HOW TO DEEP CLEAN OUTDOOR PAVERS, CONCRETE, TILES AND DECKING
There's probably a winter's worth of neglect, dirt and weeds on your deck, patio, pathways, and driveway. It's time to get out there and give your space a spring cleaning.
Part One: Deep Clean Driveways
Clear Up
For any thorough cleaning, you first must remove leaves, dirt, and other trash with a solid broom, brush, blower, or rake. Always remember to wear protective gear, such as masks and gloves when cleaning areas that might have thorns or broken items. If you have used any weed-killing chemicals in the last fortnight.
Power Tools
A high-pressure cleaner is a great way to clear pavers, bricks or driveways. Most high-pressure washers tackle stains, mould and algae with ease, but make sure you use the right setting for the task. Be sure to use a wider nozzle on any decking or wood surfaces to avoid creating divots or damaging the Viner. For smaller areas such as pavers or a front step, a stiff bristle brush and some old-fashioned elbow grease should do the trick.
Hazards
Algae, moss, mould and mildew can grow on pavers and driveways during the winter or wet seasons, making them extremely slippery and dangerous. A good non-toxic, bleach-based outdoor cleaner will make quick work of eliminating all that unsightly muck. Be sure to wear gloves, and a face mask and use an old brush when working with chemical cleaners.
Tackle the drive
After sweeping with a stiff outdoor broom or blower, wash the driveway with soap to remove dirt build-up, and use a specialist concrete cleaner to tackle grease, rust or other stains without damaging the surface. Use a pressure cleaner on stubborn dirt. Top up joint sand or repair mortar if necessary, and cover cracks with an epoxy repair adhesive product. Consider applying an acrylic sealer to concrete for longer-lasting protection. Then put your feet up, and enjoy your efforts!
Part 2: Timber and Deck Care
If you have a composite timber deck, you probably won’t need to do much more than clear away any leaves or dirt that have accumulated on the deck or in the gaps between the boards. A quick wash with a soft-bristle broom and warm soapy water should remove unwanted stains and oils. Leaves and debris should be removed with a regular sweep. Moisture and extreme temperatures can harm your timber deck over time, so use this time to scan for any damage or loose nails. Pressure from long-term use can mean nails can rise from the timber and become a tripping hazard.
Deck detailing
To wash your deck, use a good quality cleaning product, applied with a scrubbing brush, to remove dirt, bird poo and general contaminants. It's also a good idea to reseal your deck after a solid clean as the old seal may have become brittle and broken away from the wood. Make sure the deck is completely dry before applying any oils or sealants.
Part Three: Paving The Way
After a sweep to remove dirt and debris, use a specialist cleaning product to remove mould and mildew. After some time, come back and hose off all the chemicals. If there are weeds growing in the paving, remove these carefully by hand so you remove much gap sand or mortar, and keep them at bay with regular spraying or by pouring boiling water over them. While you’re cleaning, check for crumbling mortar and effect repairs if needed.
Posh up your patio
Most outdoor tiles are sealed for protection from the elements, so it’s important when cleaning not to damage or remove the coating. Sweep away all debris with a soft broom then wash with a soft mop and warm soapy water. For any stains or ingrained dirt, use an environmentally friendly cleaner.
Keep in mind...
- Follow product packaging for accurate dilution of strong cleaning solutions.
Why not accessorise your new clean deck or backyard with some brand new garden decor or outdoor furniture!
