BEST WAY TO CARE FOR YOUR CONCRETE SLABS

All paving needs basic maintenance to protect it and keep it looking its best and even the most neglected concrete and paving slabs can be given a new lease of life with the right products and a little bit of effort.

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a weed-free surface. Weeds will find a way to grow – but they’re pretty easy to get rid of, and you need to do this before you begin cleaning garden slabs and concrete paving. Most weeds can usually be pulled or scraped out of paving. Once you’ve gotten rid of the weeds, regular brushing can help to keep them at bay, as you’ll disturb them before they can get established. You can also use a weed killer, but be sure to check it’s suitable to use on your particular kind of paving.

If you want to get the most out of your patio this summer, you will want to learn how to clean patio slabs in the most effective way, preferably without too much elbow grease.

If your patio has come through the winter in fairly good shape, a soap solution might be all that’s needed for your patio cleaning task and can return it to its former glory.

In a bucket, make up a soap solution with warm water plus dish soap or soda crystals. Pour the solution over the patio and use a stiff brush to clean the stains away. You can rinse with clean water when you’re done, using the hose or a pressure washer on a low setting if it’s easiest.

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly approach, then our household favourite vinegar is a possibility and can do sterling work outside the house just as it does in kitchens and bathrooms. Do bear in mind though that it is acidic, so clearing the patio of furniture or pots before you start is vital. As with using a soapy water solution, use a stiff broom to brush the patio clear of debris before you begin as well.

Make up a 50:50 vinegar and water solution, and apply to the paving – using a watering can will help you get even coverage. Leave the solution to soak for around 20 minutes, then use a stiff brush to remove stains. Once you’re done, mop with clean water. Leave to dry before you put anything back on to the patio.

Patio particularly stained? Use more vinegar than water in your cleaning solution.

IBT sell a variety of specialist products to clean your slabs and patio – here are a couple of links to help you out:

https://www.ibtmerchants.co.uk/product/204/paving-cleaners/113/everbuild-401-brick-and-patio-cleaner-5ltr

https://www.ibtmerchants.co.uk/product/204/paving-cleaners/115/everbuild-405-path-and-patio-seal-5ltr

You’ll need to keep an eye on the weather forecast when you using patio cleaners as they shouldn’t be applied when rain is expected within eight hours. As well as cleaning, these products promise to prevent re-growth for up to six months.

A pressure washer can be an extremely effective – as well as easy – way to clean your patio. Bear in mind that some suppliers don’t recommend using a pressure washer on their paving, and if you’re not sure yours will stand up to this treatment, do test somewhere inconspicuous first.

Clear and sweep the surface then start with a lower setting and increase pressure carefully as needed; avoid using a high pressure on any chipped paving. Use a low angle and a fan setting if available. Clean section by section so pressure doesn’t become concentrated in some areas.

Over time, the jointing of your paving can loosen and crack. To ensure the longevity of your patio, you should repair any jointing that needs it, and ensure regular maintenance. For both repairing and maintaining jointing, we stock easy to use brush-in jointing compounds to give your paving a neat and tidy finish. The technically advanced formula of EASYJoint makes for a strong, yet flexible joint, and is available in five fabulous colours to match your paving, or provide a stylish contrast.