How to clean your patio

A wicker set of chairs around a light wooden table on a garden patio

Keeping your patio clean and tidy can often fall to the bottom of your to-do list. It’s often quite a time-consuming and tough job that can require various tools and treatments depending on the type of slab you have, the condition the slabs are in, and the level of cleanliness that you want to achieve. In this post, the external cleaning experts at Projet are going to walk you through the two main ways to clean your patio and get it looking spick and span.

 

Why do I need to clean my patio?

In order to keep your patio looking its best, you must carry out regular cleaning to remove dirt, moss, and algae build-up. The more frequently you clean your patio, the less difficult it is to remove dirt and staining.

 Keeping your patio clean prevents algae build-ups that can cause dangerous slippy surfaces to form and pose a safety risk. Cleaning your patio slabs also helps to preserve them for longer, as dirt and weeds cannot begin to push the slabs out of position and cause breakages. Additionally, a clean patio helps to create a relaxing and attractive outdoor space for you to spend time with family and friends. 

How should I clean my patio?

  • Soap and Water method

This method involves simply sweeping the patio to remove any surface debris and dirt. Following that, give your patio a gentle scrub with warm soapy water and a sponge, taking care not to over be too rough with the slabs. Depending on the material that your patio slabs are made from, you may find that there is a slight discolouration after cleaning. This is normal for natural stone and is not permanent. 

  • The pressure washer method  

Alternatively, if your patio needs something a bit more powerful to remove the dirt and stains, you could use a pressure washer. It’s important to know that pressure washing is not suitable for all patio materials. For instance, concrete paving can be damaged by pressure washers as it is a more delicate material and the high-pressure water can cause marks, chips, and damage to the sand between slabs. 

To pressure wash your patio you will need to clear any plant pots, furniture and objects out of the way to ensure that your patio is clear and ready to be cleaned. Next, sweep away any loose dirt and debris with a broom. You can then connect the pressure washer to the mains and begin the clean. Sometimes it is a good idea to use a cleaning product to help loosen the dirt, but make sure you find one that is compatible with your patio material. 

These two cleaning methods can be very effective in getting your patio sparkling, however, if you are concerned about causing damage to your patio slabs, or you are looking for a higher level of cleaning, it could be worth considering a patio cleaning specialist. At Projet, we offer patio cleaning and sealing services throughout Nottingham and the East Midlands. Our specialist team can recommend the best cleaning method for your patio slab type, carry out a thorough cleaning, and use a patio sealer to keep the patio in great condition for longer.