The outdoors of your home is the first space that welcomes you. Any kind of dirt, moss or stains you leave on your patio to build up over time will make it look bad for you and your visitors. This is why keeping it clean is important.
The good news is that it is easier to clean and maintain your patio than you think. There are a couple of proven methods for getting rid of stubborn stains and making your dirty patio shine once again. In the following article, we will show you how to clean your patio efficiently and without risks.
Why Is It Important to Maintain Your Patio?
Taking good care of your patio enhances the appearance of your whole property. Imagine you’re going to visit a friend and he has a beautiful house, but the outdoor space is a mess, and his patio is stained and full of debris. Not a pretty picture, right?
Keeping your patio clean and providing it with regular and proper maintenance will keep it safe from damage caused by usual risk factors such as the meteorological conditions outside, moss and dirt. In this way, your patio will not only look nice but you will also minimise the risks that come with neglect.
Regular patio cleaning will also increase the aesthetic value of your home. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, entertaining guests, or putting your property up for sale, a clean and good-looking patio will surely leave a positive impression.
3 Ways to Clean Patio Slabs
As we mentioned above, the patio must be clean and well-maintained if you want an inviting and beautiful atmosphere around your home.
A couple of tips and tricks can help you achieve that. Let’s explore how to keep your patio clean in the next paragraphs.
Cleaning with a Pressure Washer
If you are faced with tougher stains or generally a very dirty patio, pressure washers are a helpful tool.
Pressure washing works with an intense water stream that easily removes problematic stains such as:
- Dirt;
- Grime;
- Moss;
- Algae;
- Debris.
You just have to turn your pressure washer on and clean all the dirt, pushing it aside to the drainage point. You can also use the tool to remove debris from the paving slabs. Once you have cleaned all the waste, spray the slabs with medium or high pressure. It is highly important to choose the pressure carefully so you don’t damage the patio surface.
The best pressure washer method for cleaning is to wash with even strokes. Furthermore, be careful not to stay in one spot with high pressure for too long.
Scrubbing with Soap and Water
If you do not have a pressure washer, the classic cleaning solution with soap and water is the best way to clean tough stains. You should start with a bucket of warm water, a brush (its hardness depends on the stains you want to wash off), and a mild detergent. Once you have gathered all the tools you need, you can proceed with the task.
Scrub the slabs well and pay attention to stains or mossy areas. Do not use cleaning solutions with chemicals that can damage the surfaces. Soap or soft detergent are the best choices to ensure no harm will be caused when cleaning patio slabs.
When you are ready, and the patio is clean, rinse off the soap with a garden hose or cold water. By washing it off and letting the patio dry naturally, you will ensure a shiny and clean outdoor space.
Using a Vinegar and Baking Soda Solution
If you are looking for a more natural and efficient way to clean dirtier patios, you can use a vinegar and baking soda mix.
This solution is the one of the best homemade patio cleaners as it works for many problems not only outside but also inside your home. It is an extremely effective and easy tool to eliminate obstinate dirt that can’t be removed with any other means. The vinegar and baking soda mixture will help you lift stains, break down moss and get rid of algae forever.
All you need is apple cider vinegar and a box of baking soda. Start by sprinkling baking soda on the problematic spots. Make sure the spot is completely covered with a generous amount of soda. Then, spray slightly vinegar on top of the soda. You will witness a bubbling effect as the mixture starts working.
Let the solution sit for 5 to 10 minutes. The more it sits, the more efficient it will be. After enough time has passed, use a sponge or a brush to start lifting stains and scrub the surface. Rinse with water and your stain will most likely be gone. If it’s a stubborn stain and it hasn’t come off the first time, you can repeat the procedure until the stain disappears completely.
Bad Maintenance Consequences
If you don’t regularly clean and maintain your patio, you will inevitably face problems that will affect its overall appearance. The dirt that you neglect and avoid cleaning will build up over time and make it harder for you to fix the issues in the future.
Having moss or algae and letting them build up without scrubbing them off can become dangerous over time. This will make the patio slippery, especially when the weather is bad.
If you want to avoid a bad-looking, stained, and discoloured patio, you must remove such dirt spots immediately after noticing them. It is extremely hard to clean a patio that has been left to sit without maintenance for too long and there is even a risk of permanent issues.
Weeds and roots growing in the cracks of paving slabs are also worth addressing immediately. Their presence could lead to costly repairs and cause structural damage.
Conclusion
Regularly cleaning and maintaining your patio can give you peace of mind for the future. It makes your home more welcoming and boosts its aesthetic appearance. Keeping the patio in good condition helps you prevent problems and save money from potentially needed repairs if you neglect your home outdoor areas.
If you invest a little time and effort now, you can save a lot of time and effort in the future. Take proactive steps and ensure that your patio is a beautiful space that greets your family and friends while also upgrading the overall look of your property.
If you’d like to hire professionals to help you through this process because you want to ensure that your outdoors receives top-quality care, companies like TidyProperties offer expert cleaning services. They can handle deep cleaning or regular maintenance tasks for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my patio slabs?
It’s recommended to clean your patio slabs at least twice a year—once in spring and once in fall—to prevent dirt and moss buildup.
Can I use bleach to clean my patio?
Yes, diluted bleach can be used, but be careful as it can harm plants and discolour some stones.
Is pressure washing safe for all types of patio slabs?
Pressure washing works well for most slabs, but softer stones like limestone can be damaged by high-pressure water. Make sure to adjust the water pressure accordingly.
