When it comes to maintaining your garden, you would be forgiven for thinking a patio cleaner isn’t good enough. This couldn’t be further from the truth and non-harmful methods like the right cleaning products are a better option. So before you reach for the pressure washer, were you aware that they can actually do more harm than good?! Have a read of our post to find out why – here’s how to clean a patio without a pressure washer.
Why a patio cleaner is better than a jet wash
Here at FILA, we understand the importance of cleaning with a gentle approach. After all, who wants to cause pitting and damage to a patio space? This is what a pressure washer can do! While it may seem like the easiest option at the time, jet washing your slabs can cause significant damage to your paving. We promise, you don’t need brute force, you just need the right products like an effective patio cleaner.
Make sure to remove any weeds and debris
Before you begin, it goes without saying, your patio should be free from clutter. This includes having a sweep of dry debris that could become dirty when damp and removing any weeds from joints. This bit, in particular, is important to do, and you may even need to use a weed killer as well. Any other equipment should also be moved out of the way including items like bikes – it’s time to get your patio gleaming!
The patio cleaner you use will depend on the surface!
As every surface is different the patio cleaner you use, will depend on the material you have. Here, we’ve paired together some paving examples with the applicable cleaners to keep your garden looking its best:
Porcelain patio tiles
Designed for outdoor use, exterior porcelain tiles can stand up to pretty much everything the British weather throws at them. That doesn’t mean they don’t need cleaning, however, as if there’s no maintenance, general dirt can leave them looking grubby. FILA’s DETERDEK PRO works as a limescale detergent to remove salt deposits left behind from rain and snow. Simply dilute 1 litre of the product in 10 litres of water and work with a brush before rinsing away the residues with plenty of water.
Although CLEANER PRO works a treat for the ordinary maintenance of porcelain tiles, PS87 PRO is also great for removing stubborn stains. Pour this cleaner undiluted onto the spot and leave to act until dry before washing and rinsing the surface.
Slate and other natural stone
Natural stone creates a beautiful finish but requires commitment if you want to keep it looking the same. CLEANER PRO is a concentrated cleaner by FILA that may be used on any surface but is particularly efficient on stones that are sensitive to strong detergents. For the ordinary maintenance of natural stone patio tiles, dilute 25 ml of CLEANER PRO in 5 litres of water to protect the surface over time. Additionally, ALGACID will keep mould and mildew at bay – this is ready to use, no dilution required either.
Concrete and brick patio tiles
Both CLEANER PRO and PS87 PRO are great for the ordinary and extraordinary maintenance of concrete and brick. In particular, PS87 PRO is effective on greasy food marks, and this patio cleaner is extremely easy to use! To clean and degrease patio tiles, simply dilute this detergent in water (1:10-1:20) and apply to the surface before leaving to act for 4-5 minutes. You can then remove any residues with a cloth before thoroughly rinsing – whoever said you need a pressure washer for grease?!
Don’t forget to follow a patio cleaner with a good sealer
If your patio is made up of natural stone or concrete, a protective sealer will safeguard it from stains and spills. That way, if an accident happens, it’s easy to tackle so you can get back to enjoying your garden. FILA’s MP90 ECO XTREME provides protection for stone, is water-based and has low VOC’s. Additionally, CONCRETE SHIELD will protect and enhance concrete pavers and tiles, creating a barrier against stains without the need for a jet wash or hydrocarbon solvents!
How to keep your garden looking lovely all year
If you wish to maintain a good-looking garden, perseverance is key, whether it rains or not, whatever the weather. We recommend you thoroughly wash your patio three to four times a year, rather than just in the summer and swap the jet wash for a patio cleaner for good! It also helps to check for damage if the weather’s been bad; cracks from snow and frost can be repaired if you spot them early. To keep your home and garden looking their best, discover more tips over on the FILA blog. Thank you for reading.
