Better Than Pressure Washers: 2 Easy Ways to Clean Your Deck

Good news, you don't need special equipment to clean your terrace, assure the experts.

After months of strong wind, rain and winter dirt, patio tiles and coverings have lost their shine. With the arrival of good spring weather, it is time to clean your terrace to fully enjoy your outdoor space. But if you don't have a pressure washer, don't panic: Flooring experts have shared two solutions for removing dirt, debris and algae using common household products.

Indeed, contrary to what one might think, you do not need sophisticated products to clean a terrace without a high pressure cleaner. In fact, one of the most effective patio cleaning products is good old dishwashing liquid mixed with hot water. What you need: dishwashing liquid, hot water, a bucket, a stiff brush, and that's it.

Pour a small amount of dishwashing liquid into the bucket and fill it with hot water. Make sure there is enough foam. Sprinkle a little water in the corners of the terrace and scrub with the brush. Dirt and debris will begin to lift off. The trick is to scrub diagonally to avoid damaging the seals while cleaning. Repeat until the entire deck is covered in liquid and clean. You may need to replace the water bucket if you have a large deck to clean. Drain the dirty water by rinsing it with a garden hose or sweeping it to a drainage point. Check the joints between the tiles. If any gaskets have come loose during cleaning, repair the holes. Let the terrace dry completely, then replace any garden furniture and pots.

Another method is to clean your patio with white vinegar. It is ideal for tough cleaning tasks, so it's the perfect choice for cleaning a very dirty patio or removing dirt from busy outdoor areas. Note, however, that you should not use this method on limestone coatings, as the acid will permanently damage their surface.

What you need: white vinegar, hot water, bucket, stiff brush. In a bucket, mix white vinegar and hot water in a 1:1 ratio. For heavily soiled patio tiles or areas with stubborn stains, add more vinegar to the solution. Pour the solution onto the patio – you may need several buckets if the area is large – and let the vinegar sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Clean up the vinegar solution with soapy water.

It is recommended to clean the patio once a year, and some regular maintenance will maintain a consistent clean finish throughout the year. It is also advisable to sweep the patio tiles regularly, especially during the fall months, as this will prevent leaves from accumulating and potentially discoloring or staining the tiles.