The 55p hack everyone has in their cupboard which will get your patio sparkling WITHOUT having to use a pressure washer
A GARDENING expert has revealed that cupboard staple that can get your patio sparkling, without the need for a pressure washer.
As temperatures begin to climb, and the summer months approach, you may be thinking about giving your paving slabs a spring clean, to get them looking their best for hosting garden parties or BBQs.
Over the winter months, patios in damp and shaded areas can easily become a haven for mould and algae, so it’s important to give them a good scrub in the spring.
Sam Williams, from SGS Engineering revealed that contrary to what some might say, you do not need to use expensive products to get your patio sparkling.
He said: “Ensuring your patio is free from dirt, moss, and mould will not only result in a better finish but will also enhance its appearance over time.”
The expert revealed that the “most effective” patio cleaning hack is to simply combine washing up liquid with warm water.
Washing up liquid can be purchased for as little as 55p from the supermarket, and most UK households will already have a bottle in the kitchen cupboard.
For the most effective results, Sam advised mixing a tablespoon of washing-up liquid with a bucket of warm water, to create a soapy solution.
Then, he advised throwing the solution onto the patio before giving it a hard scrub using a bristle brush.
Sharing another tip, Sam explained that if your patio is riddled with tough stains, you can use white vinegar to clean it.
“If you have stubborn stains, then using white vinegar is a fantastic, eco-friendly, and efficient substitute when cleaning your patio. J
“Just remember not to use this on limestone paving slabs, though, as it will harm the surface.”
White vinegar can be purchased from UK supermarkets for as little as £1 and also has a number of other uses, including tackling mould and whitening laundry.
While pressure washers may seem like a quick and easy fix for cleaning patios, they can actually have a detrimental affect on the stones.
If not used properly, they can lead to surface erosion and dislodging of materials, which can lead to uneven surfaces.
Because of this, Sam advised using gentler methods before resulting to the force of a pressure washer.
How to repair broken patio slabs
THE paving specialists at Simply Paving told Fabulous how you can repair broken patio slabs, without the faff.
The experts advised: “If you have a loose paving slab, then it’s unlikely it can be lifted straight by hand. Instead, you will probably need a hammer and chisel to prise the paver free of your patio.
“To remove loose paving slabs without damaging your flagstones, carefully chip away at the mortar around the paving slab with the plugging chisel and rubber mallet until the slab comes completely loose.
“Then, slide the spade into the gap left by the mortar and prise the paver free of the patio.
“As you lift it up, place a short piece of timber underneath the spade to act as a lever, making it easier for you while protecting the slab underneath.
“When the paver starts to give, place the cylindrical wood underneath it and roll the slab out of the patio.”
Pesky weeds popping up through the cracks in your patio may also become a problem this spring.
To remove them, Hannah Rowson, a gardening expert at J. Parker’s said that all you need to do is use boiling water.
She explained: “You can kill off weeds by pouring boiled water from your kettle over them.”
However, she warned: “But watch out not to splash your toes of course.
“The hot water will shock the plant, killing weeds within a day or two.”
Gardeners should be wary to only pour the water on weeds though, as it will kill any plant it comes in to contact with.