A patio, well kept, certainly adds beauty to your house and acts as a great place to unwind as well as entertain guests. Yet, there are various elements that can toss dirt, algae, moss, and even stains onto decks which renders them unkempt. Selecting the right cleaner is integral in attaining an outdoor setting that is clean, attractive, and most importantly, free of mishaps.
In this guide, we will look at different types of patio cleaners, their proper application, and all the important factors to look for that make a product better for your desired needs.
Why Do You Need A Patio Cleaner?
Patios over time are prone to dirt, algae, and even moss building up making them slippery and unattractive. Tight cleaning routines with a well-suited Patio cleaning solution enables:
- Enhanced Safety – Algae and moss can cause a block viciously slipping and falling.
- Extended Lifespan – Helps in protecting ugly mold and grime growing to destroy patio materials.
- Improved Aesthetics – Completely restores the charming original look of the patio surface.
- Easier Maintenance – Eliminates the need for deep cleaning.
Variations Of Cleaner For Patios
Different kinds of Patio cleaner are designed for different purposes, and as such, some are more potent or diluted than others. The most basic forms of them include the following types:
1. Patio Chemical Cleaners
These are specially formulated and ready to use solutions or even advanced multi-step systems that are meant for removing dirt, moss, and algae. They are suited for the following uses:
- Deep cleansing with minimal scrubbing required.
- Stubborn stains and algae removal.
Pros: Useful for fast-acting and powerful scrubbing purposes.
Cons: Using too harshly can end up causing a lot of negative effects on skin and eyes. Proper handling is required.
2. Environmentally Safe Patio Cleaners
They can also be referred to as benign, or “green” cleaners. They have the ability to clean thoroughly while still being gentle to the surroundings and organisms.
Pros: Clean solution for children, pets, and plants.
Cons: Old stains can be difficult to remove and require heavy scrubbing.
3. Detergents For Washing Patios With Pressure Washers
These are meant to be used with pressure washers, as the name suggests. These cleaners increase the effectiveness of water sprayed at high pressure.
Pros: Great for quick results or deep scrubbing.
Cons: Some may find that these Cleaners work best when used with a pressure washer.
4. Self Made Cleaners For Patio
Household items like white vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice can be used to create homemade patio cleaners. It can be carried out in a much more DIY manner so children are sure to have fun, plus it is cheaper too.
Pros: Ingredients used to make the cleaner are readily available, hence safe and cost effective.
Cons: Might require extra steps to remove stubborn stains.
Using a Patio Cleaner Effectively
Step 1: Area Preparation
Ensure the whole surface of the patio is cleaned by taking out furniture, planters, and other items.
Step 2: Clean The Loose Dust
Sweep all dust, leaves or debris first with a broom before cleaning.
Step 3: Cleaning It
Always remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions:
- For chemical clean-up requirements: use a mixture if required.
- For DIY recipes: combine all the relevant ingredients.
- For pressure washing it’s best to use the propane pressure washer with detergent.
Step 4: Scrub Afterwards Or Let It Sit
Certain cleaners need scrubbing by brush and a few would need time to soak for stains and dirt.
Step 5: Rinse
Using a pressure wash or garden hose, rinse off and leave no remainings.
Step 6: Keep It To Dry
Before putting furniture back, let the patio dry out.
Choosing the Best Cleaner
Here are things to think about when choosing a patio cleaner:
1. What Types of Dirt and Stain is There?
- For algae and moss: Get an anti-moss or algaecide cleaner.
- For oil stains: A cleaner that is a degreaser should be used.
- For general dirt: A dry multi-purpose patio cleaner works fine.
2. Surface Material
- Concrete: A general purpose patio cleaner will work fine for most stains.
- Natural Stone: Cleansers containing acids can be harmful to the stone.
- Wood: Employ the use of non abrasive gentle cleansers.
3. Effect on Surroundings
- If there are animals or flowers close by, use patio cleaners that are environmentally friendly.
4. Effectiveness Outdoor Cleaning Solutions
- While some patio cleaners are designed to clean surfaces without the need for scrubbing, others do require some physical exertion.
5. Cleanliness and Its Impact On Different Areas
- If the patio cleaner is sold by liters, the price divided by the liters will tell if it is economically better.
The Most Efficient Outdoor Cleaning Solutions Of 2024
Below are the most searched and used patio cleaners in the market:
- Wet & Forget Moss Mold Mildew & Algae Remover – Great trust is placed on patio cleaners that bare minimum scrubbing from the users.
- Simple Green Oxy Solve Concrete and Driveway Cleaner – Pet friendly, plant friendly and very useful on cement.
- Jeyes Patio & Decking Cleaner – Works great on removing bacteria and grime.
- Pro-Kleen Patio & Driveway Cleaner – Special tailor made outdoor cleaning solution that gives maximum surface coverage.
- HG Patio Cleaner – Fantastic for clearing up algae and giving the patio its surfaces back.
FAQs Around the Various Cleaners for Patios
1. What additional aspects do I need to consider when cleaning a patio?
Yes, but exercise caution. A lot of people are apprehensive when using bleach as it can be quite harsh, but a good number of stains and traces of algae can be cleaned away easily. It is also capable of causing damage to a few surfaces and some plants.
2. Depending on the season and climate are sprinkler or garden hose machines available for purchase?
Depending on the usage and other weather factors, the patio remains in shape when you wash it every 3-6 months. A gentle wash is usually enough to tidy it up.
3. Homemade or commercial products – which is better?
Yes, for low levels of aggregated dirt or algae. For tougher stains you may want to use stronger commercial products.
4. Does having a garden hose handy make patio cleaning quicker?
Not always. While pressure washing a large surface area is effective, many chemical cleaners work wonders with persistent scrubbing.
5. Which cleaning solutions should be avoided?
Some chemical cleaners can be helpful but also very damaging. You should always attempt to spend money on eco-friendly products if your patio is surrounded by plants.
Conclusion
As stated above, cleaning the patio brings out its best features both in looks and safety. Choosing the patio cleaner will depend on the surface, how badly the area is stained, and how the environment will be affected. Cleaners remove algae, mold, and all other unwanted materials from the patio without any trouble.
