How to Clean Patio Slabs This Summer

How to Clean Patio Slabs This Summer

Patio slabs can become stained, mouldy, and form algae over time, especially if you live in rainy places. If you want to keep these at bay, it is essential to clean patio slabs in the summer. This will allow you to enjoy the natural colours of your slabs when relaxing in the sun or cooking family BBQ’s.

It is generally recommended that you clean your patio slabs a few times a year, but a small amount of maintenance regularly is essential. If you’re trying to learn how to clean patio slabs this summer, you should go through this guide.

How to Clean Patio Slabs without Bleach

If you don’t have bleach, you can clean your patio slabs by following these steps:

  • Remove any weeds as they can take root in the paving joints of your patio slabs. To do this, you can simply pull out the weeds, and make sure you get the entire roots of the plants. You can also use a weed killer, especially if the problem is of a larger scale.
  • You can then make a patio cleaner by mixing water with the liquid or powder soap. When purchasing soap for patio slab cleaning, you should check the ingredients to ensure that it doesn’t damage the paving materials. You should simply use a mild and gentle soap.
  • Once the soap is properly mixed, you can pour it on the slabs. You should do it in small steps as you check whether there is any damage to the material. Also, remember that you should use protective gloves to prevent damage to your skin.
  • You can then scrub the surface with a brush and use clean water to wash off the soap. Proper scrubbing of the surface will not just make the place look great but will also prevent the growth of weeds.
  • Once you rise the patio slabs, you should inspect them to see if it looks clean. If not, you should wait a few hours before you start cleaning again.

When you clean your patio slabs, you should ensure that you also keep the joints clean and in good condition. You also need to fill any gaps in the joints.

If you have a pressure washer, the cleaning process will be a lot easier as you will only need to spray the detergent mixture on the patio. You will then have to let it sit for about ten minutes so that it gets into the cracks. After that, you should use the pressure washer to sweep the surface.

How to Clean Patio Slabs with Bleach

Cleaning the patio slabs with bleach generally provides better results compared to using soapy water. This is because bleach gets into all the small spaces on the patio. This way, it can get rid of weeds and other plants growing on the patio.

Since this chemical can kill plant life, you should ensure that it doesn’t flow into the same area as your plants. Also, remember that bleach doesn’t work well with man-made slabs as it can make them fade over time. You should only use the chemical if your patio slabs are made of natural materials.

When cleaning your patio slabs with bleach, you should follow these steps:

  • Start by removing all furniture and pots from the paved area of the patio. If any items cannot be moved, you should cover them with fleece or sheeting to prevent damage.
  • You can then sweep the area to get rid of loose dirt, including rotting leaves and weeds. You don’t need to bother with small weeds as the bleach will kill them.
  • At this point, you will need to mix the bleach with water, and this should preferably be done in a watering can. When creating the mixture, make sure you use one measure of bleach to five equal parts of water.
  • Next, you should pour the mixture on your patio slabs and brush the surface thoroughly. You shouldn’t rinse the surface right after brushing and should instead let it sit for about 20 minutes.

Conclusion

It is essential to clean your patio slabs. You can do this using bleach, a pressure washer, or a regular brush and soap water. By keeping the surface clean, you will be able to lengthen its life and can prevent weeds from growing. A new patio connected to your garden can complement wooden floors well when installed by professionals.

Do you need a new patio for your summer garden? Are you thinking of replacing it entirely? Contact us today on 0852139591 or request a quote on this page.