Deirdre O Meara 
As the summer season approaches, homeowners are looking forward to spending more time in their gardens. However, for those with dirty and discoloured patios, this can be a source of embarrassment. Fortunately, an expert at Simply Paving has shared two simple hacks to remove dirt, debris, and algae from patios, using common household products. These solutions can be completed in less than an hour without the need for a pressure washer.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need any fancy products to clean a patio without a pressure washer. In fact, one of the most effective patio cleaning products is good old-fashioned washing-up liquid mixed with warm tap water. If you want to try cleaning your patio with washing-up liquid, you’ll need to grab a bottle of the good stuff, which you can pick up from Morrisons for as little as 43p, a bucket of warm water, and a hard-bristled brush.
To start, squirt a small amount of washing-up liquid into the bucket and fill it with warm water, ensuring there are enough soap suds. Then, start in the corners of the patio and splash a little water and scrub with the brush. According to Simply Paving, if you scrub diagonally, “this will be gentler on the jointing compound” and less of it will come out during cleaning. Repeat this process until the whole patio is covered and clean. Once done, clean the dirty water away by hosing it down or brushing it off into a drainage point. Leave the patio to dry fully, then replace the patio furniture and any pots.
If scrubbing is not your thing, then white vinegar can do all the work for you. It is an environmentally-friendly, non-toxic, and non-chemical patio cleaner. However, please note that you shouldn’t use this method on limestone pavers as the acid will permanently damage their surface. White vinegar can be found in just about any supermarket and can be purchased for only 29p from Tesco.
To use white vinegar, mix it with warm water in a 1:1 ratio in a bucket. For really dirty patio slabs or areas with stubborn stains, add more vinegar into the solution. Pour the solution over the patio, and leave the vinegar to work for 30 minutes to an hour. Then, clean the vinegar solution using soapy water.
Simply Paving recommends cleaning the patio once a year, and a small amount of maintenance will “deliver a consistently clean finish all year round.” It is advisable to sweep the patio slabs regularly, especially during autumn months, as this will prevent leaves from building up and potentially discolouring or staining the slabs. Patio sealants are another option to keep slabs looking new as it helps prevent weathering and preserve the colour.
In conclusion, homeowners can easily clean their patios using common household products such as washing-up liquid and white vinegar. These solutions are cost-effective, environmentally-friendly, and can be completed in less than an hour without the need for a pressure washer. Regular maintenance and the use of patio sealants can help keep patios looking new and prevent weathering.
