LifestyleGardeningGardeningPatios need to be cleaned regularly to keep them free from algae and moss09:28, 06 Jul 2026Patios take quite a battering over the winter months for a number of reasons, including prolonged exposure to rain, wind and seasonal changes. The accumulation of green algae, moss and black spots not only looks unpleasant, but can also make surfaces dangerously slippery.‌While there are numerous ways to clean a patio, including using a pressure washer, white vinegar is a go-to solution for patios and driveways alike. It's a household staple that's always on hand and comes in useful for all manner of tasks.‌Start by sweeping away any loose debris with a stiff-bristle broom to ensure the patio surface is clear.‌Once the debris has been cleared, pour white vinegar into a bucket along with water in a 1:1 ratio, making sure the water isn't too hot.This cleaning hack, widely recommended by experts, works particularly well on stubborn stains that patios frequently develop over the winter months.Once the solution is prepared, pour it over the entire patio, paying particular attention to any persistent stains, and leave it to work for around an hour.‌Then, take the broom once more and gently scrub the patio to loosen the marks, which should disappear almost immediately.White vinegar is readily available from Tesco for around 30p a bottle, and you'll only need roughly half a bottle for your patio, making it an incredibly budget-friendly cleaning solution.‌It needed minimal scrubbing, and I was genuinely amazed at how my patio looked afterwards – it appeared brand new.If necessary, you can treat the patio again with the white vinegar solution, though I doubt I'll ever need to.However, it's crucial to check your patio material first, as white vinegar is acidic and can damage certain surfaces.Article continues belowIf unsure, test the solution on a small area of the patio first and wait to see the results.What's more, if you've got any weeds sprouting on your patio, this two-ingredient solution can also help to eliminate them.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Gardening