It's fair to say that for many parts of the UK the weather is starting to improve.
Spring has finally sprung, which means many Brits are starting to turn their attention to their gardens. One task on many people's to-do list is cleaning the patio but, if you have a jet wash, there are some things you need to know.
If you jump in too soon, you may actually damage your outdoor space. Luckily for us, a gardening expert called Micahel, known as themediterraneangardener on TikTok, shared some simple rules people should follow.
In a recent video, he said if you use a high-powered jet wash, it can be "easy" to lose your jointing material or chip and crack your slabs. But there are some tips you can follow to prevent this from happening.
If you have an adjustable setting, he advised you set this at medium pressure. This will ensure the force isn't too intense.
According to Michael, how you hold the wand matters. He advised positioning it around 50cm above the paving, and at a 45 degree angle to the surface of the stone.
You should work across the patio at a diagonal to the slabs so you don't run along the joints.
He said it's key to move slowly over the slabs while overlapping each pass slightly. This will help give it a thorough clean.
If you maintain a sweeping pattern, this should reduce the risk of over-exposing certain areas more than others. This can help you to get a "perfectly" clean patio without it sustaining any damage.
If you haven't got a jet washer, there are some other rules you need to follow when attempting to clean your patio. You should always begin any process by sweeping all the loose debris away.
Then, you can use a solution of warm water and a gentle detergent or vinegar to clean it. Gently scrub the impacted area with a stiff brush, and then rinse thoroughly afterwards.
The method you chose to use may need a little research beforehand. It's important to know what the patio is made of before you attempt to clean it.
It may be made of materials such as concrete, stone or pavers, and you need to know which one it is before deciding on your cleaning products. Once you know, you'll then be able to find a method that will work best for you.
There are various ways to get the job done - you just need to know what you're working with before you get going. Just be sure to follow the rules to better your chances of success.