Tips for Keeping Your Patio Clean

A clean patio improves the look of the entire house, but even the best patio will get some dirt on it and algae and weeds might build up and leave it in need of a cleaning. A gardener can take care of all of this, but if you don't have one, you're going to need to know how to clean it for your next barbeque. If you see algal build up, you are going to have to be careful because the algae will make the patio slippery.

You will need a shovel and a set of small plant clippers to help you pull up the weeds as well as a good strong pair of gloves. Try to get weeds out by the roots and in their entirety so that they don't grow back. If you are looking for a way to deal with weeds in the cracks between the stones or slabs of pavement, investing in a good organic weed killer is always a solid option, since you may not be able to pull them out of the ground fully. Keep an eye out and pull weeds early so that they don't get big enough to shift your patio surface and make it uneven. Also, if you choose to pull the weeds yourself, water the ground before you try, as it is easier to do when the soil is less rigid.

To deal with the dirt and the algae, you are going to have to scrub the pavement with a hard brush or a garden broom, using soapy water and rinsing thoroughly. If you have a rather large patio and feel that physically scrubbing it might be difficult, you can always invest in or rent a power washer. The high pressure jet stream will get rid of all but the most stubborn of stains and dirt.

Once you have cleaned the patio off sufficiently, you'll need to maintain it properly and pulling weeds as soon as you see them is only the first step. Make sure that you don't leave things on the porch that could collect water and try to sweep every few days. If you have plants on the patio, one of the best ways to keep them from collecting dirt and bugs underneath them is to invest in some plant stands. Stands will not only keep the space cleaner, but they will organise the space and make it more attractive. If you have patio chairs and a table, ensure that you have a place to stack them and put them away during the night or when it storms so that they don't collect water, dirt, and plant debris.

If you are getting a new patio, staying on top of the cleaning process is a piece of cake. With some maintenance and due diligence, your patio can be a clean and comfortable oasis in your yard.