How To Clean Your Patio

As soon as the rain stops and the sun pokes its eager yet elusive head through the gap in the clouds, it'll be time to get your patio in tip top shape so you can enjoy the good weather. You might want to throw an impromptu BBQ or your friends might invite themselves over for a bit of back garden summertime fun and there is nothing more embarrassing than having a scummy, dirty patio on show.

Here is our guide on how to clean your patio, covering all aspects from de-weeding to seasonal care.

Step one: Declutter your patio

Before you start the cleaning process, you will want to ensure that your patio is completely clear of all clutter. Remove all garden furniture as well as bikes, tools, plant pots and anything else that is sat on top.

Step two: De-weed the Patio

Weeds are a real pain when it comes to your garden and it’s no different when it comes to your patio. Not only are weeds not the prettiest to look at but they also get in the way and make the cleaning process that little bit more difficult. A great way to get rid of the weeds is to use weed killer. Weed killer is able to get kill a weed by the roots so it can't grow back and can be used on weeds like docks, thistles, nettles, dandelions, bindweed and more. If you'd rather use something less toxic, why not opt for garden tools? Grab some gloves and our patio weed brush to help you remove weeds, algae and other debris that has built up on your patio.

Step three: Get scrubbing or get a pressure washer

Next, it's time to get down the actual cleaning. The quickest and most powerful way to get your patio clean is by using a pressure washer. The force of a washer is enough to give your patio a deep clean that it deserves, making it look good as new. If you're not sure on how to use a pressure washer, make sure to follow the machines manufacturers guide/instructions or check out our blog that has all you need to know about pressure washers. When using a pressure washer, you will want to ensure that any electrical points are taped up and you will also want to make sure that any overhanging foliage is out of the way. You should also ensure that you don't use the washer too much in one spot as excessive pressure can damage the paving and also lift up some mortar, which will end up covering your patio in dirt. At HSS, you can pick from a range of pressure washers that can be hired or bought online or in your local branch.

Another way to help clean your patio is by using a patio cleaner. Patio cleaners are strong formulas that will give you an extra boost for lifting dirt and grime off your flooring. Simply pour the cleaner over your patio (not too much!) then use a stiff broom to scrub the floor and you should see the dirt come away. If needed, leave the cleaner to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing if you have any stubborn stains. Always make sure you refer to the patio cleaner instructions before use to make sure you're using it correctly. Once you've scrubbed all that you can, use a hose, pressure washer or even a bucket of water to get rid of the excess patio cleaner & the dirt. If you need a patio cleaner solution, check out the choices we have available to buy here.

Aftercare

Once you have cleaned your patio and it is looking spick and span, you will want to carry out some much needed maintenance throughout the year. Inspect the slabs and replace any broken ones, this will prevent any future weeds from making their way through the cracks. Once you have your patio looking nice and clean you will want to make sure that the surrounding area is just as nice.

Regular Cleaning

Keep up with brushing your patio where you can with a stiff broom to keep it clean. Leaving dirt, mould or mildew to accumulate on your patio can cause discolouration and other issues for your patio.

Protect Against Snow and Ice

Even though you aren’t using your patio during the winter, you still need to maintain and protect it. Cold temperatures, snow, ice and moisture can cause a lot of damage to your furniture, decor and your patio itself. Remove anything from your patio that won’t be able to withstand the elements. Things like plants, canopies, decorations, rugs and other items should be brought inside or stored in your garage or shed. If you have the space, store your patio furniture, barbecue grill and other large items in your garage too. If this isn’t possible, invest in some furniture covers that cover your things completely and protect them from snow and moisture. If it has been snowing, as soon as the snow and ice begins to thaw, check for cracks and damage. The problem with damaged concrete is that it allows water to seep into cracks and holes, which then expands as it freezes, causing even more damage. If you can repair cracks and holes before this happens, you’ll prevent a lot of damage and keep your patio in excellent condition.

Avoid The Summer Heat

Just like snow and ice can damage concrete, sun can damage your concrete patio too. Prolonged exposure to sun can actually cause the concrete to fade, which over time, will take away from the way your patio looks. Using an awning or outdoor rugs is an easy way to make sure the sun doesn’t get the best of your concrete and will add some shade and comfort to your patio. Look for an awning that looks as good as it works and that matches the decor of your home and patio.

FAQs

How often should I pressure wash my patio? - Once a year should be more than enough to use a pressure washer to clean your patio but if you find that dirt has built up over a period of time, there's nothing wrong with cleaning it again. Just be careful not to use the pressure washer too much in a short space of time so that you don't damage your flooring.

When is the best time to use my pressure washer? - Spring is probably the best time to use your pressure washer as you'll want too avoid the weather being too hot, cold or wet.

Get in Touch

If you have any questions about pressure washers or pressure washer accessories we have available, get in touch with our live chat experts who are on hand and happy to help or contact your local HSS branch to speak to one of our colleagues.