THE viral cleaning hacks are everywhere at the moment – with bleach and white vinegar among the most commonly recommended products.
However, a gardening expert has issued an urgent warning not to use either of the household items to clean the patio, as you could be causing “irreparable damage”.
“Despite often being a popular choice for cleaning the patio, vinegar can harm the biodiversity of your garden,” Trevor Knight, technical garden and driveway specialist for Marshalls , explained.
“White vinegar solutions can damage and kill plants – this may be the ideal outcome for those wanting to rid their patio of weeds, however, if this solution were to make its way onto your plants and grass, the result would be less than desirable.
“The use of acidic solutions should be avoided, particularly on calcareous pavers such as those made from limestone.
“Use on these pavers can lead to irreparable damage of the material.”
The same warning goes for bleach too.
“Similar to vinegar, bleach is harmful to plants and, therefore, can harm your garden’s biodiversity,” Trevor continued.
“Any bleach solution that runs off of the patio onto grass or plants when cleaning can cause significant harm to these, likely causing them to die.
“Over time, bleach can also lead to discolouration and irreparable damage to paving slabs, particularly those that are man-made such as concrete slabs.”
Instead, why not try the soapy water method to get your patio heatwave ready?
Get yourself a hard-bristled brush and an eco-friendly cleaning agent.
Mix the agent with warm water and “start from the corners of your patio slabs, working inwards”.
“Rinse and repeat until you’re happy with the result,” Trevor added.
When you’re done, rinse off with clean water to ensure any loose dirt or residue is removed.
Or, if you’re lucky enough to own a pressure washer, you could try using that on the patio.
“You must take caution when using this method as it can damage your pavers if done incorrectly,” Trevor warned.
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.
“The pressure washer will need to be connected to your garden hose and will require your chosen cleaning agent, if you don’t have detergent then a solution of eco-friendly washing-up liquid and water would suffice.
“Working from the corners in, hold the pressure washed at a 30-degree angle and work your way down the patio.”
Be careful not to hold the pressure washer too close to the slabs, and start on a lower pressure setting to reduce the risk of damage.
