Patios are exposed to harsh weather conditions throughout the year, whether it be snow or rain. This means they require regular maintenance to keep them in top condition, and November is the ideal time to do so. Autumn leaf drop is usually complete, and cleaning now prevents the growth of mould and mildew.
According to the experts at StovesAreUs, sprucing up the patio is a simple step in preparing it correctly for spring. They said: “Start by sweeping away any debris with a brush and make sure to avoid a rake as this can damage your tiles.
“Once the debris is cleared away, look for stains on the tiles and tackle these next. The good news is cleaning these stains can be very simple, and you can use household products you likely already have.”
Start with a warm, soapy water mixture by adding a squirt of washing-up liquid to a bucket and filling it with warm water.
Dampen a hard-bristled brush with this solution and scrub the stain gently to loosen it.
If you have more “stubborn” stains which have built up over the summer, make another homemade solution to use.
This comprises 50% white vinegar and 50% warm water in a jug or bucket.
To use this solution, pour it over the stains and leave them for approximately 30 minutes.
Then, use a hard-bristled brush again with warm, soapy water to remove them.
White vinegar can be purchased for as little as 30p from supermarkets such as Tesco and is used for a variety of garden jobs.
The experts added: “If you have a pressure washer, you may want to use this to get rid of dirt fast, but bear in mind that these aren’t suitable for all surfaces.”
Avoid using pressure washers on soft, natural tiles such as sandstone, and keep them away from painted wood patios, as these can cause the paint to chip.
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