THEY’VE gone viral on platforms like TikTok on Instagram where green-fingered Brits demonstrate how to spruce up your patio with no effort.
But although some of these hacks may indeed work, there are a few tips and tricks to stay away from, an expert has warned.
With summer now here in full force, homeowners are actively looking for simple and effective ways to clean their outdoor space, with the search term ‘’how to clean paving’’ rising an astronomical 455 percent in the last quarter alone, The Express reported.
However, exposing your patio and green garden to a mix of chemicals unique methods can come at a price, Andy Mclaughlin, a landscaping specialist at RF Paving, explained.
To make sure your patio looks as good as new without the surface getting damaged, the pro shared his thoughts on trending cleaning hacks – here’s what you need to know…
When it comes to giving your paving a good clean, Andy warned that there are products, as well as chemicals, that you should avoid ”completely”.
He explained: “It is just knowing which substance can be used on which paving, along with knowing what type of marks need to be cleaned off the surface.
”Whilst most domestic products will be fine when cleaning any paving, if a stronger more industrial substance is used, then knowing what type of paving you have is key.”
According to the whizz, the pH of the substance ”may not be conducive to the type of paving being cleaned and may cause a chemical reaction and could leave marks on the surface of the paving”.
This, he added, can cause ”irreversible” effects, such as if you were to use brick acid on limestones.
TikTok fans have also been raving over tackling grime with special indoor cleaners such Mrs Hinch’s beloved Pink Stuff Cream Cleaner.
However, before you race to give your patio a glow-up, it is essential to know what type of paving is being cleaned, as well as what substance is being cleaned off the surface.
Andy said that whilst the majority of cleaning ”may not harm the paving itself”, you should consider the surrounded areas, such as lawns, planted borders, wood, planters, or patio furniture.
The expert said: “The cleaning substances may cause harm in their ‘neat’ form, but dowsing with water will dilute the substance if contamination occurs.”
When using any type of chemicals, use them with caution and strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Relatively easy and time-saving, pressure washing can be the perfect method for particularly stained and dirty areas – but it is important to be cautious.
When cleaning certain materials, the guru advised first removing all furniture from the area and sweeping any debris – this will avoid any damage or further clean-up.
The Sun's Gardening Editor Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you need to tackle this July in your garden.
1. Prune Wisteria
You should only prune back Wisteria twice a year – and July – or mid summer – is one of those times. After flowering cut back long side shoots to around seven buds.five or six leaves.
2. Pinch out tomatoes
Your tomatoes should be really picking up – so pinch out all the side shoots without flowers – and remove all the leaves that are shading the tomatoes – this will give them maximum light and energy.
3. Keep weeding
Hand weeding and hoeing the surface of the soil will keep your weeds under check.
4. Feed Dahlias
To keep Dahlias flowering until Autumn, you must keep feeding them weekly with a liquid fertliser high in potassium – which encourages blooms.
5. Keep deadheading plants
Keep up with deadheading your bedding plants and perennials – so they keep coming back for the season. With roses make sure you’re deadheading back to a set of five leaves, giving you the best chance of them flowering again.
6. Check on your pond
If you’re lucky enough to have a pond – make sure it’s clear of algae, which can really bloom when the sun beats down.
7. Feed your lawn
Whether that’s with a liquid feed or granules. If you’ve chosen granules try to get them down before the rain comes, so they soak into the soil.
8. Tend to strawberry plants
Cut the leaves off strawberry plants after you’ve picked them – leaving the crown untouched – which should help with next years fruit.
9. Sow extra seeds
July weather is a great time to sow seeds as the warm soil and sunshine is great for germination. Try carrots, winter broccoli and other brassicas.
10. Move young plants into soil
Get any young plants you’ve got left in the greenhouse – like courgettes – into the soil.
To clean block paving or a patio, Andy recommended several options: ”a sturdy sweeping brush, a leaf blower for loose material, a shovel for any built-up dirt, a wheelbarrow, a pressure washer and fine sand for re-sanding any joints”.
If you don’t have access to a pressure washer, the expert advised using a block paving cleaner such as Lithofin Outdoor Cleaner, whcih you can order from Amazon.
After cleaning, it’s best to wait a day for the paving to dry fully, ”and make sure to pour new sand over the paving and gently sweep it into the joins, to make sure they are evenly filled and stable”.
Alternatively, he added, homeowners can also use a simple mix of baking soda and water – ”a safe and eco-friendly option that’s gentle on paving material, and also affordable”.
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