If you’re a proud patio owner who always has a broom within reach, you’re already taking an important maintenance step. Just as it’s wise to keep your indoor floors and carpet free of dust and debris to negate the risk of ground-in trouble spots, “sweeping the decks” outdoors on a regular basis will help eliminate pesky buildup and even repairs to your patio. Still, stains are difficult to avoid, so remove them as soon as you spot them and follow these other tips to keep your patio looking its best:
photo via flickr.com
- Power wash moss and those deep green stains that threaten to overtake your patio. Use moderate pressure – no more than 3,000 psi – on a brick patio so that you don’t harm the brick.
- A 50-50 solution of white vinegar and white also can eliminate moss, grass and weeds.
- Many fresh stains should lift with just soap and water. Use a bristle brush rather than a sponge.
- Stubborn stains require a more determined response: a 90-10 solution of water and chlorine bleach. Scrub the stain with a bristle brush and then rinse it with water.
If snow or ice accumulates on your patio, resist the urge the toss salt on it; salt can deteriorate brick and concrete. Instead, use sand. It takes longer to work, but it’s safer and will keep your patio in top shape so that when the warmer weather returns, you can enjoy it – with a broom in hand or not.
