Discover Our Top Tips for a Clean Patio
Is your patio so dirty you’ve forgotten what it looks like underneath all the dirt and grime? A clean patio is the finishing touch to a beautiful home; so why not breathe a little life back into your exterior with our top tips for a clean patio.
It’s time to stop neglecting those slabs, and make use of our tried-and-tested expert advice.
5 Techniques for Cleaning Paving Slabs
There are five commonly used techniques for a clean patio. Some use items you already have around the home, and some may require a little investment into cleaning tools.
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Soapy water
If your patio paving is delicate, there’s no better way to remove stains than with washing up liquid and warm water. First start by de-cluttering your garden space.
Fill a bucket with clean water, mix it with soap, and pour it over the affected area. Then pick up a bristled brush and start scrubbing until you reveal the gleaming floor beneath.
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White vinegar
Looking for an eco-friendly alternative to removing stubborn stains? White vinegar is non-toxic, and thanks to its acidic nature, can lift grime.
The acid is also toxic to plants and can damage furniture, so be sure to clear your garden before spraying it. Vinegar is often used as a homemade weed killer for this very reason.
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Professional patio cleaning fluids
These fluids are designed specifically to treat your grimy patios. They are available in most large supermarkets, hardware and cleaning supply stores.
These may be too harsh for your patio depending on its composition, always read the label to be sure.
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Bleach Scrub
A bleach scrub involves diluting bleach with water in a 1:5 part ratio, and utilising a metal wire brush to scrub down your patio slabs.
Again, this method can be abrasive and detrimental to the surrounding nature and wildlife.
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Power or pressure washing
A pressure washer or power washer is by far the most powerful weapon in your arsenal, helping to remove dried cement and other tougher materials. You’ll find you need little else to bring back the original colours of your paving area, but again, there is a balance to strike between effective steam or water pressure and protecting your block paving.
For more information on the pros and cons of each technique, read our blog on Top Patio Cleaning Methods. Once you’ve decided on your weapon of choice, you can follow our 6 easy steps on How to Clean Your Patio.
Our Top Tips for a Clean Patio
- If you’re using a power washer, be wary of damaging your paving. For driveways with patterns or mosaic surfaces, you’re best doing a few test sprays before attempting to clean the entire area.
- Work at a good range and a shallow angle while moving in a diagonal motion across the paving. This avoids parallel washing of the joints which could damage the cement pointing.
- If you’re tempted to clean stained slabs with bleach, be wary of using it on soft or natural stone or around your plants. The alkaline base of the substance is corrosive and can do damage to both.
It’s for this reason that washing up liquid is the preferred patio cleaner, or white vinegar if that is not effective.
- Our final tip is to factor in the season you’re cleaning in. Spring, for example, is a good time to conduct a thorough clean as you can check the joints between the paving slabs post-winter.
Likewise, if you regularly brush the fallen leaves and other organic matter from your patio in autumn, you can prevent staining and give yourself an easier job next year.
How Rainbow Restoration Can Help
We understand that not everyone has the time or resources to stay on top of their exterior. Pressure washers are expensive, and other methods are time-consuming.
That’s why our team is equipped with the latest in specialist cleaning and restoration technology for your patio. Whether your particular the area requires jet washing, steam cleaning, media blasting or rotary scrubbing, we’ve got you covered.
Our aim is to keep your garden looking its best in a manner that’s most convenient to you.
If you’re seeking professional assistance in eliminating unwanted moss, algae, and grime from your patio, we would be delighted to assist you. Feel free to contact us directly for further information, or visit our dedicated Patio Cleaning Services page to explore the comprehensive range of solutions we offer.
Updated: 20/07/23