- Molly Woodward-Moor, Creative Director at Stone Superstore, shares her top tips for cleaning patios this spring.
- Molly explains why stone and porcelain tiles require different care.
- Tips include why you should never use bleach on your outdoor tiles and the 55p product that works wonders.
Keeping your patio clean has a lot of benefits, beyond giving it a seasonal refresh. Regular maintenance can help prevent long-term damage and the build-up of weeds and grime. However, it’s important to know the dos and don’ts when it comes to weeding and patio cleaning to avoid costly damage to your outdoor space.
With that in mind, Molly Woodward-Moor, Creative Director at Stone Superstore, shares her top tips for cleaning patios this summer, including how to care for different tile types, and budget-friendly solutions you can make at home, She also reveals simple hacks to banish weeds from paving, with no harsh chemicals or pressure washers required.
Start with the simple tasks:
When setting up for your deep clean, small tasks like weeding should always be done before the actual cleaning of your outdoor tiles takes place. These simple, yet crucial jobs can help to prevent cracks in your outdoor tiles, and boost its lifespan, therefore improving the overall safety. Make sure to pull out any weeds by the root to prevent them from coming back quickly.
You’re preparing your patio for a complete clean, so don’t forget to grab a broom and swipe away any debris that might be lingering around. Not only does this help to clear the area for more efficient cleaning, but it also ensures that dirt won’t get ground into the surface while you scrub or rinse. Over time, debris left on tiles can cause staining, discoloration, and even encourage mould growth, so this step is key for maintaining both cleanliness and the integrity of your outdoor tiles.
The simple hacks to banish stubborn weeds:
Boiling water and table salt:
One of the easiest and most budget-friendly ways to tackle stubborn weeds on your patio is with two simple household items: boiling water and table salt.
Ideal for spot treatments, just boil a kettle of water and carefully pour it directly onto the weeds that are growing between your paving stones. While the area is still wet, sprinkle a small amount of table salt on top of the weeds. Within a couple of days, the weeds will have died, making them easy to pull out or simply sweep away. For long-term results, repeat this at least once a month.
With table salt available for as little as 60p, this method is cost-effective and free from chemicals but be sure to use the salt sparingly as excessive use can affect soil health and nearby plants.
DIY vinegar weed spray:
White vinegar isn’t just for cleaning certain paving materials; it’s also a powerful and natural weed killer.
To make your own DIY weed spray, mix one to two cups of table salt, two tablespoons of washing-up liquid in a spray bottle, topping up the rest with white vinegar. Make sure to shake the contents well to make sure that the solution is thoroughly mixed together.
To use the spray, simply spray directly onto the leaves and base of the weeds on a dry day. The vinegar and salt combination will help to dry out the weeds, whilst the washing up liquid helps the solution to stick to the plant. Within a couple of days, most weeds should have died, allowing you to sweep up with ease.
You can use your DIY spray once every few weeks as a preventative measure in areas where weeds have grown in the past to ensure they don’t grow back.
It is important to note not to use white vinegar at all on natural stones like limestone, marble, or travertine. These stones will react to the acidity of vinegar, leading to burning or etch marks on the surface of the stone.
How to prevent weed growth:
The best way to prevent weed growth on your patio is by regular upkeep. Weeds thrive in neglected spaces, often taking root in areas where dirt and debris has accumulated between paving slabs. By sweeping your patio regularly, you can eliminate any dirt or materials that weeds need to germinate, cutting off their growth before it begins.
In addition to regular upkeep of your patio, it’s also important to keep up the integrity of your paving too. Do this by resealing between paving slabs and fill any visible cracks. This will not only protect your paving from wear and weathering, but it also creates a barrier that blocks out light and moisture – two essential elements that weeds need to grow. Clean your slabs thoroughly with a pH-neutral cleanser beforehand and ensure they are completely dry before applying a sealant. This helps protect against stains and weather damage. Always test the sealant on a small area first to ensure compatibility with your material.
Top tips for cleaning patios like a pro:
How to care for stone tiles:
Natural stone tiles can require more maintenance than other outdoor tiles and will require a bit more care. For optimal maintenance, you should be tending to dirt and debris once a month to reduce staining, and deep cleaning your tiles once or twice a year, ideally in spring and autumn.
Stone tiles are porous and can be easily damaged by acidic cleaners like vinegar, lemon juice or harsh cleaning products. Instead, opt for a pH-neutral cleanser, or if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, all you really need is mild dish soap and warm water.
Diluting household washing up liquid that you can get for as little as 55p in warm tap water is gentle enough not to damage your tiles, yet effective at lifting dirt and stains. When scrubbing stone tiles, always use a soft-bristled brush or a non-abrasive sponge to avoid scratching the surface to avoid damage to the stone.
How to care for porcelain tiles:
Caring and cleaning outdoor porcelain tiles is a relatively simple task, thanks to their durability and low maintenance.
There are a couple of budget-friendly ways to completely transform your porcelain tiles. The first, is white vinegar, mixed with equal parts of water, is an effective non-toxic cleaning solution that is more of an environmentally friendly option over harsh chemicals. However, take precaution when using this solution on tiles – if used in excess, the acidity can lead to eventual surface damage on some material types.
It is important to note not to use white vinegar at all on natural stones like limestone, marble, or travertine. These stones will react to the acidity of vinegar, leading to burning or etch marks on the surface of the stone.
Stubborn marks may require additional elbow grease but, better yet, consider finishing your clean with a jet wash using a hose over your tiles for an efficient, low-effort way to get them back to looking fresh and pristine.
Avoid bleach at all costs:
While bleach is known to be particularly effective at lifting stains around the house, it can cause some issues when used excessively on patio tiles. Bleach is a harsh chemical that can damage natural stone tiles by slowly stripping the surface which can then permanently mark or weaken your tiles. Even though porcelain paving tiles are extremely durable, it’s still best to avoid using chemical cleaners containing ammonia, bleach or acids, that can slowly fade tile and grout colour. Not to mention, it is extremely harmful to the environment so is best kept for indoor surface use away from natural wildlife.
Always test the cleaner on a small or inconspicuous area before applying to your entire patio, some products may cause damage to certain materials. Ensure to research which materials the cleaner is safe for use on before going ahead to avoid costly damage.
