Owning a lovely patio is a true delight for any homeowner here in the UK. It provides that extra bit of outdoor living space perfect for hosting mates, enjoying a cuppa in the sun, or simply relaxing after a long day. However, patios have a pesky tendency to get downright filthy if you don’t stay on top of the cleaning.
With just a few simple steps, you can have that outdoor oasis looking spick and span in no time.
Sweeping the Patio
First things first, you’ll want to give your patio a good sweep. This helps clear away any loose dirt, leaves, or other unsightly bits and bobs that have accumulated over time. Be sure to use a broom with soft bristles – you don’t want to go scratching up the surface of your lovely patio. Gently sweep in long, smooth strokes, getting into all those nooks and crannies to make sure you’re leaving no dirt un-swept.
Once you’ve brushed off the larger debris, you may want to give the patio a quick once-over with a dustpan and brush. This helps pick up any stubborn specks or smaller particles that the broom might have missed. Just be thorough, but not too aggressive.
Washing down the Patio
Now that we’ve gotten all the loose muck swept up, it’s time to give the patio a proper wash down. You can certainly do this by hand using elbow grease, but a garden hose with a nozzle attachment makes the job a fair sight easier. Be sure to start from top of the patio and work your way down – that way you don’t end up washing the dirt right back over the areas you’ve already cleaned.
If you do opt for the hands-on approach, simply fill up a few buckets with some warm soapy water and get scrubbing. Use a stiff-bristled brush to really work the suds into any stubborn stains or grime. Don’t go at it too aggressively, or you might end up damaging the patio surface.
Whether you’re hosing it down or washing by hand, the key is to make sure you’ve thoroughly rinsed away every last bit of soap residue when you’re done. You don’t want any of that lingering behind, as it could cause problems down the line.
Scrubbing and Removing Stubborn Stains
Once you’ve given the patio a good scrub-down, you may find there are still a few stubborn stains or marks that refuse to budge.
Grab yourself a stiff-bristled brush and get to work scrubbing those problem areas. Apply a bit of elbow grease, but be careful not to go at it too vigorously – you don’t want to end up damaging the patio surface. Take your time and really work the brush into those troublesome spots.
If the stains are proving particularly stubborn, you may need to bring in – a pressure washer.
The thought of blasting your patio with high-powered water might seem a bit daunting, but when used properly, a pressure washer can be effective and time-saving. Be sure to start on a low setting and gradually increase the pressure until you see the stains lifting. And always keep the wand moving to avoid any pitting or gouging.
Also read: How do you clean your driveway?
Rinsing and Drying the Patio
Alright, you’ve scrubbed and scoured until your arms are aching – now it’s time to rinse away all that grime and get your patio looking shipshape. Whether you’ve been using bucket-and-brush method or blasting away with the pressure washer, the key is to make sure you’ve thoroughly rinsed away every last bit of soap residue.
Give that patio a good soaking from your garden hose, making sure to start at the top and work your way down. You want to make certain you’ve washed away any lingering suds, as leaving them behind could lead to all sorts of problems down the line. A proper rinse is an absolute must.
Once you’re satisfied that your patio is squeaky clean, let nature take its course and allow it to air dry completely.
Maintaining a Clean Patio
Now that you’ve gone to all the effort of getting your patio spick and span, the last thing you’ll want is for it to go right back to looking a right mess. Keeping on top of patio maintenance is easy, as long as you stay vigilant.
It’s also worth keeping an eye out for any signs of moss or algae. They can be a slippery hazard and aren’t too difficult to sort out if you catch them early. A spot of cleaning solution and a stiff brush should do the trick.
Make a habit of giving it a quick sweep every so often to clear away any fallen leaves, dirt, or other debris. Nip those problems in the bud before they have a chance to really take hold. And when it comes time for a more thorough clean, give it – a good rinse, a spot of scrubbing, and always make sure to get rid of any lingering soap residue.
If you really want to make life easy on yourself, consider investing in a retractable awning for your patio. Not only will it provide lovely shade and shelter from the elements, but it’ll also help keep your outdoor space clean and tidy.
They also make it much easier to enjoy your patio during rainy or snowy weather, as they provide shelter from inclement weather while still allowing plenty of natural light in. Consider investing in a retractable awning for your patio today so you can spend more time relaxing outdoors!
Final Words
There you have it – everything you need to know to keep your patio looking spick and span.
A little regular maintenance goes a long way. Make patio cleaning a routine part of your schedule, whether that’s a quick tidy-up once a week or a more intensive clean every month or so.
If you are not able to clean patio for some reasons or don’t have time, then dont’ worry, we are here. Simply call us @07443-490533 and we’ll clean your patio!
