Patio Cleaning in Eaton Ford

Eaton Ford sits on the west bank of the Great Ouse, much of its housing is relatively modern and many gardens are fairly level. For a lot of owners here, the patio is less about entertaining and more about getting safely from the back door to the washing line, the shed or the car. A slippery surface on that route is a real concern.

Algae and moss reduce grip most on smooth surfaces. Porcelain, smooth concrete and worn sandstone can all become treacherous when a green film forms, particularly in winter when the sun barely reaches the ground. Ramps and gentle slopes are even more affected, as water runs down them and leaves silt and spores behind.

Cleaning these areas is about removing the film completely rather than just making them look brighter. We pre-treat the growth, wash with a rotary cleaner or by hand depending on the surface, and pay special attention to thresholds, ramp edges and the bottom of slopes where water collects.

• Porcelain gets a gentle wash and careful joint cleaning
• Sandstone gets low pressure and a lichen treatment if black spots are present
• Concrete slabs and paths take a firmer, even wash
• Brick or block ramps are cleaned without emptying the joints

Not too much pressure. A strong jet can roughen sandstone in a way that looks grippy but quickly fills with dirt and becomes slippery again. On joints, it can leave gaps that catch a walking stick or a wheel.

Huntingdonshire District Council is not involved in a routine patio clean, so there is no paperwork. If a ramp was installed with a grant or by a housing provider, though, it is worth checking whether they have their own maintenance arrangements.

Outside lights near the back door help too. A clean path is safer, but it still needs to be visible on dark winter evenings, so we will mention any spots that stay in shadow.