How To Clean A Patio
Keeping your patio clean not only improves the appearance of your whole garden but it also makes it safer. Over time, unsightly algae and moss has a tendency to grow, leaving your patio tiles slippery underfoot. To prevent accidents and enhance the beauty of your garden, it's important to regularly clean your patio.
There are several effective methods for patio cleaning and these range from a light wash using household products through to a more intensive clean using a pressure washer, and then finishing it off with a patio sealant. Depending on weather conditions and how often your patio is used, you can incorporate all of these patio cleaning methods throughout the year to keep your patio tiles in tip-top condition.
Essential Tools & Equipment
Method 1: How To Clean A Patio With Soapy Water
If your patio has minimal dirt, a light wash of your patio tiles should suffice in removing most of the grime. During the Spring and Summer months when your garden is probably being used more often, it's a good idea to do this weekly. Before you start, you'll want to sweep away any light debris such as leaves and loose dirt.
- Mix a straightforward solution of warm water and washing-up liquid.
- Pour the solution directly on to the patio tiles.
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Grab your stiff bristle brush or broom and give the tiles a good scrub to remove the build-up of dirt.
- Use clean water to rinse away the muck and soapy solution to reveal those lovely clean patio tiles!
Method 2: How To Remove Stubborn Stains From Your Patio Using Vinegar
If you're looking for an eco-friendly way of removing tough, stubborn stains from your patio tiles, then white vinegar could be just the answer. The acidity of vinegar is perfect for breaking down hard-to-remove stains, and even moss making it a great patio cleaning solution. Before making a start, you'll want to remove any garden and patio furniture.
- Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water.
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle for easy application.
- Spray the vinegar solution liberally on those tough stains and leave for at least 30 minutes.
- Take your stiff bristle brush and scrub the stains to shift them.
- Once you're done scrubbing, rinse with fresh, clean water.
Method 3: How To Deep Clean Your Patio With A Pressure Washer
To keep your patio tiles looking like new, they'll benefit from a yearly deep clean using a pressure washer. It can be a messy and time-consuming way of cleaning your patio, but it's well worth the time and effort. Before getting your jet wash out of the shed, move away any furniture, plant pots, and anything else that may get damaged.
- Sweep away loose debris from your patio.
- Set your pressure washer up and add some detergent for extra cleaning power.
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It's a good idea to wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from any flying debris.
- Holding the jet wash at an angle, move along the patio using a sweeping motion. Continue with this, until you've washed your whole patio area.
- Go back over any areas you've missed and be sure to take care around plants and flowers that may get damaged by the high pressure spray.
Method 4: How To Use Patio Cleaner To Keep Your Patio Clean For Longer
After you've taken the time to clean your patio, it's a good idea to apply some patio sealer as this can help to protect the tiles from harsh weather conditions, oil spillages, and even keep the growth of moss and algae at bay so your patio looks good for longer. Here's how to apply it for best results:
- Start by sweeping your patio and removing any garden furniture and plants.
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Pour some of the patio sealer into a paint tray.
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Apply some of the sealer onto a sweeping brush or paint roller.
- Starting at a corner, apply the sealer using long strokes and avoid any pooling. This is especially important on textured patio tiles.
- Leave the tiles to dry before applying a second coat.
