55p kitchen staple will leave patio slabs clean and sparkling

A staple kitchen ingredient costing just 55p has been touted as a way of leaving your patio slabs clean and sparkling. The damp and shaded slabbed areas often attract blights such as algae, mould, lichen and moss and cause them to become dirty and slippery. But one gardening aficionado has given his top tips for keeping your patio free of unwelcome gunk before the weather changes.

The Daily Express reports Sam Williams, from SGS Engineering, has suggested a headache-free solution for cleaning the debris from your patio. He said: "As a starting point, it's crucial to work on a clean surface. Ensuring your patio is free from dirt, moss, and mould will not only result in a better finish but will also enhance its appearance over time.



" But gardeners do not need to spend money on specialised products and he said one of the "most effective cleaning hacks" is using a washing up liquid with warm water. He first douses the patio with water and uses a hard bristle brush to scrub the slabs and expel the dirt. Sam added: "Remember to scrub diagonally, as this is less likely to damage the stone.

And if you have stubborn stains, then using white vinegar is a fantastic, eco-friendly, and efficient substitute when cleaning your patio. Just remember not to use this on limestone paving slabs, though, as it will harm the surface." Most supermarkets , including local corner stores and newsagents, stock up on washing up liquid, with Sainsbury's selling it at 55p for a 450ml bottle.

White vinegar, which helps clearing tough patio stains, can be bought for just 99p. Power washers he says can seem like a tempting quick fix for eliminating grime from pavements. But they can have detrimental effects on the pavement's integrity when not utilised correctly.

Sam emphasised the importance of experimenting with gentler cleaning alternatives before resorting to a power washer. Patio and driveway weeds may seem like a persistent problem but Hannah Rowson, a gardening expert at J. Parker's, has a simple solution that involves just one common household item - boiling water.

She explains: "You can kill off weeds by pouring boiled water from your kettle over them." However, gardeners should heed her warning: "But watch out not to splash your toes of course. The hot water will shock the plant, killing weeds within a day or two.

" While this technique proves effective on patios and driveways, it's less so for flower beds and lawns due to the fact boiling water kills anything that it touches instantly. So be wary whilst using this method..