Installed decking in your garden during lockdown? You’re not the only one. The summer of 2020 saw a huge increase in demand for decking, with many spending their time in doors giving their gardens a makeover.

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Patios and decking look great, but they do require a certain amount of upkeep and maintenance to keep them looking pristine and in tip-top condition.

Timber decking can last anywhere from 15 years to 30 years. The more you care for your decking the more likely it will reach the 30 year mark.

In an ideal world, you’d just lay down your patio or decking and leave ‘em, but unfortunately, that’s not the case! However, thanks to the BC Profiles team, you can take care of your exterior landscaping without the hassle. Read on below for our easy-to-follow guide on how to clean your patio and decking, including different tips, techniques and tricks.

How to Clean Your Patio

Clean your patio following these simple steps: 

• Remove moss and algae with a sturdy brush
• Dig out any weeds with an appropriate tool
• Apply a surface treatmentsuch as a good quality patio cleaner as instructed
• After leaving the treatment to do its thing, rinse away the residue with clean water
• You may use a pressure washer for cleaning, but just be careful around the pointing joints (that’s the cement between the slabs) as you may loosen the pointing
• Seal the patio with a waterproof patio sealantas instructed

How to Clean Your Decking

To quickly and safely clean your decking, follow these instructions: 

• First, cut out and replace any damaged boards before cleaning
• Remove any moss, algae and dirt with a stiff brush
• Dig out weeds from between the boards
• Apply your decking cleanerand leave for the recommended amount of time
• Rinse with clean water or a pressure washer
• Finish the process with a decking reviver and a couple of coats of varnish or oil

Patio and Decking FAQs

There are plenty of do’s and don’ts when it comes to patio and decking cleaning, but don’t be daunted, because BC Profiles are here to answer your FAQs. 

How can I clean my patio without a pressure washer?

Cleaning a patio without a pressure washer is simple enough, it just requires a little more elbow grease. 

Instead of a pressure washer, you’re able to use a solution of warm water and soap; grab a bucket and add in some mild soap or detergent, mix for a few seconds until you see a foam form on the surface, pour the mixture onto the patio in stages and work away with a hard-bristled broom. 

Can I use bleach to clean a patio?

You are able to use bleach, however, you should not use a thick, full-strength bleach such as the likes used in toilets. Instead, purchase a thin bleach or dilute your standard bleach first in water before applying to the patio.

What is the best way to clean paving slabs?

Thankfully, the days of long soaking and lots of elbow grease are gone. These days, there are plenty of high-quality surface treatments and patio cleaners available that making cleaning your paving slabs incredibly effortless and easy.

How do I stop moss growing on my patio?

Preventing moss on patios is pretty straightforward, and the simplest method of ensuring your patio and paving is moss-free is to make sure it’s exposed to sunlight. 

Moss will not grow in dry, sunny environments, so the more you can do to provide this the better; remove dirt, leaves and debris regularly and avoid soaking the paving slabs. If you’re looking for a homemade moss-killer, try this bucket-based solution:

• 1 gallon of warm water 
• 1lb of salt 
• 1 tablespoon of vinegar
• Soap, enough to form a foam on the surface of the mixture

Can you clean decking with washing up liquid? 

Much like patios, you’re also able to use washing up liquid on decking. All that you need is a bucket, warm water and your washing up liquid; mix in the detergent for a few seconds until a foam forms on the surface of the water, this signals that there’s enough soap in the mixture to get the job done. 

How to clean decking rope

You’re also able to use a mild soap or a washing-up liquid solution to clean decking ropes too. 

Simply lay the ropes on the decking or a hard surface such as a path or driveway, scrub them with the soap solution and then rinse thoroughly with a garden hose or pressure washer before hanging up and leaving to dry. 

Don’t forget to browse our BC Profiles help & advice centre for more handy tips and how to’s, such as DIY patio landscaping and our must-read patio pointing guide.