Clean your patio in just one hour with 65p everyday kitchen item – you may already have it in your cupboard

The Sun

12-05-2025

A PATIO expert has revealed that you can make your slabs sparkle for just 65p.
Now that summer is just around the corner, and we are being blessed with lovely weather, many of us are likely spending our evenings sat out on the patio with a glass of wine or a good book.
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However, if you have noticed that your patio has begun to look a bit grubby, it may be time to take action.
Your first thought may be to use a pressure washer, but these can be pricey, and can actually end up damaging your slabs.
Instead, experts recommend a 65p hack, that you probably already have knocking around in your kitchen cupboard.
Bicarbonate of soda acts as a mild abrasive that helps to break down tough deposits, such as stubborn dirt, grime and stains.
Experts from RF Paving said: "For those who are conscious about the environment, there are eco-friendly alternatives [to using a pressure washer] to clean your patio.
"A basic combination of bicarbonate of soda and water can clean your patio without resorting to harsh chemicals."
To use this hack, simply make a mixture of bicarbonate of soda and water, with a ratio of one to five tablespoons per 10 litres of water, depending on how dirty the patio is.
Then, remove any loose dirt or debris with a brush, before pouring the solution on to your patio slabs.
Give the surface a good scrub, using some elbow grease, and then rinse it off with a bucket of water or hose.
You may need to repeat this again, if your patio is really grimy.
I had loads of irritating weeds popping up between my patio slabs - a free hack killed them instantly and they haven't grown back
Make sure to keep the solution away from plants, as its high salt can kill vegetation.
Bicarbonate of soda is an extremely purse friendly cleaning method, as it can be picked up from Aldi for just 65p.
It can also be used for deodorising, getting rid of mould, and scrubbing surfaces within the home.
Sam Williams, from SGS Engineering recently revealed that another cheap hack you can use to scrub your patio, is combining washing up liquid with water.
How to repair broken patio slabs
THE paving specialists at Simply Paving told Fabulous how you can repair broken patio slabs, without the faff.
The experts advised: 'If you have a loose paving slab, then it's unlikely it can be lifted straight by hand. Instead, you will probably need a hammer and chisel to prise the paver free of your patio.
'To remove loose paving slabs without damaging your flagstones, carefully chip away at the mortar around the paving slab with the plugging chisel and rubber mallet until the slab comes completely loose.
'Then, slide the spade into the gap left by the mortar and prise the paver free of the patio.
"As you lift it up, place a short piece of timber underneath the spade to act as a lever, making it easier for you while protecting the slab underneath.
'When the paver starts to give, place the cylindrical wood underneath it and roll the slab out of the patio.'
Washing up liquid can be purchased for as little as 55p from the supermarket, and most UK households will already have a bottle in the kitchen cupboard.
For the most effective results, Sam advised mixing a tablespoon of washing-up liquid with a bucket of warm water, to create a soapy solution.
Then, he advised throwing the solution onto the patio before giving it a hard scrub using a bristle brush.
Sharing another tip, Sam explained that if your patio is riddled with tough stains, you can use white vinegar to clean it.
"If you have stubborn stains, then using white vinegar is a fantastic, eco-friendly, and efficient substitute when cleaning your patio," he said.
"Just remember not to use this on limestone paving slabs, though, as it will harm the surface.