Cleaning patio slabs

redrabbit29

The paving slabs on my patio are very dirty, they look black with dirt actually.

I live in a rented house so don't want to spend too much on them. I don't have an external tap so any power hose thing is out of the question. I briefly asked somewhere about getting someone in to clean them but it was apparently about £200!, when I was only happy to pay about £50.

I've tried scrubbing the tiles with a brush, it does work a bit, but it would take a hell of a lot to clean the whole lot.

Any ideas on how to clean the slabs?

bbaby_2

redrabbit29 wrote: »

The paving slabs on my patio are very dirty, they look black with dirt actually.

I live in a rented house so don't want to spend too much on them. I don't have an external tap so any power hose thing is out of the question. I briefly asked somewhere about getting someone in to clean them but it was apparently about £200!, when I was only happy to pay about £50.

I've tried scrubbing the tiles with a brush, it does work a bit, but it would take a hell of a lot to clean the whole lot.

Any ideas on how to clean the slabs?

A pressure washer would do the trick, maybe ask your friends or family if they have one or know any one that has one that would be willing to lend you it.

Good luck,,

libra10

Definitely a power washer, when finished they look amazing! If you don't have outside water supply, connect to kitchen tap and leave window open.

Good luck

kazwookie

I'm power washing mine this weekend, I did about 10 last weekend, and the difference is wonderful.

Good luck

Poppycat

I use to fine neat bleach lifted most of the stains. The cheap type you can get for 20p a litre or so and leave it on overnight assuming its safe to do so, no kids walking in and out, pets etc

You can also get cleaners for patios they costs more, aldi was selling some the other week

redrabbit29

I can't use a pressure washer as I don't have an external tap.

Poppycat, I'll try and cover the patio in bleech/warm water for a few hours, then wash off and scrub at the same time.

bbaby_2

redrabbit29 wrote: »

I can't use a pressure washer as I don't have an external tap.

Could you not connect it to the kitchen sink tap via garden hose ??

kathleenryd

What is best for natural stone flags - and also if you use Jeyes Fluid (which I was going to use) will this leech into flowerbeds and cause problems.

K

andrew-b

If there is any pointing between the slabs then don't use a pressure washer as over time it will rip it all out. If the slabs are concrete type it will erode the surface too. Similarly do not use pressure washers on concrete paths as it erodes the outer hard skin of the concrete. My neighbour who has all concrete front and rear swears by using soda crystals to clean - not tried it myself yet - and also advises against using a pressure washer for the same reason.

Also if you want to do your bit for saving water pressure washers use alot of water in not very much time - not great if your on a water meter.

If i were you i'd try using something like PathClear and a stiff broom with buckets of water.

Andy

GaryS

I use a Karcher T-300 attachment for cleaning my patio, seems to work very well, and does not rip out the pointing between the slabs.

I have seen the same type of attachment for other brands of cleaner at varying prices.

http://www.karcher.co.uk/product.php?pr=91

** I am on a water meter and even using my jetwasher, I still have lower bills in my 4 bed property than in the old 3 bed one without a meter **

Poppycat

Aldi had them in offer the other week to clean patios came with adaptor to fit other power washers