Patios can be kept cleaner by sprinkling a 65p item on top every week, according to a DIY expert. Baking soda, which costs around 65p, helps lift light stains and general dirt from patio slabs without the need for heavy equipment.
Expert advice on baking soda
DIY expert Bill Jarvis, co-founder of patio paint supplier Premium Paints, explained that baking soda is surprisingly handy for smaller cleaning jobs. He said: "A lot of people think you need a jet wash for everything, but that is not really true."
"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 with baking soda
When your patio needs a quick refresh, sprinkle baking soda over the stained areas, add a bit of warm water to make a paste, then scrub it in with a stiff brush before rinsing it away. It may work best to focus on smaller patches rather than the whole patio, especially spots where dirt has built up over time.
This simple trick works best when you stay on top of other jobs, like regularly sweeping the patio or cleaning up spillages as they happen. Wiping down garden furniture regularly can also help stop marks from transferring onto the floor.
"A lot of it is just staying on top of things before they get too bad," Bill 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 is not a replacement for a proper deep clean for really stained or mossy patios, but for lighter marks and general dullness, it is a cheap and easy trick that works every time.
