Patios and driveways will be moss-free with a £3.30 alternative to pressure washing. A £3.35 product could be a safer and more effective method for tackling moss, algae and grime on outdoor surfaces than pressure-washers.
Why Pressure Washers Can Cause Damage
As temperatures begin to rise, it is time to venture outside and tackle garden tasks that have been neglected over winter. Many homeowners turn their attention to patios and driveways that have accumulated months of grime, algae and moss. The immediate instinct for most people is to reach for a pressure washer. However, according to patio specialist Bill Jarvis from Premium Paints, this could actually do more damage than good.
Bill explained that while pressure washers are widely used, the sheer force of the water can cause unseen damage to outdoor surfaces. He said: "Pressure washers feel satisfying to use, but they can strip the surface layer from certain paving materials. The jet can also remove the sand between slabs or block paving, which helps keep everything stable. Over time, this can leave patios uneven and make it easier for weeds and moss to return."
The Affordable Alternative: Biological Washing Powder
Fortunately, there is an affordable and efficient alternative - biological washing powder. This works in a completely different way by breaking down the organic material responsible for causing many outdoor stains. The enzymes found in biological detergents are specifically designed to break down substances such as grease, food and organic matter. Bill added: "That means algae, moss and general grime are exactly the sort of things it can tackle."
How to Clean Your Garden Patio
Restoring your patio to a respectable state is straightforward. Fill a bucket with warm water and add one scoop of biological washing powder. Pour the solution over the patio or driveway and leave it to soak for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Scrub the surface using a firm outdoor brush, then rinse thoroughly with a garden hose.
Bill added: "Giving the detergent time to sit is the key part. It allows the enzymes to start breaking down the dirt before you scrub, which makes the whole process much easier." A box of bio washing powder is available at Waitrose for £3.35, making it an incredibly budget-friendly solution. He notes that the technique is kinder on numerous common paving materials, including concrete slabs and block paving.
Bill explained: "With pressure washing, you are relying purely on force. This method lets the cleaner do the work first." For particularly stubborn stains, he suggested repeating the detergent treatment rather than resorting to aggressive pressure washing. He added: "Two gentler cleans are usually far better for your patio than one very harsh one."
