I’m a driveway expert and here’s the 69p trick that’ll leave your patio glistening & the common household item to avoid

WITH the sun shining, many of us will be hosting friends and family in our back gardens.

But if your outdoor haven is looking a little worse for wear following a harsh winter of rainfall and treacherous winds, it turns out there's a super simple way you can get it glistening again in an instant.

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Speaking exclusively to Fabulous Digital, Trevor Knight, technical garden and driveway specialist for Marshalls, has shared the do’s and don’ts when it comes to cleaning your patio.

Amongst them includes the 69p trick he swears by and the common household item that could result in "irreparable damage."

Patio washing Do’s

Trevor explains that just as with any part of your home, your patio will need maintenance and cleaning.

"Keeping on top of this will keep your garden looking sharp all year round,” he says. 

Soapy Water Method:

According to the driveway specialist, you'll need a hard-bristled brush and an eco-friendly cleaning agent, such as washing up liquid, which can be bought for as little as 69p, for the soapy water method.

The use of acidic solutions should be avoided, particularly on calcareous pavers such as those made from limestone

Trevor KnightDriveway specialist

"Opting for an eco-friendly cleaning agent is crucial for protecting waterways and wildlife, ensuring no harsh chemicals are being washed away into natural water courses or borders of the garden, causing damage to delicate trees and plants," he explains.

"Mix your chosen cleaning agent with warm water and start from the corners of your patio slabs, working inwards."

He advises rinsing and repeating until you’re happy with the result.

"When finished, rinse with clean water to ensure any loose dirt or residue has been removed, avoid washing suds and soap into a drainage point that’s a one-part system designed for rainwater only,” Trevor concludes.

Pressure Washer Method:

According to Trevor, for stubborn dirt and build-up, a pressure washer may be the best option for your patio.

However, he warns that you "must take caution" when using this method as it can damage your pavers if done incorrectly.

"The pressure washer will need to be connected to your garden hose and will require your chosen cleaning agent," he says.

"If you don’t have detergent then a solution of eco-friendly washing-up liquid and water would suffice."

Sharing his top tip, he advises: "Working from the corners in, hold the pressure washed at a 30-degree angle and work your way down the patio.

"Don't hold the pressure washer too close to the slabs as it may cause permanent damage."

He strongly recommends starting on a low-pressure setting to "reduce the risks of damage."

Maintenance: 

The driveway specialist says that once you've washed your patio, you'll want to check all joints to make sure none of the jointing material has been washed out or loosened.

"If it has, you will want to re-sand or re-point any of the affected joints," he explains.

"If you’re considering a new patio, and you’re keen to spend the least amount of time on maintenance, you could consider using porcelain paving as it absorbs little to no moisture."

Trevor notes: "This means that any detritus remains on the surface and is very much easier to clean and maintain.”

Patio Washing Don'ts

White Vinegar:

The expert warns that despite often being a popular choice for cleaning the patio, vinegar can "harm the biodiversity of your garden."

He continues: "White vinegar solutions can damage and kill plants - this may be the ideal outcome for those wanting to rid their patio of weeds, however, if this solution were to make its way onto your plants and grass, the result would be less than desirable.

"The use of acidic solutions should be avoided, particularly on calcareous pavers such as those made from limestone."

Trevor adds that use on these pavers can lead to "irreparable damage of the material.”

Bleach:

Similar to vinegar, Trevor says that bleach is harmful to plants and, therefore, can harm your garden’s biodiversity.

"Any bleach solution that runs off of the patio onto grass or plants when cleaning can cause significant harm to these, likely causing them to die," he says.

"Over time, bleach can also lead to discolouration and irreparable damage to paving slabs, particularly those that are man-made such as concrete slabs.”