Patio slabs are subjected to heavy foot traffic and are susceptible to debris and dirt accumulation over time. If not cleaned regularly, the patio surfaces can become very dirty and unsightly. They can even become slippery and unsafe to walk on. Therefore, it is important to clean this area regularly to keep it neat and avoid weed growth.
This article helps you know about the materials required for patio slab cleaning and different methods to do so. You can clean patio slabs using bleach, a pressure washer, water and soap solution, or water and vinegar solution. Moreover, you can also get information regarding some useful tips that help you ensure proper maintenance of the patio slabs.
Materials Required for Cleaning Patio Slabs
Based on the type of method, you will need different materials for cleaning the patio slabs and making them look new. The following are some of the required materials:
- Bleach
- Bucket
- Detergent
- Warm Water
- Watering Can
- Pressure Washer
- Hard-Bristled Brush
- Liquid or Powdered Soap
Different Methods for Cleaning Patio Slabs
Using Bleach
Bleach can penetrate deep into the cracks and joints of patio slabs to remove the dirt and eliminate the algae, moss, and weeds, which results in an improved appearance of the entire surface. By following these steps, you can clean patio slabs with bleach easily and effectively:
- Wear protective clothes and gloves to avoid bleach contact with your skin.
- Mix bleach with water in 1:5 in a watering can so that you can better control the bleach pouring rate.
- Pour the mixture of bleach and water on the patio slabs, ensuring even coverage of the entire area.
- Scrub the whole area with a hard-bristled brush till foam starts to build up.
- Leave the area for 15 minutes after completing the scrubbing work to allow the bleach to do its work.
- Rinse the patio slabs with clean water.
Using Pressure Washer
A pressure washer is one of the most convenient ways for cleaning the patio slabs, as it does not require you to put in much effort. If you intend to clean the patio with the help of a pressure washer, you should follow these steps:
- Ensure there is a proper drainage point to avoid water pooling issues.
- Remove all the debris, dirt, dust, leaves, and twigs from the patio by sweeping the whole area with a brush.
- Throw some detergent on the entire patio area.
- Connect the pressure washer to water mains to ensure a constant supply.
- Spray water on the detergent and leave it for 5 to 10 minutes so that it gets into all the cracks and joints.
- Set a medium pressure by twisting the nozzle of the pressure washer.
- Start spraying water across the patio slabs from left to right and back to front for even coverage of the whole area.
- Ensure to keep the angle of spray at 45° for a powerful cleaning action.
- Disconnect the pressure washer from the mains supply and pull the trigger to ensure all the water has been emptied from it.
Using Soap & Water
You can clean the patio slabs by using soap and water, and for this purpose, you should follow these steps:
- Remove the patio furniture.
- Brush off loose debris with the help of a brush.
- Wear protective gloves to protect your hands while doing all the cleaning work.
- Remove the weeds by pulling them up, or use a weed killer if there is more growth.
- Mix the liquid or powdered soap in warm water and leave it for a few seconds till nice foam forms on the top.
- Start pouring the mixture on the dirty patio slabs.
- Start scrubbing the patio slabs with the help of a hard-bristled brush.
- Ensure to clean the joints carefully to remove all the dirt and weeds.
- Continue brushing until all the dirt gets dislodged.
- Rinse the entire area with clean water to see the results.
Using Vinegar & Water
White vinegar is an effective and versatile eco-friendly cleaning product that cleans the patio slabs effectively. To clean the patio area with the help of vinegar and water solution, you should follow these steps:
- Mix white vinegar and water in a bucket by taking equal proportions of both.
- Pour the solution on the patio slabs, ensuring the entire area is properly covered.
- Start scrubbing the whole area with a stiff bristled brush.
- Leave the patio area for some time to allow the vinegar's acidity to do its work.
- Rinse off all the dirt with cold water and ensure no solution is left on the patio surface.
Maintenance Tips for Patio Slabs
You should follow these tips to ensure proper maintenance of the patio slabs to avoid dirt accumulation and make them last longer:
- Avoid using harsh chemicals when cleaning the patio slabs.
- Clean the spills immediately so they do not become stubborn stains over time.
- Get the patio slabs re-sealed to guarantee protection against stains and extend their lifespan.
- Sweep away the debris, dirt, and leaves from the patio area regularly to keep it looking clean and tidy.
- Seek professional help for the removal of stubborn stains and resolving the issue of damages or loose patio slabs.
