How to Effectively Clean Your Patio

March 25, 2023

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Your patio requires regular cleaning to keep it looking beautiful and inviting.

However, that process doesn’t have to be hard at all.

All you need to do is learn a few easy but effective ways, and you will have it cleaned in no time.

Read on to find out all about it!

Clean using soapy water

Soap and water might be a traditional cleaning method, but it’s pretty effective too. Ideally, you want to use this method with delicate paving or only light staining.

All you’ll need to do the job is the following:

A garden broom;
A hard bristle brush;
A bucket of warm water;
A hose or a pressure washer;
Simple washing-up liquid/soap.

Water and soap is a traditional method that is quite effective when there are light stains on your paving slabs.

Before you start, remove the furniture and ensure the space is clear. You might need to give the patio a light brooming as well.

Then, fill a bucket with warm water and add the washing-up liquid or soap. You will pour the mixture onto the dirty area and begin scrubbing with the brush.

Once satisfied with the result, rinse your patio with a pressure washer (set on low) or a hose.

Before you return your furniture, first leave the area and stay like that overnight. On the next day, inspect the patio and determine if there are any spots you might have missed. Repeat, if needed, and after that, you’re pretty much done.

Clean using vinegar and water

One of the most powerful cleaning solutions is not only relatively simple but environmentally friendly as well.

Mix vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio, and you’re good to go. That is an excellent solution to clean your patio effectively, especially if you need to do it by hand.

Vinegar has powerful anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties due to its high acidic content. It also easily removes dirt, and, as an added bonus, it can even kill any weeds growing between the slabs.

Just pour the mixture onto the patio, leave it to work for at least 30 minutes, and wash it away.

That’s it!

If the dirt is extensive, follow up with soapy water and a hard-bristled brush after the vinegar step.

Add some degreaser or a dedicated patio cleaner for tough grease stains.

Clean using bleach and water

This might not be environmentally friendly, but it’s effective when the area’s heavily stained.

One quick disclaimer before you start: if you have a softer stone and use it around your plants, you will damage both due to the strong alkaline base of bleach. You will have to ensure no runoff of the solution towards your garden area or soil border.

If you’re set to use this method and contact with the green areas is unavoidable, you can wet them first to lessen the effects of bleach.

Before you start cleaning, remove all furniture and pots (large ones must be covered with fleece or sheeting to protect the greens from dying).

You can then sweep the area to remove the loose dirt and fallen leaves.

Next, wet the entire patio with clean water before applying the bleach and water mixture (ratio of 1 measure of bleach for 5 equal parts water). Once the area’s covered, spread it evenly with a brush, so you don’t miss any corners.

Leave it to work for 15 minutes before rinsing off the cleaner with plain water. You can use the brush again to help the process, ending up with a clean surface.

You are now ready to return all furniture and pots and enjoy your patio!

What to look for in pressure washer when buying

Buying a pressure washer can go a long way toward ensuring that your patio will always look clean and inviting.

First, you must always check the PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) and the machine’s GPM (Gallons per Minute) ratings and choose one depending on your needs.

Many people get frustrated by the price and aim for the cheapest versions, but they are usually unable to meet their needs.

For instance, to clean a patio, you’ll need around 300 PSI to apply the pressure required to the surface, or you won’t be able to clean anything.

Cleaning Speed is another crucial factor you need to consider.

For instance, if you have 2 pressure washers using the same amount of pressure, but the first one pumps twice the water the second one does, that would mean the first one would clean twice as faster.

You can calculate the Cleaning Speed by multiplying PSI x GPM.

How to use a pressure washer correctly to clean the patio

Like the processes listed above, you must first clear the patio. Ensure the washer is connected to the hose before turning on the tap. Let the water run for about 20 seconds to expel any air out. You’re then ready to connect the machine to your main supply and proceed.

If you’re using a detergent, switch the washer to a low setting to wet the patio first. You can then fill the cleaning solution and spray the patio with the machine using the low-pressure setting.

Leave for about 15 minutes before rinsing.

Also, don’t spray siding at a direct angle — this can gouge wood, dent metal, and scratch vinyl.

Instead, spray the siding at a 45-degree angle, so the water and detergent can wash away dirt instead of just pushing it into the surface.

Use the power washer with a low-pressure nozzle, which results in a good balance between cleaning and gentle treatment. The water’s pressure will dislodge dirt from the surface, so you don’t have to push it in by holding the wand too close.