I’m a DIY expert – stop buying posh patio cleaning products, a 20p buy works great & avoid pressure washing at all costs

IT’S that time of year again when we all want to spend more time in our gardens, but you might want to sort out your patio first.

Of course, there are loads of fancy products you can try out to banish spills and stains on your patio, but none are as good as a cheap 20p trick.

Sam Williams, a DIY expert at SGS Engineering has shared the simple method he swears by to keep your paving slabs clean this summer.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, he explained: “You don’t need any fancy products to clean a patio and one of the most effective cleaning hacks is just using washing up liquid and warm water.”

Simply add a tablespoon of washing up liquid into a backet of warm water.

Then pour to soapy mix over your patio and use a hard bristle brush to scrub away dirt and grime.

According to the pro, scrubbing in a diagonal motion is your best bet for getting rid of stains while also protecting the stone.

If you have more stubborn spots that aren’t lifted by soap alone, the DIY expert recommended using white vinegar.

That said, using white vinegar shouldn’t be used on certain materials including limestone, so always check before using.

To use, the expert suggested mixing the vinegar and water in equal ratios in a bucket.

Then pour the solution over your patio and leave it for around 30 minutes.

“Rinse away with your hosepipe. Alternatively, baking soda is another great option if you don’t have any vinegar to hand.

“This technique works particularly well on patios with BBQ fat stains. However, it will only have limited effectiveness against algae and mould,” he said.

Previously, Fabulous spoke exclusively to Molly Woodward-Moor, creative director at Stone Superstore about the best ways to clean a patio, including using bleach.

She said: “While bleach is known to be particularly effective at lifting stains around the house, it can cause some issues when used excessively on patio tiles.

“Bleach is a harsh chemical that can damage natural stone tiles by slowly stripping the surface which can then permanently mark or weaken your tiles. 

“And even through porcelain paving tiles are extremely durable, it’s still best to avoid using chemical cleaners containing ammonia, bleach or acids, that can slowly fade tile and grout colour. 

“Not to mention, it is extremely harmful to the environment so is best kept for indoor surface use away from natural wildlife,” she added. 

You can of course also use a pressure washer, however it’s not recommended for a lot of materials.

The extreme pressure can easily damage certain stones and tiles, so always check you can safely use them beforehand.