The 62p cleaning hack that keeps patio slabs looking ‘pristine’

SPRING is just around the corner and millions of patios will need a cleaning to get rid of winter grime.

Fabulous spoke exclusively to Molly Woodward-Moor, Creative Director Stone Superstore about the best ways to clean a patio.

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And whether you have to throw bleach on the plates, or get down on your hands and knees to scrub them by hand.

Molly said: “To keep your patio looking its best, it’s a good idea to thoroughly clean your tiles at least once or twice a year.

“Most people tend to choose either side of winter as the best time of year to clean their patio.

“Once just after fall to remove the bulk of fallen leaves and debris, and once just as spring approaches after the cold, wet winter that can lead to unwanted organic growth and a buildup of dirt.”

She continues: “Keep your patio tiles in top condition by correctly following your supplier’s installation and maintenance guidelines.

“If you have natural stone tiles, it is important to seal your tiles regularly to create a protective barrier over your stone that can protect them from dirt and stains.

“Not only that, but sealing your tiles also keeps them looking nice longer and makes them easier to clean.

“However, your original sealer will naturally deteriorate over time. That’s why it’s important to reseal them regularly.”

When it comes to cleaning patio slabs, what are the best products to use that are both cheap and effective?

Molly discussed bleach, white vinegar, and dish soap.

Bleach

She said: “Although bleach is known to be particularly effective at removing stains in the home, if used excessively on patio tiles it can cause problems.

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

“And although porcelain tiles are extremely durable, it is best not to use chemical cleaners that contain ammonia, bleach or acids, as these can slowly fade the color of tiles and grout.

“Not to mention that it is extremely harmful to the environment and therefore best kept for indoor use, away from natural wildlife,” she added.

White vinegar

“White vinegar, mixed with equal parts water, is an effective, non-toxic cleaning solution that is more of an eco-friendly option than harsh chemicals,” the expert revealed.

“However, take precautions when using this solution on tiles; If used excessively, the acidity can lead to eventual surface damage in some material types.

“It is important to note that you should not use white vinegar at all on natural stone such as limestone, marble or travertine.

“These stones react to the acidity of vinegar, leading to burn or etching marks on the surface of the stone.”

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Dishwashing liquid

Molly explained: “If properly sealed and installed, your patio tiles will only need to be cleaned with hot, soapy water.

“Diluting household dish soap in warm tap water is gentle enough not to damage your tiles, yet is still effective at removing dirt and stains.

“Tough stains may require extra elbow grease, but better yet, consider finishing the cleaning with a jet wash over your tiles to get them looking fresh and pristine again efficiently and with little effort.”

You can pick up dishwashing liquid from just €62 in your local supermarket.

Molly concluded: “When it comes to household cleaning solutions for your patio, simple hot soapy water should do the trick.

“For those looking for guaranteed results, you may want to consider purchasing specific cleaning products designed specifically for patio tiles.

“We advise LTP that produce care and maintenance products for all tile types and purposes.”