A CLEANING whizz has revealed a £2 trick to get your patio sparkling in an instant – and there will be no need to fork out on a jet washer.
The chemical-free hack will help to restore your patio’s shine and will help to remove stubborn dirt.
It has been reported that Brits spend a staggering 5,675 hours over their lifetime tending to their garden, and 45 hours alone are spent watering plants each year.
So with that in mind, gardening experts at Tombola have revealed a time saving and cheap hack to help get your outdoor spaces ready on a budget.
Whilst using a pressure washer might be the go to when it comes to getting your patio clean, their gardening experts have said that a £2 bottle of white vinegar will do that trick.
They also explained that it should only take you 20 minutes to do.
Its website reads: “If you can’t afford a pressure washer or don’t have an outdoor tap, you might be wondering how to clean your outdoor paving.
“You can do it with white vinegar (costing less than £2) and a strong gardening brush.”
First off, start by clearing the patio from any plants or pieces of garden furniture.
Then sweep any debris or dirt away to ensure a more deeper and thorough clean.
The team then explains: “Mix half white vinegar and water together, let it sit for around 20 minutes and then scrub and rinse it away.”
Another professional patio cleaner also revealed that using soap water can also help.
Speaking exclusively to Fabulous, Molly Woodward-Moor, creative director at Stone Superstore said that washing-up liquid can do just the trick.
Molly explained that if your tiles are installed “properly” then all they should really need is “simply hot soapy water.”
She said: “Diluting household washing up liquid in warm tap water is gentle enough not to damage your tiles, yet effective at lifting dirt and stains.”
Stubborn marks may require additional elbow grease, but she emphasised that “when it comes to household cleaning solutions for your patio, simple hot soapy water should do the trick.”
The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you should take this month.
Stake out leggy perennials
With all the dramatic weather we’ve been having, it’s definitely time to stake out your leggy perennials (the ones that come back every year). Heavy rain and growth spurts, can make them collapse and flop.
Picking out the slugs and snails
Hopefully as we move into summer they will do less damage as the plants get bigger. The best way is still to go out at night with a head torch to find them.
Pick elderflower heads
You can use them to make your own cordial, or add to cakes, champagne or even fry them in batter.
Get on top of weeds
It’s around now that weeds really ramp up in the garden, so keep on top of them with hoe-ing – or just the traditional ‘on your knees with a hand fork’. Try and avoid chemicals – remember weeds are just plants in the wrong place.
Up the mowing
You’ll need to mow your lawn weekly now – if you’ve got time, weed it beforehand as once you mow you chop off the leaves and its harder to see them.
Check on your tomatoes
Your tomato plants will need attention – water, feed and regularly and pinch out the sideshoots.
Chelsea Chop
There’s still time for the Chelsea Chop – plants like Rudbeckia’s, Asters, Penstemons, Sedums and other perennials can be cut back by a third to help them get a bit more bushy, and prolong the flowering period.
Sort out your tulips
If you can be bothered and have space – lift and story your tulip bulbs to ensure colour next Spring.
Deadheading your roses
Take them down to the first set of healthy leaves – which will ensure more flowers for longer.
Enjoy your space
Take some time to sit and enjoy your garden or outside space – it’s great for your mental health. Even just a few minutes a day can make a big difference.
Other experts at Christies Landscapes have suggested mixing vinegar with baking soda for a stronger clean.
Vinegar is non-toxic and biodegradable so is perfect to use in the garden, especially if you have pets.
They said: “When they are mixed with water, they can be a powerful cleaning agent. Also, they’re both safe for your pets and plants.”
On top of that, the acid will lift dirt and grime so cleaners will only have to use a brush to scrub it off rather than fork out for a pressure washer.
