Your patio is a place to relax and unwind after a long day or make memories with family and friends. The combination of constant use and exposure to the elements means regular cleaning is key to keeping the space hygienic and enjoyable.
Investing in the best patio cleaner in the UK is an excellent step in the right direction, but knowing how to use patio cleaner is the other half of the battle. So, how long do you leave patio cleaner?
We’ll talk about why dwell time matters and share best practices to reveal a brilliant, like-new shine on your patio slabs. How long to leave patio cleaner will vary from product to product which is why reading the manufacturer guidelines is your best bet.
For example, our most popular Patio & Driveway Cleaner should be left for 5-10 minutes before manual agitation or blasting away with a pressure washer. On the other hand, our Sodium Hypochlorite should be left a bit longer for 10-15 minutes.
Either way, starting with a high-quality cleaning solution sets you up for success in bringing out your patio’s full potential. So, shop at Jennychem today and learn more about cleaning below!
Let’s start with the basics - how does patio cleaner work? These solutions contain enzymes or alkaline ingredients that loosen and ultimately break the bonds that certain messes can have on your patio materials.
From moss and algae to spills and dirt, these can become deep-seated within the pores of your patio materials. Typical soap solutions and manual scrubbing are often not enough to remove them - and even when it does work, it’s very time-consuming and exhausting.
But, giving the right ingredients a bit of time to work their magic can allow you to effortlessly blast them away with a pressure washer after the fact. Or, simply use a scrub brush and watch as the grime is eliminated with each pass.
Either way, proper dwell time essentially influences how well your cleaner works and how easily it works. However, more time to dwell isn’t always better. In fact, there’s a sweet spot where the ingredients can do their job without adversely affecting the patio.
If you leave the patio cleaner too long it could lead to damage on the surface. For instance, acid-based cleaners can start to etch or discolour certain types of stone or concrete if left too long.
So, how long do you leave patio cleaner to avoid this while still enjoying an efficient, effective cleaning result? The last thing you want is to do more harm than good as you attempt to bring your patio back to life. Fortunately, we’re here to help you find the perfect dwell time.
As we said from the start, there’s not necessarily a one-size-fits-all answer for how long to leave patio cleaner. We need to look at a few factors influencing the optimal dwell time:
The best way to know for sure how long you should leave your patio cleaner to works its magic is by assessing the manufacturer’s recommendation. These are typically available directly on the packaging to eliminate any guesswork. Here are some standard guidelines:
When in doubt, reach out if you purchased your patio cleaner here at Jennychem. Our world-class customer service is part of what keeps our customers coming back for more, so don’t hesitate to get in touch for personalised guidance!
Before we wrap up this guide on how long to leave patio cleaner we want to offer a few more tips on making the most of your cleaning efforts so you can enjoy your outdoor space to the fullest.
Take the time to clear your patio of any furniture, potted plants, and other items that could lead to missed spots or get in the way of a more efficient clean.
Then, use a stiff-bristled broom to sweep away loose debris like leaves, dirt, and small stones. This prevents these materials from interfering with the cleaning process.
Even if you have some of the ingredients on hand, we don’t recommend bothering with a DIY homemade patio cleaner. Not only can this be a waste of time for tougher stains, but it may end up causing more harm than good if you don’t carefully formulate the ingredients.
Instead, invest in a high-quality patio cleaner that’s compatible with your specific patio material - whether it’s concrete, stone, brick, or tile.
Here at Jennychem, you can find everything from specially formulated patio cleaners to good ol’ sodium hypochlorite, black spot remover, BAC disinfectants, fragranced softwashes, and more.
We’re your trusted choice for all your chemical cleaning needs, so browse our catalogue and discover the perfect solution for your specific patio. Once you have it, make sure to follow the guidelines for dilution and application.
Using a high-quality industrial pressure washer or cold water pressure washer for residential applications can supercharge your cleaning productivity and lead to better results. They blast away tough grime in a manner that a simple garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle cannot.
If you don’t already have one, our selection of Kranzle pressure washers is an excellent choice. These are among the most durable, reliable machines across the entire UK. We have small-scale solutions and large-scale commercial offerings alike, so consider upgrading today.
In terms of actually using the pressure washer, hold the nozzle about 30 cm from the surface to avoid damaging the material. Clean the patio in even, overlapping strokes for thorough coverage.
We have a more thorough guide on how to clean patio slabs with a pressure washer if you’re interested. This is the best way to save time while ensuring better results.
If you choose the right cleaner and let it sit long enough, manual agitation is rarely necessary. However, certain types of stains can be very difficult to remove if they’re left long enough to form a strong bond on the patio surface.
So, you may need to use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the surface after letting the patio cleaner dwell long enough. Pay extra attention to heavily soiled areas or spots with moss and algae growth.
Rinse the patio with clean water after cleaning to remove any remaining residue. This prevents potential damage from lingering chemicals that could form a film on the surface.
Check the surface for any damage that may have been uncovered during cleaning. Address any issues promptly to maintain the patio’s integrity.
You may even consider applying a sealer to protect the surface from future staining and weather damage. This can also make future cleaning easier!
So, how long do you leave patio cleaner on a surface to work its magic? In summary, the dwell time cannot be taken lightly as it influences both results and safety of the surface.
Take your time to read the guidelines of any product you intend to use. It should be accompanied by clear instructions for how long to leave patio cleaner.
These tips, paired with our other advice on cleaning the patio effectively, should leave you confident in bring your patio back to life.
Whether you’re looking for the best driveway cleaner or patio cleaner or the best heavy-duty pressure washer in the UK, Jennychem has you covered with proven solutions. We also have the pressure washing equipment you need for the most comprehensive cleaning regimen.
Shop our selection or reach out for a personalised recommendation, we’re happy to point you in the right direction so you can restore your patio to its original beauty and enjoy it to the fullest!
