Patios can accumulate dirt, grime and moss over time, resulting in them losing their aesthetic appeal and potentially becoming damaged in the process. In addition, moss and weeds can cause the material to become extremely slippery.
If you don’t have access to a pressure washer and are looking to clean your patio, Gregory Smith, property expert at PriceYourJob.co.uk, has shared a two-ingredient homemade solution you can use. According to the expert, this can remove dirt and stubborn stains.
1. Remove weeds
Start by examining the driveway or patio and remove any weeds you see poking through the cracks and gaps.
The expert said: “The way to do this will depend on how severe the problem is. If you can pull up he weeds by hand, this is the best option.
“Remove as much of the root as possible in the process to minimise any chances of it coming back.
“If the weed problem is quite extreme, then you should use a weed killer. Always ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using weed killers and keep pets and children away from the area.”
2. Make a soap mixture
There are no “special products” required for this soapy cleaning solution, as it simply involves a mild soap with warm water.
Make sure you check the soap you are using, as some soaps could cause damage to the pavers.
The expert said: “Mix the soapy solution together until you start to see a foam form on the top.”
3. Pour the mixture
Next, pour some of the mixture onto the surface, scrubbing the entire surface of the patio until the entire area has been scrubbed.
Once you’ve finished, rinse away the soapy water with some clean water with a bucket or a hose.
4. Brush
The expert continued: “After the scrubbing stage, you’ll then need to brush the area. Get a hard-bristled brush and start brushing the patio from one side to the other.
“It’s best if you use a brush with a long handle to avoid damaging your back in the process. When brushing, you’ll notice the bristles loosen dirt with ease.
“You may have to brush harder on stubborn areas. Brush your patio regularly to keep dirt and weeds away.”
After you’ve loosened the dirt, simply rinse the patio to unveil the final look with buckets of water or a hose.
After you’ve rinsed the area, leave your patio to dry completely before analysing the final results.