![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/l016jpg-JS846426023.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Nick said: \u201cDuring the autumn season, leaves, debris and organic matter can accumulate on your patio which when wet can create the perfect environment for mould and mildew to grow.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cCleaning your patio before winter will remove these materials, reducing the risk of fungal growth that can damage the patio\u2019s structural integrity making it dangerous to walk on.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDepending on the materials used to make your patio, avoiding cleaning, and maintaining could lead to the deterioration of the surface\u201d, so it\u2019s best to give it a scrub in the next<\/span> couple of weeks.\u00a0<\/p>\n Nick explained: \u201cTo make the cleaning process easier it is best to sweep or blow away any loose debris like leaves or dirt, this way you can see what you\u2019re working with.\u201d<\/p>\n Dark areas on patio slabs could just be dirt, so using a hard brush, give the area a quick scrub.\u00a0<\/p>\n If you notice black spots, then it\u2019s likely you have mould and algae that have settled into the pores of your patio slabs.\u00a0<\/p>\n Nick said: \u201cUsing a pressure washer is an effective way to remove black spots and stains from a patio.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Nick added: \u201cBefore you begin, you must ensure you have all the proper safety measurements in place.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI would always recommend wearing protective gear especially safety goggles when pressure washing to protect your eyes from debris.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n If using a pressure washer, Nick recommends \u201cstarting one end of the patio using slow and even strokes to work your way across the surface, holding the nozzle wand at a slight angle and about 12-18 inches from the surface to avoid damage.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cTo remove those stubborn black spots, focus the pressure washer on the stain and move the wand closer if necessary.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAlways be extra cautious on grout lines as the pressure can loosen them.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n The expert continued: \u201cOnce you\u2019ve successfully cleaned the area, use the pressure washer to give the patio a final once over to rinse away any remaining residue or cleaning solution.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t forget to store the pressure washer in a safe and dry place ready to be used another time.\u201d<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t have a pressure washer, you can still clean your patio and remove black spots, but it will take more effort.\u00a0<\/p>\n You\u2019ll need a bucket, a hard-bristled brush (the bigger, the better) and access to warm water.\u00a0<\/p>\n If you\u2019re cleaning your patio with soapy water, you\u2019ll need to have some soap – washing up liquid does the trick, and B&M sell Elbow Grease\u2019s Washing Up Liquid for 89p.\u00a0<\/p>\n With plenty of soap suds, start cleaning from the patio corners, and the dirt should lift away.\u00a0<\/p>\n Ideally, scrub diagonally as it is gentler on the jointing compound between the slabs.<\/p>\n Repeat until the whole patio is cleaned, then clear the dirty water away with a bucket of clean water so that it flows into a drainage point. Leave to dry and reset any patio furniture.\u00a0<\/p>\n White vinegar also works as a natural cleaning solution for patio slabs and can be bought from B&M for as little as 79p.\u00a0<\/p>\n With a 1:1 ratio of vinegar to water in a bucket, (dirtier patios with more stubborn stains may need slightly more vinegar in the solution), simply pour the vinegar and water solution over your patio (you may need several buckets) and leave the vinegar to work its way into the paving slabs for 30 minutes to an hour.<\/p>\n Then, clear the dirty water away with a bucket of clean water so that it flows into a drainage point. Leave to dry and reset any patio furniture.\u00a0<\/p>\n Once the patio is cleaned, Nick had some final words of advice to keep the area protected during the winter months.\u00a0<\/p>\nStep 1: Remove debris\u00a0<\/h2>\n
READ MORE CLEANING <\/span><\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/as-fab-pillow-wash.jpg\")
<\/p>\nI\u2019m a cleaning pro & if your pillows look orange, it\u2019s time to do a deep clean<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/newspress-collage-23731253-1693490874702.jpg\")
<\/p>\nGardening jobs to do in September including essential task ahead of winter<\/h3>\n
Step 2: Check for black spots\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Step 3: Clean\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Most read in Fabulous<\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/crop-24099254.jpg\")
<\/picture>MEG A CHANGE <\/span><\/p>\nMeghan Markle officially ditches podcast after \u00a318m Spotify deal fell through<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/ac-horoscope-daily-06-saturday.jpg\")
<\/picture>MYSTIC MEG <\/span><\/p>\nA moon of deep communication means you can talk about what really matters<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/TM-comp-Charles-Harry-1.jpg\")
<\/picture>ROYAL SNUB <\/span><\/p>\nHarry rejected offer to spend anniversary of Queen’s death with dad Charles<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/LD_FRIEND-OF-BRIDE-TACKY_COMP.jpg\")
<\/picture>FROCK NO <\/span><\/p>\nI was stunned by the bride’s friend’s ‘tacky’ dress, people ‘would kick her out’<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bodve77jpg-JS846428381.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/TB_COMP_MATT.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/newspress-collage-24076898-1695323009643.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/foodaugust20201enchiladafilling_a991760august182020-1copy-JS846429832.jpg\")