The Best Concrete Cleaner: 6 Non-Toxic Solutions for Spotless Sidewalks and Stairs

Often, we're so busy examining the state of our homes and gardens that it's easy to take for granted the concrete beneath our feet. Sidewalks, stairs, driveways, and any other concrete ground that surrounds your house need TLC, too, to maintain curb appeal. That's where the best concrete cleaner comes into play. Reaching for heavy-duty chemicals sounds like the easiest approach — after all, they tend to work well, but at what cost? The answer is, at the expense of your respiratory health and the environment's wellbeing.

Traditional concrete cleaners tend to contain some powerful chemicals like lye, ammonia, and bleach. If you wincedreading that, know that less toxic and more sustainable concrete cleaners exist, and they work wonders on tire tracks, oil, pet messes, and more common concrete stains (including what I like to call "garbage juice"). Keep scrolling for the best concrete cleaners that get the job done without creating an even bigger mess (pressure washer not included!).

Simple Green has been a staple in eco-conscious households for decades, and its Oxy Solve Concrete Cleaner is a top choice for removing dirt, oil, and grime. The formula uses peroxide to lift stains naturally. It's also biodegradable and cruelty-free. Whether you’re sprucing up the garage or prepping your concrete patio for a party, this EPA-certified cleaner tackles messes while respecting the environment.

"This did a great job with my pressure washer on my driveway that had not been cleaned in years! I live in Alabama— land of pollen and dust. My concrete driveway and sidewalks look like new now," wrote a shopper.

ECOS Pro Orange Plus Concentrate brings eco-friendly cleaning power to concrete and pretty much any other surface, cutting through grease, grime, and dirt with the natural strength of orange oil. This biodegradable, cruelty-free formula is non-toxic and safe for use around pets and kids. It can take on your most heavy-duty stains, so put it to the test.

"It's so concentrated that you won't believe how far one large container will go. You can even us it on cars, boats, and decks," wrote a five-star reviewer.

This enzyme-based cleaner breaks down petroleum-based stains naturally, so you can forget about heavy scrubbing or power washing. Terminator-HSD is biodegradable and, as an added bonus, safe for surrounding plants and waterways. It’s packaged in a recyclable container, reducing landfill waste. Powerful results plus natural ingredients equals a very happy homeowner — and a pleased planet Earth!

Designed for tough stains on sidewalks, garages, and patios, Act Concrete Cleaner Eco takes a low-impact approach to cleaning with microorganisms that break down oil and grease. It’s a cruelty-free, eco-friendly product that delivers a powerful clean without toxic chemicals. Act Eco is also biodegradable, which means less runoff pollution—perfect for your home and the planet alike.

Oil Eater's cleaner and degreaser is a powerful, water-based concrete cleaner designed to tackle tough stains on concrete surfaces. It’s biodegradable and non-toxic, and it breaks down oil, grease, and dirt with ease — and without the harsh chemicals typical in traditional concrete cleaners.

"I have used this eco friendly cleaner for years it has worked wonders for me. great for soaking clothes to get rid of those tough stains, great for Pressure washing the driveway," wrote a reviewer.

This one is a cleaner and etcher, designed for preparing concrete surfaces, promoting better adhesion for sealers and coatings, without harsh acids. Ghostshield is low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and biodegradable, and it's ideal for garage floors, driveways, and patios.

A homeowner wrote, "I was repainting a concrete pool deck where the prior paint job was 10 years old. We pressured washed the surface first. When I applied this product next I was thinking it was having no effect. But after rinsing it off and letting it dry it became clear it did a great job, and it worked well. Two thumbs up."