Spring is a great time to get out into the garden and to clean patios, paving slabs or even driveways. Keeping it neat and tidy can be tiresome, especially when not using a pressure washer. However, it can be done, through natural methods to help remove dirt, grime and even moss.
1. White vinegar
Jane Wilson, cleaning expert, mum and blogger said: “Cleaning patios and paving slabs without a pressure washer can be done effectively with some simple hacks.
“Choose the method that works best for you based on the type of stain, the tools you have available, and your personal preference.
“Use a mixture of white vinegar and water. Vinegar is acidic and has natural cleaning properties that can help break down and remove dirt, grime and stains.
“Simply mix equal parts of water and vinegar, apply it to the surface, and scrub with a stiff brush. Rinse with water and let it dry.
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“It is important to note that vinegar may not be suitable for some surfaces, such as natural stone or unsealed concrete.
“Therefore, testing the solution on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire surface is always advisable.”
White vinegar is a great cleaning product and can be picked up for as little £1 in retailers such as B&M.
Gardeners should also make sure no vinegar solution is left on their patios as it could leave stains.
2. Washing up liquid
The expert continued: “Use dishwashing liquid and warm water. Dishwashing liquid is designed to remove grease and grime, making it an effective cleaning agent for outdoor surfaces that are exposed to dirt and debris.
“Mix a few drops of it with warm water and scrub the surface with a stiff brush, rinse with water and let it dry.”
Washing up liquid can be picked up for as little as 30p in supermarkets such as Asda, making this an affordable cleaning method.
This method might need repeating over the course of a couple of days, but it can work just as well as pressure washing.
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3. Baking soda
Jane continued: “Use baking soda and water to create a paste for tougher stains. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help break down stubborn dirt and grime without damaging the surface.
“Mix baking soda and water to create a thick paste, apply it to the surface, and scrub with a stiff brush, taking care not to scrub too hard.”
Once done, rinse with water well and let it dry fully before reassessing whether it needs another scrub or not.
Baking soda is a great cleaning agent which can be purchased from supermarkets for less than £1.
4. Steam cleaner
Steam cleaning can effectively remove dirt and grime without the need for hard chemicals or a pressure washer, according to the expert.
Britons should use it according to the manufacturer’s instructions before letting the surface dry fully. There are various patio steam cleaners on the market, ranging in price from anything between £100 to £1,000.
5. Use a specialised cleaner
The cleaning expert said: “Sometimes, standard cleaning solutions may not be effective in removing stains such as oil, rust or mould.
“You can use a specialised cleaner to tackle them. Specialised cleaners are formulated with specific ingredients that target and break down the particular type of stain, making them highly effective even with the most stubborn of stains.
“Read the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper use and avoid damaging the surface. Also, always wear protective gloves and eyewear to avoid any skin irritation or eye contact with the solution.”
