It's that time of year again when you want to spend more time in your garden, but you might want to get your patio in order first.
Of course, there are plenty of fancy products you can try to get rid of spills and stains on your patio, but nothing works as well as this cheap 20p trick.
DIY expert Sam Williams from SGS Engineering shares some easy tips that are sure to help keep your paving slabs clean this summer.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, he explained: “You don't need any special products to clean your patio. One of the most effective cleaning methods is to use dishwashing detergent and warm water.”
Simply add a tablespoon of dish soap to a bucket of warm water.
Next, pour the soapy water over the entire patio and use a stiff bristled brush to scrub away the stains.
According to the pros, scrubbing at an angle is the best way to remove dirt while protecting the stone.
If you have stubborn stains that won't come off with soap alone, DIY experts recommend using white vinegar.
However, white vinegar should not be used on certain materials, such as limestone, so be sure to check before using it.
To use it, experts recommend mixing equal parts vinegar and water in a bucket.
Next, pour the solution onto your patio and let it sit for about 30 minutes.
“Rinse it off with a hose. If you don't have vinegar on hand, baking soda is also a good option.”
“This method is particularly effective on patios that have greasy barbecue stains, but it has limited effectiveness against algae and mold,” he says.
Previously, Fabulous spoke exclusively with Molly Woodward-Moor, creative director at Stone Superstore, about the best ways to clean your patio, including using bleach.
She said: “Bleach is known to be particularly effective at removing stains throughout the home, but using too much on patio tiles can cause problems.”
“Bleach is a harsh chemical that can slowly strip and damage the surface of natural stone tile, permanently scratching the tile and weakening it.
“Although porcelain paver tiles are durable, it's best to avoid using chemical cleaners that contain ammonia, bleach or acids, as these can gradually fade the color of the tile and grout.”
“Needless to say, this is extremely harmful to the environment so it's best to use it on indoor surfaces away from natural wildlife,” she added.
You can of course use a pressure washer, but this is not recommended for many materials.
Extreme pressure can easily damage certain stone and tile materials, so always check beforehand to make sure it's safe to use.