EXPERT HACKS TO PREPARE A PATIO FEATURE: WEATHERPROOFING
With summer coming to an end, days are getting colder and shorter and it is time to prep your outdoor space before winter arrives. As a result, Sam Williams, DIY specialist at SGS Engineering, has provided his top DIY tips for cleaning stone patio and paving slabs effectively while the weather still permits it.
S
tone patios are a popular feature in UK gardens, creating a space to sit out and soak up some rays. Similarly,
paving slabs are also commonly used to create pathways. However, as they are constantly exposed to the outdoor weather all year round, they can easily be stained and start to look a bit worse for wear. To help, Sam Williams, a DIY expert at SGS Engineering, has created a simple guide on how to thoroughly clean stone patio or paving slabs to get them looking good as new.
Use a simple warm water and soap solution Sam reveals that, contrary to popular belief, you don’t always need fancy products to clean a patio and one of the most effective cleaning hacks is just washing-up liquid mixed with warm water.
All you have to do is drop a tablespoon of washing-up liquid in a bucket of warm water to make a good soapy solution, pour it over your patio or paving slabs and then scrubbing away with a hard-bristle brush.
He recommends scrubbing diagonally, as this is less likely to damage the stone.
Get rid of stubborn stains Different stains and spillages require different treatments, and sometimes a warm water and washing up liquid solution just isn’t enough.
Sam suggests white vinegar as a fantastic eco-friendly and efficient substitute when cleaning a patio because of its acidic qualities. Don’t use this on limestone paving slabs though as it will harm the surface. Combine water and white vinegar in a bucket in a 1:1 ratio (although dirtier patios with more difficult stains could require a little bit more vinegar in the mixture). Pour the solution over the patio and leave the vinegar to work its way into the paving slabs for 30 minutes to an hour before rinsing away with a hose. Alternatively, baking soda is another great option if you don’t have any vinegar to hand. This technique works particularly well on patios that have BBQ fat stains on them. It will
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hook it up to your garden hose. If your device has a detergent chamber, dilute the pressure washer detergent and fill up your chamber before starting. Alternatively, dilute your detergent as instructed on the product and apply it directly to your patio. If you don’t have detergent, a simple solution of washing liquid with warm water should do the trick. Starting from the top corner, hold your pressure washer at a 30-degree angle and spray diagonally across your patio. Don’t hold it too close, as the powerful jet of water could damage your patio slabs. Ensure all standing water is rinsed away when you’re done. Check your patio joints for signs of loose joint compound.
Aftercare
One benefit of choosing a patio over decking is that you should only need to clean it once a year. However, with a little upkeep, you can maintain a consistently clean appearance all year long.
One good piece of advice is to
only have a limited effectiveness against algae and mould stains though.
Try a specialist patio cleaner While white vinegar and baking soda can be effective ways to clean a patio, you may need a specialist cleaning product if you have a recurring moss or algae problem. Algon is a great option as it is
organic and requires no scrubbing. Simply dilute it down (following the instructions on the packaging) and spray it on. Then, sit back and wait a few days for it to work its magic. You can also use Algon on plastic decking/composite, tarmac, fences and sheds and greenhouses.
Should I use chemical cleaners or acids? Typically these aren’t necessary, but if you do decide to go down this route then there are a few things to keep in mind... Wear protective clothing. When diluting the acids, remember to always add the acid to water and
not water to the acid. Apply any treatment to a tiny portion of the damaged area first. Closely follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Ensure there is sufficient ventilation when using chemicals. Whilst using the chemicals, extra care must be taken to avoid splashing other things such as your lawn or outdoor furniture.
Should I use a pressure washer? A pressure washer might be very handy if you want to clean your patio quickly. Thanks to its powerful streams of cold water, this can be a great method; however, it can also damage pavers if not done carefully and reveal the aggregate. This is why Sam recommends trying the other cleaning methods first, before turning the pressure washer on. For more information on how to safely use a pressure washer on a patio, follow the instructions below…. Move furniture out of the way. Plug in your pressure washer and
remember to regularly brush your patio, especially during the autumn months. This should prevent crushed leaves from building up and causing those stubborn discoloration stains come spring. You also might want to consider patio sealant. This helps to prevent weathering and is also effective at preserving the colour of patio slabs – a good option if you have recently laid dark patio slabs or given them a really thorough clean and want to keep them looking good as new.
About SGS Engineering SGS Engineering is a UK manufacturer and retailer of NitroLift gas struts, which are widely used by avid DIYers, business owners and large brands alike. It has earned an excellent rating from customers (4.2 stars out of 5) on TrustPilot, from almost 50,000 reviews. As well as manufacturing gas struts, SGS also carries a huge range of garage equipment such as air compressors, tool chests, trolley jacks, hydraulic shop presses and engine cranes.
For more top DIY tips visit:
www.sgs-engineering.com/help- advice/category/howtos
OCTOBER 2023 DIY WEEK 19
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