One expert has said that all you need is a cheap product that you probably already have in your cleaning cupboard to get your garden patio looking as good as new
White vinegar can be used to kill patio weeds and keep the stones looking fresh(Image: dropStock via Getty Images)
During the summer months, certain areas of your garden may require extra attention, and if you have a garden patio, it could be one of the spots most affected by weeds, moss, and other unwelcome growths.
This issue can be made worse if your patio is situated in a shaded part of the garden, which provides ideal conditions for these garden pests to flourish. However, before you consider purchasing a pressure washer to tackle the problem, you might find a solution in your own kitchen cupboards.
Experts claim that using a simple and cheap household item can make your patio ‘sparkle’.
READ MORE: Gardeners told to avoid common mowing mistake to prevent patchy brown lawns
Lucy Steele from Vaspar Paint has suggested that white vinegar can work wonders on your garden patio, potentially transforming it in just 30 minutes with this single product.
Known for its versatility in various household cleaning tasks, white vinegar proves to be just as effective outdoors, reports the Express.
She explained: “White vinegar is not only effective in cleaning patios and removing any stains, but it can also kill weeds in between paving stones too.”
How to clean your garden patio
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to revitalise your patio, removing moss and weeds at the same time, then white vinegar is the answer.
Simply create a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water, apply it to your patio, and leave it for about half an hour.
Garden patios can become pretty messy in the summer thanks to moss and weeds(Image: Getty)
Once the time is up, give the patio a good scrub with a stiff brush and rinse it off with clean water. For more stubborn stains or difficult areas, repeat the process, and you should see your patio return to its former glory.
This guidance is echoed by the experts at BBC Gardener’s World, who suggest testing the cleaning solution on a small section of your patio before applying it to the entire area, in order to prevent potential damage.
However, caution is advised when using white vinegar to clean your patio. It can be harmful or corrosive to nearby plants, so it’s important to protect plants from any vinegar splash and thoroughly rinse the patio once you’ve finished to remove any residual run-off.
To make sure you don’t experience any extreme dirt or weed build-up, regular maintenance is also advised. Sweeping with a stiff-bristled garden brush helps to banish any leaves and debris, which can rot and become embedded in the stones, which is very hard to remove.
You should also hose down patios with a jet of water from a hosepipe now and then, which will dislodge loose dirt before it sinks in.
If you want ideas and inspiration to plan your next UK adventure plus selected offers and competitions, sign up for our 2Chill weekly newsletter here