This Morning: David Domoney gives advice on cleaning your patio
Keeping your patio slabs and pathways clean is often overlooked compared to other jobs in the garden.
It is worth remembering that without proper care, green algae and moss can start growing on patios, stone floors, stone walls or fencing.
This can lead to damaging your stone’s appearance as well as can pose a risk of a slippery floor, which can be quite dangerous.
Taking to the November instalment of his blog, Monty Don has shared what tasks need to be carried out around the garden – one of which is to wash patios to remove algae.
Late autumn to winter is traditionally the time when algae and moss are most significant, but build-up can occur during any wet period or in shady, humid areas.
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Algae tend to be more prominent on irregular and soft surfaces rather than straight, hard ones.
Monty claimed that the number one reason to get rid of algae on pathways is because it can be “dangerous” at this time of year.
He said: “At this time of year brick and stone paths can be very slippery and dangerous.
“This is due to algae that grows on the surface, especially if wet and shaded and at this time of year they may stay wet and slippery for months.”
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To reduce the slipperiness, the expert claims that “the best way” is to wash off the algae with a pressure hose (which can be hired by the day).
Using a pressure washer can remove algae from patios, however, it can also remove grout.
Grout protects and adds longevity to patio slabs, so if you plan on using a pressure-washer, be sure to be careful not to touch the grout. However, it is not a problem if this happens.
Once the algae is removed, Monty noted that gardeners can use sand to patch up the grout and prevent regrowth as this will block up the gaps between the block paving.
He instructed: “When this is done brush in sharp sand. If the path is brick or stone the porous surface will absorb some of the sand.”
“A quicker – but still quite laborious – alternative is simply to work sand in with a stiff brush without the washing.”
The gardening pro explained that this is a “very effective way” of cleaning a patio and making a path safe “without resorting to chemicals”.
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