This week, we’re focusing on the paved areas of the garden. If you’re lucky enough to have some kind of driveway, or a patio, or even a little garden path, the chances are that it needs some attention. I am completely guilty of neglecting our patio and driveway, and we have a serious moss problem! Here’s my guide to how to clean your garden paths, patio and driveway.
This is a task that ideally needs to be done in one go. The time it takes depends on the size of the area you’re cleaning. The good news is, you don’t need a pressure washer to do it.
How to clean your garden paths, patio and driveway
- Remove any furniture (or cars).
- Sweep the areas really thoroughly, including the corners.
- Remove any weeds. Use a weeding knife for the tricky ones.
- If you are using a pressure washer, follow the instructions on the machine and follow the correct safety procedure.
- If you are using a specialist cleaning product like Patio Magic, Everbuild or Algon, or simply soapy water or even a bleach solution, mix it up following the instructions. Soapy water will require more elbow grease but if you use a washing up liquid like Ecover it will be better for the environment.
- Use a watering can to apply the cleaning product. You may need to leave it to work (again, check the instructions) or you may need to get scrubbing with a stiff-bristled brush.
- Rinse if necessary with a watering can or hosepipe.
You’ll probably need to do this once or twice a year – in Spring and Autumn, depending on your situation and your garden. But like many things in the garden, it does make a big difference.
For more gardening projects, have a look at How to transform your lawn and How to weed your garden effectively.
Next week, we’re tackling a big task. Choose one project that you think you can get done in a weekend!