As another heatwave arrives across parts of the UK, patios become the garden's focal point, but they often look grimy from dirt, food spills, and everyday wear. A natural product costing just 65p could keep them cleaner for longer.
DIY specialist Bill Jarvis, co-founder of patio paint supplier Premium Paints, suggests baking soda for tackling light marks and grime without needing a pressure washer or harsh chemicals.
Why Baking Soda Works
“A lot of people think you need a jet wash for everything, but that is not really true,” Jarvis said. “For lighter stains and general dirt, baking soda can help lift things a bit and freshen up the surface. It is not going to shift really stubborn marks, but for a quick tidy-up it can definitely make a difference.”
How to Clean Your Patio
For a quick makeover, scatter baking soda across marked areas, add a little warm water to form a paste, work it in with a stiff brush, then rinse off. It works best on smaller sections rather than the whole patio, especially where grime has built up over time.
This method also works well alongside routine tasks like sweeping or clearing spills immediately. Regularly wiping down garden furniture helps prevent marks transferring to the ground.
Staying on Top of Grime
“A lot of it is just staying on top of things before they get too bad,” Jarvis added. “You do not always need heavy equipment. Sometimes a simple household product and a bit of elbow grease is enough to freshen things up.”
Baking soda may not suffice for heavily stained or moss-covered patios, but for lighter marks and general dirt, it offers an affordable and straightforward solution that delivers excellent results each time.
