With patios now a key social area in all settings, many will be in need of more regular maintenance. Our latest blog includes top tips on cleaning a stone patio – to restore good looks, keep surfaces safe and make ongoing maintenance easier.
A clean sweep
Firstly, remove furniture, pots and all other objects. Sweep to remove leaves, organic growth, dirt and debris, and remove any weeds. Pay attention to accumulation in grout joints and any hidden areas.
An intensive clean
To thoroughly clean, we recommend ECOPROTEC® Intensive Cleaner, which can be used at different dilutions, depending on the degree of residue/staining. The Technical Datasheet gives further information on dilutions and application. Always carry out a test on an inconspicuous area first.
The deep down clean
To thoroughly clean, we recommend ECOPROTEC® Black Spot and Algae Remover which is applied using a watering can or garden sprayer and then rinsed with clean water. Stone pavers – especially limestone and sandstone – are porous and a specialist treatment, like this cleaner, will react with stubborn, ingrained residue and organic matter, drawing it out of the stone’s porosity.
We do not recommend power or jet washing. Cleaning with pressurised water will open capillaries in the surface of the stone, creating the perfect breeding ground for black spot, lichen, moss and other organic matter.
How to apply ECOPROTEC® Black Spot and Algae Remover
Surfaces should be completely dry before application.
- Pour undiluted solution directly onto the using a watering can or garden sprayer
- Leave for 2-4 hours
- Apply a little water and agitate with a stiff deck brush or emulsifying pad to release the dirt and grime. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Some stubborn stains may require a longer treatment. If so, apply and leave on surfaces overnight. If some stains remain after treatment, they should fade and disappear after a few days. If not, re-apply. NB. ECOPROTEC® Black Spot and Algae Remover contains a bleaching action, so we recommend carrying out a test on an inconspicuous area first.
Stone patios will benefit from a thorough clean every couple of months or so – ideally, three times during late spring/summer and a couple of times during the winter. Surfaces that are regularly cleaned will be far easier to keep clean. Regular cleaning of inside-to-outside surfaces, like those that run through bifold doors, will also help maintain a seamless aesthetic. Read more in our blog – Don’t stop at the door.
Stopping water ingress
Once the pavers are clean and dry, it’s an ideal time to replace any lost jointing sand or cement mortar. This will stop the ingress of water and will help protect paving during the winter freeze and thaw cycle.
Added protection for the seasons ahead
If your patio hasn’t been sealed, consider applying a protective treatment. We recommend ECOPROTEC® Patio Sealer – a water-based non-film forming impregnator that helps protect against staining and strongly repels water, oil and grease.
ECOPROTEC® Patio Sealer is applied onto clean, dry surfaces using a foam roller or paint brush. If necessary, first wash surfaces with a dilute solution of ECOPROTEC® Intensive Cleaner and a white pad, with a 1:10 dilution to ensure the surface is clean before sealing. Rinse well to remove residues and leave to dry for 24 hours. The sealer can be used on rough cut, tumbled, texture and riven surfaces, as well as smooth and honed pavers. ECOPROTEC® General Cleaner is a gentle PH neutral wash that cleans the sealed surface without damaging the grout, tile or removing the sealer applied to the surface. For more information, please see the Technical Datasheet.
For more advice and information about LTP’s ECOPROTEC range, please call 01823 666213 or email technical@ecoprotec.co.uk. Also, see more articles in the Technical Blog section.
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