![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/13\/590x\/secondary\/how-to-clean-patios-4933211.jpg?r=1693333761644\")
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“Even if you ignore the fads and clean your paving the way you always have, you might be doing it wrong. Some substances and tools are more abrasive than you may have realised.”<\/p>\n
1. The Pink Stuff<\/h3>\n
The Pink Stuff is a brilliant cleaning brand with numerous products that can be used all around the house. However, the hugely popular cleaner should not be used on stone paving, especially natural slabs like granite, slate, and sandstone, according to the expert.<\/p>\n
He said: “The stuff is abrasive, which is what makes it a good cleaner, yet it\u2019s what also damages patios, scratching the stones, and rubbing away the protective surface.”<\/p>\n
2. Outdoor brushes<\/h3>\n
Lots of people use heavy-duty garden brushes to brush the dirt off their patio and as a cleaning brush with detergents. However, this could be a problem as brushes with hard bristles damage natural stones over time and can even “wear them down” and cause “discolouration”.<\/p>\n
In the long run, this could reduce the slabs’ weather-resistant properties. Instead, gardeners should use brushes with soft bristles to avoid causing damage.<\/p>\n
Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n Gardeners often use jet washers to clean patios, however, Rowan claimed this could be a “bad idea” if you use a certain attachment.<\/p>\n He said: “Using a powerful jet washer or turbo nozzle attachment is a bad idea. Watch a cleaning video and these jet washers get the dirtiest paving slabs sparkling.<\/p>\n “But, what you might not notice is that it also clears away soft or worn jointing, aka the grout in between your paving slabs. Simply using a lower pressure will prevent this from happening.”<\/p>\n Some recommend acid-based stone cleaners for rust stains and other types of spotting but these harsh cleaning solutions can cause stone to “deteriorate” over time.<\/p>\n Homeowners might see etching where the acid has reacted with the mineral in the stone which can make the surface appear pitted.<\/p>\n If you want to use acid to remove stubborn stains from patios or any kind of paving, stick with natural stuff like vinegar.<\/p>\n Rowan said: “We\u2019ve seen TikToks recommending salt as a natural weed killer to get rid of the pesky weeds that pop up between patio slabs. Don\u2019t use it.<\/p>\n “If you get salt onto the stone it can erode the surface. Over time, you\u2019ll see imperfections appear and even cracks. Use a chemical-free weed killer instead.\u201d<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n3. Turbo jet washers<\/h3>\n
4. Acid-based cleaners<\/h3>\n
5. Salt<\/h3>\n