete (and super colorful) makeover.

And then I looked at our sidewalk.

And realized just how disgustingly gross it was.

How to Clean A Sidewalk | Outdoor Cleaning Tips | Outdoor Cleaning Hacks | Exterior Cleaning | Cleaning Concrete

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by HomeRight and Thompson’s provided me with their products. However, all opinions and ridiculously dirty sidewalks are 100% mine. This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

You guys.

I had no idea just how dirty my sidewalk was until after it was cleaned.

Here is the before:

How to Clean A Sidewalk | Outdoor Cleaning Tips | Outdoor Cleaning Hacks | Exterior CleaningI knew there were some stains and a strange funk growing on it, but I had no idea how it was really supposed to look. Honestly guys, I don’t think that this sidewalk had been cleaned in at least 15 years.

I’m trying to be optimistic on that timeframe. I’m probably wrong.

Grunt Labor doesn’t think that it was ever cleaned before now.

Here’s how we cleaned this bad boy up.

How to Clean a Sidewalk

Supplies Needed: 

  • Concrete / Sidewalk Cleaner (I used Thompson’s Oxy Foaming Action)
  • Tank Sprayer (I used my HomeRight Tank Sprayer)
  • Large Scrub Brush (I used my HomeRight Deck Washer)
  • Water Hose

Steps

Step 1

Give your sidewalk a light scrubbing with the scrub brush to remove any loose dirt or grass and loosen up any stuck on dirt.

How to Clean A Sidewalk | Outdoor Cleaning Tips | Outdoor Cleaning Hacks | Exterior Cleaning

Step 2

You don’t want your sidewalk to be soaking wet, only lightly wet when you apply the cleaner. Let your sidewalk dry for a bit and mix up your cleaner. The cleaner must be used within an hour of mixing it, so don’t mix it until right before you are ready to use it.

How to Clean A Sidewalk | Outdoor Cleaning Tips | Outdoor Cleaning Hacks | Exterior CleaningI filled up my tank sprayer with two gallons of hot water (hot water is recommended) and added in eight capfuls of the oxy foaming cleaner. The directions say to use at least three capfuls per gallon or four capfuls per gallon if you have a very dirty area.

As y’all well know, mine was ridiculously dirty.

Step 3

Shake up your tank to dissolve all the cleaner crystals and spray the cleaner onto your sidewalk.

How to Clean A Sidewalk | Outdoor Cleaning Tips | Outdoor Cleaning Hacks | Exterior Cleaning

Let the cleaner sit for 5-10 minutes depending on how dirty your sidewalk is. I let mine sit for the full ten minutes.

While you are waiting, you can use the time to clean off your driveway with the deck brush.

How to Clean A Sidewalk | Outdoor Cleaning Tips | Outdoor Cleaning Hacks | Exterior Cleaning

I found it to be pretty perfect for that.

Step 4

After the allotted time, give the area you sprayed a good scrubbing with just the brush. You will literally see the dirt and grime lift off the concrete. After you have scrubbed it good, turn on the water to your brush and scrub some more while rinsing the sidewalk off.

How to Clean A Sidewalk | Outdoor Cleaning Tips | Outdoor Cleaning Hacks | Exterior Cleaning

Step 5

Depending on how dirty your sidewalk is, you may have to repeat the cleaning process twice. I did. After the second cleaning, I still had these little black spots lingering just near the porch steps.

How to Clean A Sidewalk | Outdoor Cleaning Tips | Outdoor Cleaning Hacks | Exterior Cleaning

Since this sidewalk hadn’t been cleaned in the history of ever, they weren’t budging very easily. Grunt Labor did a quick run over of those spots near the steps with a pressure washer.

Here is our after:

How to Clean A Sidewalk | Outdoor Cleaning Tips | Outdoor Cleaning Hacks | Exterior Cleaning

Why hello, nice and pretty sidewalk.

It’s nice to meet you.

I’m the one who neglected you for the past three years.

How to Clean A Sidewalk | Outdoor Cleaning Tips | Outdoor Cleaning Hacks | Exterior Cleaning | Cleaning Concrete

The cleaning and scrubbing removed a huge amount of dirt and grime and brightened it up like nobody’s business.

Need more cleaning tips? 

How to Clean Concrete Blocks– clean up all those landscaping blocks!

How to Remove Rust and Polish Chrome– you won’t believe how much rust I got off this one chair!

9+ Must Read Cleaning Tips– all sorts of cleaning tips for around the house!

You know you don’t wanna miss any of this crazy.

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Filed Under: Cleaning, Outdoors Tagged With: cleaning, Outdoors, sidewalk

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lindsay Eidahl says

    August 25, 2014 at 7:37 am

    My driveway!!!

    Reply
  2. Angie t says

    August 25, 2014 at 7:39 am

    Looks like i need to get this done around my place. thanks for the info and giveaway.

    Reply
  3. Margaret Knowles says

    August 25, 2014 at 7:44 am

    Looks great! Very good instructions how to use deck brush & cleaner. I don’t have a sidewalk,but this would be great to use on my front and back decks.

    Reply
  4. Lois Schmucker says

    August 25, 2014 at 7:54 am

    I want to win! Amazing products!

    Reply
  5. polly plum says

    August 25, 2014 at 8:01 am

    This looks like a great tool!I’m picturing emptying the entire contents of my garage onto my driveway- the neighbors will love that( 5 kids’ worth of bikes, wagons, skateboards, sports equipment, etc, and cleaning the floor of my garage with the deck brush.

    Reply
  6. Shelley Otto says

    August 25, 2014 at 8:33 am

    That is amazing!

    Reply
  7. Helen Y says

    August 25, 2014 at 8:56 am

    Are you kidding me? We’d use it on our back patio especially under the deck it is gross; the front concrete driveway and the front walk to the house!!! Whew that’s a lot of cleaning, but I’m sure these products will make it easier.

    Reply
  8. Karen says

    August 25, 2014 at 9:16 am

    I need to work on my driveway! Oil droplets!
    Your sidewalk looks beautiful and amazing at the same time. I need to get outside today.

    Reply
  9. kathleen says

    August 25, 2014 at 9:22 am

    My side walk could really use this.

    Reply
  10. claudine says

    August 25, 2014 at 9:38 am

    I would use it on my driveway, it really needs it and the brick wall around my front porch. Looks like great tools.

    Reply
  11. Tricia says

    August 25, 2014 at 9:55 am

    Looks awesome. My sidewalks could definitely use a good cleaning 🙂

    Reply
  12. Aimee says

    August 25, 2014 at 9:56 am

    Would love to win this to clean my sidewalk and driveway. Your results look great!

    Reply
  13. Shannon says

    August 25, 2014 at 10:38 am

    Our driveway could use a good scrubbing!!

    Reply
  14. Patty says

    August 25, 2014 at 10:48 am

    My sidewalk is a mess. This would help.

    Reply
  15. Sheila Moore says

    August 25, 2014 at 11:05 am

    My deck…it needs a good cleaning!

    Reply
  16. chris aka monkey says

    August 25, 2014 at 11:27 am

    that jenna is amazaballs… don’t even look like the same sidewalk, now circus can ride her trike on a nice clean sidewalk and her sidewalk chalk colors will really pop haha xx

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 25, 2014 at 6:12 pm

      Isn’t it amazeballs though, Chris?! haha! Honestly, I was totally shocked. Funny you should mention the sidewalk chalk – we tried it on the actual sidewalk one time before cleaning it and couldn’t even see it that well – it was better to use it on the blacktop than the sidewalk! Not anymore! haha!

      Reply
  17. Dad says

    August 25, 2014 at 11:37 am

    Well Honey, y’all did a bang-up job on the sidewalk. I can’t wait to see. I have used Brick Acid in the past to clean the sidewalks (& ours needs cleaning badly right now). Is the Thompson product you mention safer, better, or less-expensive than the brick acid solution? I have entered the contest too. Maybe I’ll be a lucky winner…..Right! Like I’ll also win the jackpot on the Publisher’s Clearinghouse……. Have a great day. Love you! Dad.

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 25, 2014 at 6:11 pm

      Thanks, Dad! I don’t know much about brick acid so I can’t really answer that question.

      Reply
  18. Sarah @ 702 Park Project says

    August 25, 2014 at 12:04 pm

    We need this for our front sidewalk!

    Reply
  19. Stephanie C. says

    August 25, 2014 at 12:09 pm

    Um, our patio could totally use this! I didn’t realize how horrible it was until I was outside working last weekend. Thanks for doing this giveaway!

    Reply
  20. Karen J says

    August 25, 2014 at 12:28 pm

    I have a couple concrete patios that could definitely be made better with these products!

    Reply
  21. Crystal B. says

    August 25, 2014 at 1:12 pm

    Looks great! Something I need to do as well.

    Reply
  22. Maaike says

    August 25, 2014 at 1:33 pm

    My disgusting back patio…

    Reply
  23. Tricia (@ThePaintedChest) says

    August 25, 2014 at 2:45 pm

    I would use it on my deck and my driveway. I pressure washed my entire driveway a few years ago and that was a mess and very time consuming. This looks so much easier!

    Reply
  24. Alina says

    August 25, 2014 at 2:50 pm

    Definitely use it on my driveway and my deck. They are both filthy and need a little love and care.

    Reply
  25. Sean C says

    August 25, 2014 at 2:52 pm

    I’d use it on my deck. We’ve been meaning to rent a sprayer but haven’t gotten around to it.

    Reply
  26. vikki says

    August 25, 2014 at 4:04 pm

    I so need to do this to my porch. I used just my pressure washer but it didn’t clean it very well. I am glad to know there is a product out there that can work on something as dirty as that. Good job.

    Reply
  27. Terri Hughes says

    August 25, 2014 at 4:20 pm

    I would use it on the driveway, it could use a good cleaning!

    Reply
  28. Chelsea says

    August 25, 2014 at 4:22 pm

    That brush looks perfect for the sidewalk!

    Reply
  29. Leslie says

    August 25, 2014 at 4:22 pm

    I would use them to clean the siding on my house and the moss from my driveway!

    Reply
  30. Leslie says

    August 25, 2014 at 4:39 pm

    I would work on my patio and driveway!

    Reply
  31. Sandi P says

    August 25, 2014 at 5:45 pm

    I would use it in my airplane hangar and tiedown area, as well as the driveway and patio. I don’t think the airplane hangar has EVER been cleaned.

    Reply
  32. Valerie Stayton says

    August 25, 2014 at 5:50 pm

    I would use it on the back patio for sure. Our three dogs make it a filthy mess constantly. This would be very nice to own.

    Reply
  33. Sherri Howell says

    August 25, 2014 at 6:48 pm

    Well, first I would use this on my patio where baby birds are learning to fly. While waiting their turn, they make a big mess on our patio. The water house and scrub brush are not cutting it anymore. Then I would use this on our driveway, and side porch. Then my front porch that I have been wanting and needing to paint! Come on cooler weather, I can’t do all of this when is is still 98 degrees everyday. Thanks for the great post!

    Reply
  34. lesley says

    August 25, 2014 at 7:01 pm

    definitely on the driveway and the sidewalk to our front door. there is no sun hitting the sidewalk so it gets green quickly

    Reply
  35. Anne says

    August 25, 2014 at 7:16 pm

    My walk and patio are in desperate need of a deep clean. I have tried other methods but it certainly looks like I need to bring in the big guns as my efforts have not brought such dramatic results as yours.

    Reply
  36. Debi Macrae says

    August 25, 2014 at 10:25 pm

    My huge back patio, and my driveway. This looks amazing!

    Reply
  37. Debbie M. says

    August 25, 2014 at 10:46 pm

    Would love to win this! We have a patio that could use a good scrubbing!

    Reply
  38. Rebecca C says

    August 25, 2014 at 10:49 pm

    My sidewalk isn’t too bad, but our driveway is pretty terrible.

    Reply
  39. Katrina says

    August 25, 2014 at 11:05 pm

    I would clean my driveway and sidewalks! This is an awesome giveaway!

    Reply
  40. lori says

    August 26, 2014 at 12:47 am

    Would love to win, would use it on basketball court, basement floor, garage floor, deck, driveway. It would never rest!

    Reply
  41. Donna says

    August 26, 2014 at 1:34 am

    Our back patio & porch is nasty – especially the patio. The porch hasn’t gotten quite as bad as the patio has but it could sure use a good cleaning & this thing you did looks great!

    Reply
  42. Liz says

    August 26, 2014 at 5:50 am

    I would use on my back patio to get all my diy remnants off!

    Reply
  43. Rachel R says

    August 26, 2014 at 6:41 am

    I would use it on my sidewalk, bit I bet it would also work to scrub the siding on my little bungalow.

    Reply
  44. Angie Felton says

    August 26, 2014 at 9:54 am

    Cleaning the driveway off is one of my husband’s favorite tasks. I always thought it was sort of crazy, but seeing what happens if it isn’t done has made me see the light!

    Reply
  45. Liz says

    August 26, 2014 at 10:24 am

    I would clean my sidewalks and driveway. I left pollen from a tree sitting on the cement and it looks a bit like yours, but not quite so bad.

    Reply
  46. Laura / Pet Scribbles says

    August 26, 2014 at 11:57 am

    Wow – this before and after is AMAZING!!! I have neglected our driveway forEVER and now it mocks me every time I see it. I need this system! Thanks for the great giveaway opportunity!

    Reply
  47. Trina @ Let's Just Build a House says

    August 26, 2014 at 1:24 pm

    holy moly that WAS dirty!!

    Reply
  48. Margo says

    August 26, 2014 at 4:19 pm

    Amazing results Jenna! I could use these tools to clean my filthy deck:) thx for all your great givaways!

    Reply
  49. Audra says

    August 26, 2014 at 5:04 pm

    Wow! Is this really the same sidewalk???!!!! My driveway could definitely use a good cleaning!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 27, 2014 at 8:10 am

      I know, Audra! Looks totally different!

      Reply
  50. Audrey Zumwalt says

    August 26, 2014 at 6:11 pm

    Failure today in trying to clean my front sidewalk which is stained with tree pollen and mold. I need to explore these products. Amazing giveaways.

    Reply
  51. Emily says

    August 26, 2014 at 7:38 pm

    This is fantastic! So much concrete so little time. 🙂

    Reply
  52. Kylie Palmer says

    August 26, 2014 at 7:55 pm

    I would use it for my deck and my front porch,walkway, and driveway.

    Reply
  53. Julie Spear says

    August 27, 2014 at 7:18 am

    That Homeright water spraying scrubber brush looks amazing!!! and the sprayer is pretty sweet too!!! Who knew you could get a sidewalk so clean??!!?? I am like you, with so many inside project to do, the outside sometimes takes a backseat!!! your sidewalk looks great and that gorgeous patio it loeads up to is just FABULOUS!!! great job!

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      August 27, 2014 at 8:09 am

      Thanks, Julie!! Yes, the scrub brush and the sprayer are super handy!

      Reply
  54. linda says

    August 27, 2014 at 7:48 am

    Our sidewalk and slab steps!

    Reply
  55. Patty H. says

    August 27, 2014 at 9:17 am

    Our sidewalk to the front door gets downright slippery – it’s so much in need of de-sliming!

    Reply
  56. Carole M says

    August 27, 2014 at 6:17 pm

    Looks like my backyard and the driveway of mine new home.

    Reply
  57. barbara n says

    August 28, 2014 at 9:30 pm

    Our pool deck needs a cleaning!

    Reply
  58. Tera says

    August 29, 2014 at 8:15 am

    Wow!! I need this for our driveway & our walkways!!

    Reply
  59. Karren McIntire says

    August 29, 2014 at 1:37 pm

    I would use the deck brush and tank on my concrete patio, sidewalks and driveway! I love the transformation that you had!

    Reply
  60. Lisa Cooper says

    August 29, 2014 at 3:06 pm

    My screened porch floor is covered in red mud, brought in by our 80 pound Husky-Beagle mix. I need this power washer!!

    Reply
  61. Liz says

    August 29, 2014 at 10:28 pm

    On my pool decking and coping!

    Reply
  62. Jeannie Garcia-Buechele says

    August 29, 2014 at 11:23 pm

    I have a very large cool deck around my pool and it gets very dirty from storms and a gigantic 100 pound German Shepherd..lol..

    Reply
  63. Trish F says

    August 30, 2014 at 1:58 am

    Hello, I would use this on my back deck and also a grease spot that my husband got on our beautifully black toped driveway. Thanks for a great giveaway!

    Reply
  64. beverly e says

    August 30, 2014 at 2:28 pm

    My deck and carport could sure use a good cleaning… this would make the jobs a lot easier!

    Reply
  65. DeeDee says

    August 30, 2014 at 3:20 pm

    How nice it would be to have a clean front walkway – the gateway to our company!

    Reply
  66. Patty says

    August 31, 2014 at 1:20 pm

    This couldn’t have come at a better time. I have been trying to find a way to clean my sidewalk. Hope I win.

    Reply
  67. DEBRA THOMPSON says

    September 1, 2014 at 9:22 am

    That is AMAZING!

    Reply
  68. Manette Gutterman says

    September 2, 2014 at 10:56 am

    My driveway and sidewalk would thank you!

    Reply
  69. Erin P says

    September 2, 2014 at 3:34 pm

    I would use it on our back patio and front entrance! Thanks for the opportunity!

    Reply
  70. Gyp says

    September 2, 2014 at 3:50 pm

    Our patio is in dire need of cleaning.

    Reply
  71. Shelley says

    September 12, 2014 at 12:02 am

    Now that it is clean all you need to do to keep it that way is to mix 1/2 one cup bleach with one gallon water and spray it on once a Month. Makes sure you water surrounding grass first as not to kill it. Spray wait 5 minutes and rinse. Bleach kills the mold and brightens the concrete. If you ever feel like renting a pressure cleaner you can use this same mixture to pretreat before pressure washing. I personally rent a pressure cleaner. It makes quick work of jobs like these.

    Reply
    • Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says

      September 12, 2014 at 3:14 pm

      Thanks for the tip, Shelley!

      Reply
  72. Anita Holland says

    July 21, 2019 at 9:17 pm

    This would work great on my driveway, I don’t even know what colour it is underneath.

    Reply
  73. Catherine Sokolowski says

    July 24, 2019 at 8:41 am

    Those are amazing products. Your sidewalk looks fantastic!

    Reply
  74. Anita Holland says

    July 25, 2019 at 9:18 pm

    It would work great on my patio too. Pinned

    Reply
  75. Jennifer says

    July 27, 2019 at 1:23 am

    Your results are beyond amazing! Good job. Thanks for sharing at the Weekend Blog Hop at My Flagstaff Home! –Jennifer

    Reply
  76. Kristi Dominguez says

    July 28, 2019 at 11:27 pm

    Wow! What an incredible transformation! Thanks for the great tips!

    Reply
  77. Calypso in the Country says

    August 2, 2019 at 8:53 am

    I need to do this…my sidewalk is a mess! Thanks for linking up to Best of the Weekend…Your post was one of my features this week. I will be pinning and adding to Instagram stories this weekend. Thanks again for joining us and have a great weekend!
    Shelley

    Reply
  78. Jo Ann says

    May 16, 2020 at 8:30 pm

    HI, I realize the contest is probably over by now….. so…. Where can I get the equipment that you used? Anxious to clean both my cement area and decking.
    thanks for the info.

    Jo Ann

    If you want you could have the rep come give me a demo on my patio. lOL

    Reply

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