Moss and weeds persistently plague garden paving, especially in the gaps between patio slabs and blocks. A wet winter and shaded areas create perfect conditions for these unwanted plants to thrive and push through joints. While not yet causing slip hazards, they make gardens look untidy.
Limitations of Traditional Methods
Salt and vinegar have shown some effectiveness in killing weeds between paving blocks, but they require large quantities and multiple applications to fully eradicate the plants. Even after the weeds die, physical removal of the dead foliage is necessary, adding to the labor.
Discovering a Superior Tool
Recently, a gardening tool has gained popularity on social media among horticultural experts for tackling weeds and moss on patios. The Ryobi 18V One+ Cordless Patio Cleaner with Wire Brush, priced at £114.99, is designed to remove moss and weeds efficiently. This cordless electric wire brush rotates to clean within gaps and grout lines, eliminating the need for back-breaking bending and scraping.
Setup and Usability
Unpacking the patio cleaner revealed a mostly assembled unit. Users simply extend it to a suitable height, attach a second handle, and insert the battery. Height adjustment is crucial to prevent excessive stooping. It is advisable to charge the battery immediately, as the pre-charged power does not last long. The model with a 2.0AH battery has limited running time, so opting for the version with a 4.0AH battery, priced at £134.99, is recommended to avoid frequent recharging.
Weighing 2.4kg without the battery and 2.83kg with it, the tool is manageable and not cumbersome. The ergonomic handle features two trigger controls: one on top for start-up and another underneath to maintain the spinning action. However, users must hold the trigger down continuously, as there is no lock for continuous operation.
Performance and Results
Once charged, the patio cleaner effectively blasts moss and minor weeds from crevices, though it struggles with larger, grassier weeds. It requires firm handling and careful guidance, gliding smoothly along grooves when positioned correctly. Pulling it backwards across joints yields the best results, with some sections needing two or three passes. Most paving can be tackled within 30 minutes.
One drawback is that the wire brush causes minor scratches on paving joint edges where it removes accumulated grime. Online reviews note that thorough cleaning eliminates these scratches. While Ryobi offers a Gentle Nylon Brush, users report it is less effective than the wire brush for cleaning joints.
Value and Alternatives
Given the speed and ease of clearing moss and weeds, the Ryobi patio cleaner justifies its £114.99 price for many gardeners. For budget-conscious options, Robert Dyas sells the Draper Electric Patio Sweeper & Weed Remover for £49.99, which effectively clears moss, weeds, and debris, though some users report brush deterioration or insufficient power for larger areas. VonHaus offers the G-Series Cordless Electric Weed Remover at £67.99, reduced from £79.99, which simplifies maintenance but has a slightly mismatched wheel fitting.
