Gardening tips: How to remove moss on drives and patios
Patios can build up grime throughout the year, as well as moss, algae and weeds which can be unsightly.
Paving specialist and founding director of Infinite Paving, Rowan Cripps, has shared how to care for paving stones and patios.
1. Using a pressure washer too much
Pressure washers are a great way to remove stains and stubborn marks, but overusing them isn’t advised.
The expert said using them too much can result in the removal of the sealant which is used on the stone to help protect it.
However, when used in moderation, they can be a quick and effective way of removing moss, algae and dirt.
2. Using bleach
Rowan said: “Using bleach or diluted bleach to clean your pavers from summer spills or rust stains from fire bowls during cooler months is for some reason a piece of advice that we see all too commonly.
“However, we advise against this as it could potentially discolour and ruin your patio slabs.”
Instead, gardeners could use soapy warm water to scrub away the dirt, or even use white vinegar.
3. Not cleaning stains as soon as they appear
According to the expert, not cleaning marks immediately is a “common” mistake made by people with their paving stones.
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If Britons don’t act fast to clean any stains or spillages, they could leave permanent marks on the paving slabs.
Rowan explained: “Avoid cleaning them if rain is expected. Applying cleaning products onto a dry surface allows the cleaner to stay on the designated spots for longer to gently clean and restore your paving back to its original colour.”
4. Not rinsing after cleaning
Rinsing the patios with clean, fresh water after cleaning them is just as important as it is to clean them in the first place.
This is because any product used could leave a dull finish or even discolour over time if they are never rinsed after.
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5. Not researching the stones
The patio expert continued: “Some stones can be extremely delicate, while other types of paving can be extremely robust.
“Each one has different maintenance requirements, and if not cleaned correctly, can be damaged.
“Always research the paving stone that you have and put together a tailored maintenance plan to ensure that you are treating your patio in the way in which it needs to be treated.”
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