Hey everyone, I hope the week is being kind to you all. As you can see from the title, I’m going to educate us all on how we can get rid of the weeds on my patio. Mine looks awful, and if you’re still reading, I’m guessing yours is the same.
The worst thing about a patio or driveway is the weeds that grow in the joints. At the beginning of spring every year most people have the same problem. I know… you didn’t quite get around to clearing the patio before the winter kicked in and weeds don’t seem to care about it being winter, they just wait for the start of spring and start growing again.
It’s frustrating and hard work… So, for us all today, I’m going to cover:
- Items you will need before you start.
- How to get rid of the weeds from your patio?
- How to prevent the weeds from returning.
- Important things to consider when starting the removal of weeds.
Now removing the weeds on my patio is one that I struggle with, so I’m hoping I can find ways to make getting rid of the weeds easier for you and me.
1. Items you will need before you start to remove the weeds from your patio:
- Weeding tool or knife.
- Salt, white wine vinegar, and baking soda. (Your choice)
- Plastic bottle
- Pressure washer
2. How to get rid of the weeds from your patio?
I found some tricks and some very helpful ways to get rid of the weeds from your patio.
I’ve chosen the ones I think you could do, with items we may have to hand.
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Tip 1 – Hot and Cold Water
Did you know weeds will become looser if the patio is slightly wet? So, as we live in a country that does rain, we can wait for a wet day or, if you don’t have the patients like me, you can hose it down slightly.
Even better, use hot water straight onto the established weeds. It will kill the root and make it easier to remove.
Then you get your weeding tool, or if you don’t have one, a knife will do, pulling it along the edges of the affected slabs. They should be more manageable, but you may have a few stubborn areas that need a little force.
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Tip 2 – With Vinegar
Mix in a plastic bottle half vinegar and half water. You can add some salt or baking soda if you want.
Remove the top leafy parts of the weeds first, and then pour the mixture on the cracks where there are weeds.
Leave for 24 hours and remove using a weeding tool or knife.
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Tip 3 – Pressure washer
So, most people currently have a pressure washer. Most people but me, however, my daughter does, so I shall borrow hers.
Pressure washing is a great way to get rid of the weeds from your patio. If you have one, it’s time to get it ready as the fun is about to start. (this is a wet job, so pick a nice warm day and let the fun begin!)
Remove as much of the top leaves again and then start to spray the affected areas.
First, spray the whole patio with water to get the area wet. Then keep the nozzle as close as you can and spray again. The pressure should start to lift the weeds out of the gaps.
3. Prevent the weeds from returning to your patio:
Regularly using the methods outlined in ‘Tip 2: With vinegar’ will help prevent the weeds from returning.
An even better way would be to remove all the weeds you can, clean them carefully with a pressure washer or even by hand with a weeding tool, and then re-add sand to all the gaps.
We would use dried Kiln sand, but I have also read that polymeric sand is good.
Not only is it an effective way to keep them at bay for longer, but it also makes them look new and fresh after cleaning.
4. Important things to consider when starting the removal of weeds from your patio:
- Using cleaning solutions or a pressure washer to clean the slabs can damage grass and plants.
- Using the hot water method, because of the heat, can damage grass or flowers similarly.
- Hot water can also harm insects if poured on them, so it isn’t wildlife-friendly.
- The vinegar, salt, and baking soda method harm plants and grass, so avoid doing anywhere near the edge.
- Also, the vinegar, salt, and baking soda will work on young perennial weeds and even annual plants but will struggle with problematic matured areas.
- Avoid using red kinds of vinegar as they can stain you can stain your patio; white wine is the best one to use.
So, I’m hoping this has helped us all!
The way to get rid of the weeds on your patio, I can’t wait to get started.
I’m so excited to have a new garden table and chairs on my patio and not have a wobbly table or chairs!
A short Video showing how we care for your patio:
These blogs will help you if you’re looking for a professional to help you when spring comes around!
Need help finding a patio and driveway cleaning company near you? Check this article out:
If you would like to compare companies or just check out our reviews, this will help:
The cost may come in handy for next spring, so check this out:
For further advice or information on our Carpet and Soft Furnishing care, please do not hesitate to contact the Art of Clean team on 01223 901551 in Cambridge. Our services include Carpet Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning, oriental and area Rug Cleaning, Curtain Cleaning, Patio, and Driveway Pressure washing, Leather Cleaning, Stone and Tile Floor Cleaning, and Wood Floor Sanding and Restoration. We also supply new flooring and carpets through our sister company Art of Flooring. Our Dry-Cleaning service is provided by Farthings Cambridge
Written by Tracey Gilbey, Marketing Coordinator