How to Clean Paving Slabs: 3 Best Methods to Use
Apr 13, 2023
Cleaning your paving slabs will make your property a lot more appealing. It is well worth the time and effort to get rid of all of the dirt and algae accumulated over time. Paving slabs are affected by algae, mould, and organic stains over time, especially if you live in a rainy environment with cooler winters. If you want to keep these issues at bay and enjoy the natural colour of your slabs, keep reading to learn how to clean paving slabs.
Whether your pavers are made of natural stone, cement, or concrete, an annual clean is required. You can make most paving slabs appear new. By using the right tools and a little elbow grease, these slabs can be transformed within hours.
How to Clean Paving Slabs: 3 Best Ways
Clean Your Paving Slabs with Soapy Water
If your patio has made it through the winter in relatively excellent shape, a soap solution may be all that is required to restore it to its former splendour. First, put away any furniture that has spent the winter on the patio. Then brush away any loose debris and take out any weeds that have grown in place of the pointing.
Make a soap solution in a bucket with warm water and dish soap or soda crystals. Pour the solution over the patio and scrub the stains away with a hard bristle brush. Rinse with clean water when you are through, preferably with a hose or a low-pressure washer.
Cleaning With Vinegar
More stubborn stains may require the extra strength of vinegar to remove and fully clean the paving slabs. Although vinegar is environmentally friendly, it is acidic, so emptying the paved area of any furniture or pots before you begin is essential. Use a firm broom to brush the patio clear of debris before you begin, just as you would with a soapy water solution.
Make a 50:50 vinegar-water mix and apply it to the paving with a watering can to ensure even coverage. Allow the solution to soak for 20 minutes before removing spots with a hard brush. When you are through, mop the floor with clean water. Allow for drying time before reinstalling anything on the patio.
Pressure Washer Method
Cleaning your patio with a power washer may be a very effective and simple process. Keep in mind that certain paving manufacturers do not encourage using a pressure washer on their products. So if you are not sure if yours will hold up, try it first in an inconspicuous area.
Before you begin, clean and sweep the surface. Start with a low setting and gradually raise the pressure as needed. Do not use high pressure on chipped paving or near complex paver patterns. If possible, use a low angle and a fan setting. So that pressure does not get concentrated in specific locations, clean each section separately.
Is It Possible to Clean a Patio Without a Pressure Washer?
If you want to clean a patio without using a pressure washer, use one of the above methods. A soapy solution can be all that’s needed for patio cleaning, and if you are not sure what’s ideal, try this approach first, as you’ll most likely have everything you need to get started right away.
Most of us have vinegar in our cupboards, so if stains persist after using soapy water and a hard brush, this is the cleaning solution to try. Are you concerned about the scent of vinegar? Don’t be that way. After you have cleaned the patio, it will quickly disperse.
Removing Green Algae and Cleaning a Patio with Bleach
When removing green algae from a patio, bleach is frequently required. In reality, bleach is a simple answer to solve what may appear to be a major problem, such as paving slab algae. To clean this, all you need is household bleach which you most likely already have. However, because the goal is to spread the bleach uniformly throughout your patio to clean it, it is best to avoid a solution designed to stick to a toilet bowl.
How to Clean Paving Slabs: The Bleach Method
To use bleach, fill a bucket or watering can halfway with water, then add an equal amount of bleach. Apply evenly to the patio, being careful not to get any on nearby plants or grass – if this happens, rinse the area completely.
Allow the bleach solution to work for a few minutes before thoroughly rinsing the patio with clean water. Do not forget to rinse your bucket or watering can.
Keep in mind that if the algae persist, you may need to repeat the procedure. Bleach is an effective cleaning agent, but it is a harsh one that should only be used as a last choice.
Conclusion
If your paving slabs do not appear clean even after trying these how to clean paving slabs methods, then you should call a professional cleaner. They will guide you through the right process. Professional cleaning will also ensure the long life of your paving slabs. If you have porcelain tiles installed and want to clean make then read our blog on porcelain tile cleaner.