Cleaning patios, paths and decking.

Cleaning the patio.

Remove any large amounts of moss or algae with a stiff broom.

Dig out any weeds with an old kitchen knife.

Spray a dilute mixture of Jeyes Fluid or path and patio cleaner onto the patio, use a stiff brush or broom work the cleaner into places where moss grows. Leave the solution on the patio for 15-20 minutes. Rinse the patio with clean water, washing away all residue.

Washing soda can also be used, which is a bit gentler on plants in adjoining borders.

A pressure washer can be used, but avoid spending too much time on the pointing joints (the cement between the slabs), as you might loosen it and have to repoint.

If you have any black lichen pour on a little neat thin bleach (not the thick toilet cleaning bleach). Leave it on for a few minutes and then wash off.

Seal with a waterproof patio sealant, applied with a brush or roller.

If you have any gaps between the paving slabs, where weeds have been growing through, repoint them with a 6:1 mix of building sand and cement.

Decking

Cut out any damaged or split boards, cutting them back to sound wood, over a joist. If you are replacing any boards, remember to use zinc, stainless or brass screws when securing the boards down.

As with the patio cleaning, give the deck a good brush with a stiff broom and remove any weeds from between the boards with an old, blunt knife

To clean the decking there are now environmentally friendly patio and decking cleaners [Amazon link: Algon Organic Path & Patio cleaner], paint these on, leave for 15-20 minutes, then remove with a stiff brush or a pressure washer. Once the decking boards have dried, give them a light sanding before painting with a decking reviver [Amazon link: Ronseal decking reviver], followed by a coat or two of varnish or oil [Amazon link: Ronseal Decking oil].

If you've got any pots or containers on your decking, put these on terracotta feet to allow air to circulate underneath them or move them around to prevent rotting.

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