Following last month’s record-breaking heatwave, households are being advised to limit water usage. Hosepipe bans are being introduced in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and this looks set to increase further. This can make outdoor jobs more difficult, especially watering, but keeping your patio clean doesn’t have to rely on a hosepipe. In fact, a mop and bucket – used with the right cleaning product – will do a far better job than a blast of water.
Why a mop and bucket is better
Jet washing may seem like the best method for a fast clean but it will only wash dirt off the surface of the slabs. High-pressure water will also damage grout joints. A specialist treatment, on the other hand, will react with ingrained residue and organic matter, drawing it out of the stone’s porous structure. It will also help to prevent the regrowth of algae and other organic material.
The mop-and-bucket approach is one that’s very much routine in other countries. Patios are mopped in the same way as indoor floors, on a regular basis. This makes ongoing maintenance far easier. Regular cleaning of inside-to-outside surfaces, like those that run through bi-fold doors, also helps maintain a seamless aesthetic.
What to put in the bucket
For regular cleaning of porcelain patios use, ECOPROTEC General Cleaner. Add one capful of cleaner per litre of water, mop and leave to dry naturally. This product can be used inside and out, so no need to stop at the bi-fold doors, keep going and mop your outside spaces too.
For surfaces that have not been mopped on a regular basis, in order to properly remove any accumulated stains and ingrained dirt, we recommend a thorough wash with deep cleaner and stain remover, ECOPROTEC Intensive Cleaner. Before cleaning, remove furniture, pots and other objects, and sweep the slabs to remove any leaves and residue. Then, test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area.
How to apply ECOPROTEC INTENSIVE CLEANER:
To remove mild staining, dilute one part of Intensive Cleaner with 10 parts of warm water. Mop the surface and rinse with clean water. For more severe staining, dilute one part of Intensive Cleaner with 3 parts of warm water. Agitate with a scrubbing brush and leave to act for 5-10 minutes, adding more solution to keep the surface wet. Sweep up any residue and rinse thoroughly with clean water. Once stubborn staining has been removed, a regular clean will keep on top of maintenance.
Dealing with slippery paving slabs
If your patio is prone to slippery black spot, lichen, moss and algae, it will benefit from a targeted treatment with ECOPROTEC Black Spot & Algae Remover. This solution is designed to break down microspores and black spot ‘hyphae’ before they colonise and it’s acid-free, so safe to use on acid-sensitive stone. However, it does contain a bleaching action to remove stains, so test first on an inconspicuous area. Here’s a demo showing how to treat problem areas.
Oil & Grease – and protecting for the future
If you regularly cook outside, and your pavers have become stained with oil and grease, you’ll find plenty of advice in our blog – How to remove grease stains from patios and paving.
If your patio hasn’t been sealed, consider applying a protective treatment once the surface has been deep cleaned. We recommend ECOPROTEC Patio Sealer, Ultimate Sealer and Colour Enhancing Sealer for natural stone and our barrier treatment, ECOPROTEC Pre Grout Protection for matt porcelain pavers. These treatments are non-film forming and will help prevent the absorption of moisture and organic particles. They are also water-based, so can be applied over some residual moisture. As a rule of thumb, it is safe to apply a treatment provided that no rain is forecast for 24 hours, either side of application.
During cleaning and the application of protective treatments, pets and children should be kept off the surfaces until the pavers are dry. To find out more about patio maintenance, contact the ECOPROTEC team on 01823 662722, email technical@ecoprotec.co.uk or visit the new website at www.ecoprotec.co.uk
