Patios experience every weather condition throughout the year, so it’s common to see a build-up of dirt, moss and weeds.
Households should look to clean their patios two to three times a year, however, when it comes down to washing them, Trevor Knight, technical garden and driveway specialist for Marshalls has shared what to avoid using and what to opt for instead.
He said: “As with any part of your home, your patio will need maintenance and cleaning. Keeping on top of this will keep your garden looking sharp all year round.”
Despite often being a popular choice for cleaning the patio, Trevor warned that white vinegar can harm the biodiversity of your garden.
He said: “White vinegar solutions can damage and kill plants – this may be the ideal outcome for those wanting to rid their patio of weeds, however, if this solution were to make its way onto your plants and grass, the result would be less than desirable.”
The use of acidic solutions “should be avoided”, particularly on calcareous pavers such as those made from limestone.
The expert warned: “Use on these pavers can lead to irreparable damage of the material.”
Similar to vinegar, bleach is harmful to plants and, therefore, can harm your garden’s biodiversity.
Trevor said: “Any bleach solution that runs off of the patio onto grass or plants when cleaning can cause significant harm to these, likely causing them to die.”
When it comes to the actual patio slabs, over time, bleach can also “lead to discolouration and irreparable damage” to them, particularly those that are man-made such as concrete slabs.
Instead, the paving expert recommends either using the soapy water method or a pressure washer.
He said: “For the soapy water method, you will need a hard-bristled brush [like this one from B&Q FOR £12.99 or this one from Wickes that retails for £9.50] and an eco-friendly cleaning agent. Opting for an eco-friendly cleaning agent is crucial for protecting waterways and wildlife, ensuring no harsh chemicals are being washed away into natural water courses or borders of the garden, causing damage to delicate trees and plants.”
Mix your chosen cleaning agent with warm water and start from the corners of your patio slabs working inwards. Rinse and repeat until you’re happy with the result. When finished, rinse with clean water to ensure any loose dirt or residue has been removed.
