When do you do your First Patio Clean of the Year?

Hello all

I Hope you are Well.

I was wondering, when do you do your First Patio Clean of the Year?

I have Smooth Indian Sandstone on my Patio and Paving, the Setts have a Riven Finish.

The Patio and Paving can be Very Slippery over Winter due to Algae etc.

I usually Clean it all in Early March, what is the Earliest that is recommended, if there is such a thing?

Thanks in advance

Kevin

 

I'd not use a pressure washer on sandstone as it is porous and relatively soft.
Pressure washing will also force water into places in the sandstone, then if it freezes it will get damaged.
If you decide to do it anyway, use the gentlest setting you can to get results.

I don't have any sandstone and I use Patio Magic or Wet and Forget cleaner on paviors.
Results are not immediate, but after a few weeks and some rain it'll come up nicely

 

I agree with @Pete8 ,@Kevin Cowans , better to use Patio Magic

 

Hello

Thanks for the Replies.

As I mentioned previously, in the Sealing Sandstone Thread, I use the Karcher T 5 Surface Cleaner, set to Soft, which negates the Issue of using too much Pressure which, as you say, will damage the Sandstone.

Getting back on Topic.

When do you do your First Clean of the Year?

Thanks

Kevin

 

I clean mine with Patio Magic as soon as the paving starts to get a green algal look. I noticed this morning that an area near my outside tap which doesn't drain quickly is starting to green up. I'm going to give that area a spray either today or tomorrow. It should be used in dry weather when no rain is expected for 24 hours after application. I wouldn't use it if the temperature is going to hover around freezing but the instructions don't mention this so it probably doesn't matter.

Here's an extract from the Patio Magic FAQ's that might help you:

Q3: Do I need to jet wash the surface before I apply Patio Magic!®?

A3: No. Pressure-washing is messy and takes a surprising amount of time. It often roughens surfaces, thereby encouraging rapid algal re-growth. Patio Magic!® is a dynamic algaecidal detergent which works without the need for manual scrubbing or pressure-washing - and it takes just minutes to apply.

Q4: When will I see results?

A4: The primary function of Patio Magic!® products is to kill green mould and algae and lichens you will normally see the results of this within 2-4 days. Some lichens can be very hardy and results may take longer.

 

My brother used the Karcher Surface Cleaner on block paving and was pleased with the result. The gentler action may be better on sandstone paving. After my experience, I'd still use Patio Magic after jet washing. It might be worth an experiment to see which is better. When you jet wash, leave an area unwashed and treat it with Patio Magic, then compare the result and the time it takes for the algae to return. I'd be interested in your findings .

 

My patio slabs are old ones, concrete with a riven surface - still in good condition though. I usually wash them (water + detergent + stiff yard brush) in March or April, once the weather's warmed up enough for me to start thinking about sitting out there again.

Thanks to those who recommended Patio Magic - I'd not heard of that before and will give it a try first of all, this year.

 

I usually clean once a year in the late summer/autumn
I wet the slabs, brush with a broom, wash away dirt, let it dry, and apply Patio Magic.

 

I've never heard of Patio Magic but after looking it up I see it hasn't got bleech so I think I'll try it. I've been using bleech but my cat likes to roll in it !

 

You won’t be disappointed @Michael Hewett

 

Hello @Michael Hewett

After being in touch with the Manufacturers, I was told that it is not Safe for Vegetation so be careful when applying it near to Flower Beds and Lawns.

Unfortunately, being on a Low Income I am going to have to delay trying it myself as I need to use the Cleaners I have available first.

Thanks

Kevin

 

I never wash mine at all, sometime it gets a sweep if it is lucky. It doesn't get slippery.
I've lined up someone in to re-lay it later this year (when they can fit me in) as it is getting very uneven with loose slabs. I've told them though that there's no need to make it look all new and shiny.

 

Thank you, I'll only use it on the decking.

 

Hi

I use spray and leave end of October on a dry day , and will do the same come the end of March ,, works a treat and no slippy paving. ….
And if you want to clean now that’s up to you
Spruce

 

With any of these products they have to be dry after applying before pets are allowed to use the area, and when spraying by grass or borders , just use a huge piece of cardboard to block off when spraying and just carry with you , and move the card board as you go ..

Spruce