Patios are exposed to weather conditions all year round, whether that be frost, sun or snow. This means they, along with driveways, should be cleaned at least twice a year. There are a variety of ways you can effectively clean a patio, including natural ingredients.
The experts at StovesAreUs said: “Start by sweeping away any debris with a brush and make sure to avoid a rake, as this can damage your tiles. Once the debris is cleared away, look for stains on the tiles and tackle these next. The good news is cleaning these stains can be very simple, and you can use household products you likely already have.”
Start with a warm, soapy water mixture made using a squirt of washing-up liquid in a bucket and warm water.
Dampen a hard-bristled brush with this solution and scrub the patio and any stains gently.
If you have any extra stubborn stains, the experts recommend making another homemade solution.
They said: “Use a solution comprising 50% white vinegar and 50% warm water.
“To use this solution, pour it over the stubborn stain and leave the for about half an hour or so. Then, use a hard-bristled brush again with warm, soapy water to remove them.”
White vinegar can be purchased for as little as 40p from supermarkets such as Tesco, and it can be used for a variety of garden jobs, such as removing weeds.
Test it prior to using it on an inconspicuous area to make sure it works properly. Some patio materials are not suitable for this homemade solution.
The experts added: “If you have a pressure washer, you may want to use this to get rid of dirt fast, but bear in mind that these also aren’t suitable for all surfaces.”
Avoid using pressure washers on soft, natural tiles such as sandstone, and keep them away from painted wood patios, as these can cause the paint to chip.
