I’m a paving expert – the £1 buy you should steer clear of when cleaning your slabs, it could cause irreversible stains
A PAVING expert has revealed a common cleaning product that could cause irreversible damage if used on your paving slabs.
With the weather set to improve again later this month, many of us will be planning BBQs and garden parties, to make the most of the summer sun.
With that in mind, many homeowners will be looking to ensure their garden is in tip-top condition, including scrubbing any patio slabs.
However, not every cleaning product is suitable for use on patio slabs, and some solutions can cause them lots of damage.
Andy Mclaughlin, landscaping specialist at RF Paving revealed one product that should be “avoided completely” is Pink Stuff Cream Cleaner, as it will cause “irreversible stains”.
He said: “Over on TikTok, where there are 84.3M posts on patio cleaning, users have shared their unique paving cleaning methods to tackle the grime using products such as the Pink Stuff Cream Cleaner.
“However, before you reach for your favourite surface cleaner, it is important to know what type of paving is being cleaned, and what substance is being cleaned off the surface.”
Andy said that the “perfect” method for cleaning your patio slabs is to use a pressure washer.
For those that don’t have a pressure washer, the paving expert said that you could also use a block paving cleaner, which he said will help to remove any organic growth on the slabs.
And for those looking for a cheap solution, you can also just use the kitchen cupboard staple, white vinegar.
To use this method simply make a solution that is half white vinegar, and half water.
Then apply the solution to your paving, and wait for 20 minutes.
The acidity of the vinegar will bring out the dirt and stains, whilst the water dilutes the acidity, so as not to damage the paving slabs.
White vinegar can also be used for a variety of other household chores, including removing mould and killing weeds.
If you don’t have any in your kitchen cupboard, you can pick some up from Tesco for 35p.
After cleaning your patio, wait for a day or two for it to dry and then pour sand over the paving.
Cleaning hacks for outside
IF you want to get your garden summer ready, you'll need to check this out.
ALGAE: If your fence is covered in stubborn algae, Mrs Hinch fans swore by white vinegar to get it looking brand new.
MOSS: If moss is causing you problems, soda crystals will do just the trick.
PATIO: IF your patio slabs have seen better days, bleach could be just the thing for you.
Make sure to sweep the sand into the joins, to ensure that they are evenly filled and stable.
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