This Morning: David Domoney gives advice on cleaning your patio
Georgina Read, director at Paving Superstore, said: “There are a few different strategies to remove stains from your patio.
“However, always test on an inconspicuous area first. If you spill something on your patio, the key is to act quickly and clean it before it has a chance to set in.
“You can use a power washer, but it’s often better to target the stain directly to avoid damaging the paving joints with the power of the jet wash.
“Don’t use bleach, lemon juice or white white vinegar on patio stones such as black limestone, coloured concrete and some natural stone.
“This will cause significant bleaching of the stone and can damage the surface of brick and concrete.”
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1. Grease and oil stains
If you have grease or oil stains on your patio, in the first instance, use washing up liquid and warm water to remove them.
Start by scraping off any excess grease with a plastic scraper or spatula, being careful not to scratch the surface of the patio.
The expert recommended applying the soap directly to the stain and scrubbing it gently with a brush or cloth.
Georgina added: “If the stain is particularly stubborn, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto the grease stain. Baking soda is a natural abrasive and will help to lift the grease from the surface.
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“Use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the stain, working in a circular motion. Be sure to apply plenty of pressure to really work the baking soda and washing up liquid into the stain.”
Make sure to rinse the area thoroughly with clean water and repeat the process if necessary.
2. Rust stains
Rust stains can appear on patios for a number of reasons, and while they can be tricky to remove, there are a few methods to try.
The expert recommended making a paste out of baking soda and water before applying it liberally to the rust stain.
Georgina noted: “Let the paste sit for a few minutes to penetrate the stain before scrubbing it away with a brush or cloth. If the rust stain is particularly stubborn, consider using a specialist rust product.
“These products are designed specifically to remove rust stains without damaging your patio. For ease of maintenance, consider sealing your natural stone and concrete paving with a specialist impregnator sealer.
“These penetrate into the stone, filling the tiny capillaries and preventing stains from soaking in.”
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