I’m a DIY expert – stop buying fancy patio cleaning products, a 20 cent purchase works great, and avoid pressure washing at all costs

It’s that time of year when we all want to spend more time in our gardens, but you might want to tidy up your patio first.

Sure, there are lots of fancy products you can try to eliminate spills and stains on your patio, but none are as good as a cheap 20-cent trick.

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Sam Williams, DIY expert at SGS Engineering shared the simple method he uses to keep his slabs clean this summer.

Speaking with Express.co.ukhe explained: “You don’t need any fancy products to clean a patio and one of the most effective cleaning tricks is to just use washing up liquid and warm water.”

Just add a tablespoon of washing up liquid to a bucket of warm water.

Then pour the soapy mixture onto your patio and use a stiff-bristled brush to clean away the dirt and grime.

According to the professional, rubbing in diagonal movements is the best bet to get rid of stains and at the same time protect the stone.

If you have more stubborn stains that won’t remove with soap alone, the DIY expert recommended using white vinegar.

That said, white vinegar should not be used on certain materials, including limestone, so always check before using.

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

Then, pour the solution over your patio and let it sit for about 30 minutes.

“Rinse it with your hose. Alternatively, baking soda is another great option if you don’t have vinegar on hand.

“This technique works particularly well on patios with barbecue grease stains. However, it will only have limited effectiveness against algae and fungi,” 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: “Although bleach is known to be particularly effective at removing stains around the house, it can cause some problems when used excessively on patio tiles.

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

“And even though porcelain tiles are extremely durable, it’s still best to avoid using chemical cleaners that contain ammonia, bleach or acids, which can slowly fade the color of tiles and grout.

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

Of course, you can also use a pressure washer, but it is not recommended for many materials.

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

Gardening Tips and Tricks