‘Very effective’ ingredient to remove patio algae in 20 minutes - not baking soda

‘Very effective’ ingredient to remove patio algae in 20 minutes - not baking soda (Image: Getty)

Patio slabs can become dull and faded over the winter months, with a build-up of moss and algae making them slippery.

There are a number of household ingredients which can be used to help clean the patio, including white vinegar.

Fiona Jenkins, gardening expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk, told Express.co.uk: “You can clean your driveway with white vinegar, which is very effective.

“Before you start, you’ll need to sweep the area of all debris. Also, remove furniture, plant pots and ornaments that may be affected by your vinegar mixture.”

It’s also important to remove weeds before completing the clean for the best results.

Moss and algae can be unsightly (Image: Getty)

To make the cleaning mixture, place one part vinegar and one part water into a bucket or watering can and then pour the mixture across the patio evenly.

The expert explained: “Make sure the entire surface is covered and then leave it to soak for around 20 minutes.

“Once the soaking time is up, use a stiff brush and brush over the entire patio. The dirt and grime should lift away easily.

“Just be sure to get in all of the cracks and the cement points between the slabs. Vinegar can also be effective at attacking and killing any remaining weeds on the patio.”

Once the patio has been covered and brushed, use the hose to rinse away the remaining dirt and grime.

When this job has been completed, leave the patio to completely dry before placing items back on it, this could take a couple of days in the winter months.

Make sure to perform any outdoor gardening cleaning jobs on days when the weather forecast is scheduled to be dry. Gardeners should also make sure no vinegar solution is left on their patios as it could leave stains.

If you don’t have any white vinegar to hand, washing up liquid along with warm water can work just as well. White vinegar is a great cleaning product and can be picked up for as little as 35p in retailers such as Tesco.

Make sure to perform any outdoor gardening cleaning jobs on days when the weather forecast is scheduled to be dry.

Gardeners should also make sure no vinegar solution is left on their patios as it could leave stains.

If you don’t have any white vinegar to hand, washing up liquid along with warm water can work just as well.