Cleaning your driveway and patio is essential to keep the spaces in top condition and prevent issues down the line – and a property expert has shared a natural method
Whether it’s weeds, moss or dirt, patios and driveways should be regularly cleaned, particularly before the winter months.
Battered by the weather day in, day out, it’s no wonder they gather filth and muck. Property expert Gregory Smith from PriceYourJob.co.uk reckons giving these outdoor areas a proper clean helps maintain them in prime shape and stops problems cropping up later.
While blasting your drive and patio with a pressure washer might be the speediest route, the specialist has also revealed some eco-friendly alternatives. These involve using washing-up liquid mixed with water alongside white vinegar.
The expert explained: “Start by examining the driveway and removing any weeds that you see poking through cracks and gaps. The way to do this will depend on how severe the problem is.
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“If you can pull up the weeds by hand, this is the best option. There are no special products required to create the soapy cleaning solution. Use a mild soap with warm water. Just make sure you check the soap that you use, as some soaps could cause damage to the pavers. Mix the soapy solution together until you start to see a foam form on the top.”
Tip some of the blend onto the driveway and patio, then begin scrubbing the whole surface of the paving until every bit has been tackled.
After you’ve completed the scrubbing, grab a brush and start working the driveway to shift any stubborn grime with ease, reports the Express. Once this has been completed, wash down the driveway to reveal the final result, which can be achieved using a hosepipe or several buckets of water.
The specialist continued: “White vinegar also works wonders for cleaning your driveway. Grab a bucket and mix together a solution of one part water and one part white vinegar.
“If your driveway is particularly dirty or features some stubborn stains, you may need to use a solution with slightly more vinegar than water.
“Pour the water and vinegar solution over the entire driveway. You may need to use several buckets to cover the entire surface of the driveway. Leave the vinegar and water solution to do its thing for around 30 minutes or more.”
Employ some buckets of fresh water to wash away the vinegar mixture from the surface, ensuring you direct it towards a drainage point.
Finally, allow the driveway or patio to air dry naturally to evaluate the results and determine if the process requires repeating. Whilst bicarbonate of soda isn’t advised for general driveway cleaning, it can prove effective for tackling moss. Simply scatter it across the mossy patches and leave it to work overnight, ensuring the weather conditions remain dry.
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