With the Met Office forecasting that Storm Ciaran will bring strong winds, heavy rain and the risk of flooding, households have been told to prepare for the potential damage their properties will face.
Dave Downing, patio expert and Director of Patio Awnings 4 Less claimed that “mud, dirt and grime” caused by bad weather can “ruin the appearance of your home”, particularly the patio, and can even “reduce the value of your home by 20 percent”.
With this in mind, the expert noted that a solution made out of white vinegar “will effectively clean patios”.
Before applying the cleaning solution, it is recommended to declutter the patio of furniture and sweep the surface to clear any loose dirt and debris.
Start by mixing together one part vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle or a bucket then apply the solution to the patio and let it sit for 20 minutes.
Once the 20 minutes are up, scrub the patio vigorously with a thick-bristle garden brush.
Rinse away the solution with clear water and let the surface dry before replacing the furniture.
Dave shared three extra points households should consider when cleaning their patio and the first is testing the solution in a small, inconspicuous area to ensure that it works “without damaging” the area.
Households can also add one part baking soda to the solution to make the solution “more effective”.
So why does white vinegar work to clean dirty patios? According to the expert, it is because of the acidic content.
Dave said: “The acetic acid in white vinegar acts as a powerful cleaning agent that can correct discolouration and remove tough marks caused by wear and tear on your patio.
“This is especially useful to do following bad weather when mud, rain and fallen leaves are more likely to affect the appearance of your patio slabs.”
While this solution can be used on most patios, it should never be used on patio slabs made of limestone as the acid “will permanently damage the surface”.
The best part of using white vinegar to clean a patio is that it is a “very budget-friendly option with great results”.
White vinegar can be picked up for just 29p at Tescos and it retails for 40p at Sainsbury’s.
