How can you easily clean the patio?

Easy Terrace Cleaning

A clean patio and clean tiles make everyone happy. The whole garden looks so much better when the patio is sparkling again. However, cleaning the patio can be quite a chore: How can you clean the patio easily? What can you use for this (and what shouldn’t you use)? And when is the best time to clean your tiles? Here are our tips for a beautifully clean patio.

When should you clean your patio?

The best time to clean your pavers or patio is in the spring or early summer. As the days get longer, you’ll be spending more time outdoors again. Do you have major projects planned for your garden or flower beds? If so, wait a little while before cleaning—otherwise, you’ll end up having to do it twice… Cleaning your patio after major garden work is a great way to put the finishing touches on the project.

After the summer is also a good time to clean your patio or pavers. That way, your garden will be neat and tidy as it heads into fall and winter. Then all you’ll have to do is sweep up the leaves.

How can you easily clean your patio?

There are several ways to get your patio sparkling clean. Sweep the patio regularly to quickly remove leaves, spent flowers, twigs, soil, sand, and debris. Hosing down your patio with a garden hose is also an easy way to clean it quickly. Just make sure the water can drain properly; otherwise, a dirty streak will remain along the edge of your patio.

Scrubbing the patio

It’s a good idea to give your patio a thorough scrub at least once a year. This will help remove even stubborn dirt and green buildup from your patio and tiles. A thorough scrub like this can make a big difference, especially in the spring.

Keeping the patio clean

Did you give your patio a good scrub? Then give it a quick sweep every week to keep it looking clean. This little chore will help keep your patio looking nice and clean for a long time.

What's the easiest way to clean tiles?

Cleaning the patio isn't the easiest job in the garden. Nor is it the most fun. But it is one of the tasks that will make your garden sparkle again.

First, sweep up the dirt from your patio

Scrub the dirt off the tiles with (hot) water and a scrub brush

Rinse off the patio

What do you need to clean your patio tiles?

Stiff (scrub) brush or broom
A garden hose or buckets of (hot) water
Green soap or biodegradable patio cleaner
High-pressure washer*

First, use a broom or small brush to easily clear the patio of debris.

A stiff brush or scrub brush is ideal for removing stubborn dirt. If the dirt isn't too caked on, a stiff broom will work too.

Use hot water for best results. Dirt often comes off more easily with hot water. Use a garden hose to rinse the tiles.

In most cases, (hot) water combined with scrubbing is enough to remove all the dirt. Do you have a lot of green buildup or stubborn dirt? If so, you can try using a little green soap, biodegradable soap, or patio cleaner. Be sure to choose a truly organic product so that it doesn’t harm your plants.

* A pressure washer can help you clean your tiles. However, there is a risk of damaging the surface (which can become porous). You’ll also quickly wash the sand out of the patio’s grout lines, and you’ll end up using a lot of water. If you still want to use a pressure washer (because let’s be honest, it is convenient), set it to a wider and less powerful water stream. Keep a sufficient distance from the tiles.

It is best to avoid using soap or cleaning products; if desired, use a small amount of green soap or a biodegradable patio cleaner

Hose down the patio and tiles with water to clean them

What should you NOT USE to clean your patio?

(Fortunately) it’s becoming increasingly important to be mindful of the environment. Many cleaning products are anything but eco-friendly. So don’t use them (and definitely not outdoors)! Want to clean your patio in an eco-friendly way and prevent harmful substances from getting on your plants or polluting the soil? Be sure not to use these products:

Chlorine or bleach
All-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, kitchen cleaner, or bathroom cleaner
Vinegar or cleaning vinegar
Salt or baking soda
Non-organic or non-biodegradable patio cleaner

Are you going to clean the patio, too?

Don't forget to sit out on your sparkling-clean patio afterward and take a moment to enjoy it!