Homeowners across Britain regularly reach for pressure washers to tackle stubborn patio weeds, but a leading paving specialist has issued a stark warning against this popular practice.
While these powerful cleaning tools might deliver instant gratification, Dr Jonathan Kirby warned GB News that it might just be causing significant damage to your beloved outdoor surfaces.
"A common patio cleaning method is to use a pressure washer but put it down!" the expert told GB News, railing against the conventional wisdom about garden maintenance.
Frequent pressure washing can lead to several serious issues that compromise patio integrity, as Jonathan warned: "They can produce impressive results, but frequent use can cause long-term problems such as surface erosion, damage weak points in the slab and destroy mortar joints."
Instead of copping out by using mechanical force, manual effort is recommended
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These structural problems create ideal conditions for future infestations. "And this leaves the surface more likely to suffer from biological and weed growth issues in the future," he added.
The damage extends beyond mere aesthetics, potentially requiring costly repairs and creating an ongoing cycle of deterioration that makes garden maintenance increasingly difficult.
Instead of deploying the garden tool, Jonathan outlined a more effective approach for maintaining pristine patios without causing damage. He explained: "We'd recommend first pulling out larger weeds and then leaving a patio cleaner on the surface for 24 hours."
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Instead of copping out by using mechanical force, manual effort is recommended, as Jonathan urged to "use a wet stiff brush to loosen any stubborn patches of mould, algae and dirt, before washing away the debris".
Accentuating the importance of prevention, he added: "To make your life easier in the future, you should waterproof the surface since weeds and biological growth need moisture to grow, and it's a simple step maintenance step."
The expert further recommended using "a patio weatherproofing cream" which "creates a waterproof barrier without changing its appearance and by keeping it dry and helping to prevent growth".
Ridding your patio of pesky weeds can bit a 'chore', gardening connoisseur told GB News
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Founder of Harrod Horticultural Stephanie Harrod emphasised the importance of regular maintenance. "Getting rid of patio weeds can be a bit of a chore, but staying consistent really is key," she told GB News.
She advocated for traditional methods combined with proper equipment, arguing that "the most effective method is usually a combination of hand weeding and using the right tools - something like a patio knife or wire brush really helps to dig out roots from between paving cracks".
"The trick is catching them early before they properly establish themselves," Stephanie added.
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