Your patio is both your personal relaxation sanctuary and a place to host family and friends. But, enjoying it to the fullest requires a bit of regular maintenance, given all the wear and tear it takes on from Mother Nature, spilled drinks and food, and more.
Cleaning patio with sodium hypochlorite is one of the easiest ways to tackle this task, making quick work of stubborn stains that have taken up residency on your slabs. We’ll show you how to use sodium hypochlorite on patio below so you can restore the surface to pristine condition.
From the proper sodium hypochlorite mix ratio for patio to how long to leave sodium hypochlorite on patio, we’ll cover everything you need to know - including where to get the best sodium hypochlorite patio cleaner in the UK. Look no further than Jennychem.
Our patio cleaner collection features two different strengths (10% and 15%) so you can tailor your application accordingly. We also have more targeted black spot removers, timber brighteners, and more to help you breathe fresh life into your outdoor spaces. Shop now!
Why Cleaning Patio With Sodium Hypochlorite Works So Well
A clean, bright patio can transform the look of your outdoor space and ensure you enjoy it to the fullest. Unfortunately, organic growth like algae, moss, lichen, and mildew can take hold over time, leaving surfaces stained, slippery, and unsightly.
So what does sodium hypochlorite do that makes it such an effective solution? This powerful oxidiser is more commonly used as a disinfectant and bleaching agent. You might know it more by its household name, bleach. But it can do more than clean bathtubs and toilets.
Cleaning patio with sodium hypochlorite helps break down organic matter at a chemical level, killing micro-organisms and loosening dirt and biological stains for easy rinsing. Here’s what makes it a good homemade patio cleaner.
Why It’s Effective on Organic Growth
Scrubbing or pressure washing alone won’t cut it for most patio cleaning tasks because you’re only addressing the dirt and grime on the surface of your patio.
In contrast, sodium hypochlorite works deep into the pores of your patio slabs, killing algae, lichen, and moss at their roots. These resilient organisms are often deeply embedded in porous stone or concrete, so it takes a tougher approach to fully eradicate them.
Sodium hypochlorite’s biocidal properties penetrate the surface pores to destroy spores and prevent regrowth for longer. It’s one of the best choices if you need a patio algae remover or are trying to address black spots on patio.
The best part? It’s faster and less physically demanding than other approaches like pressure washing, and you won’t have to worry about inadvertently etching the stone with excess force.
It’s also gentler than acidic cleaners so it works well on delicate surfaces like limestone, as it won’t dissolve the stone’s minerals. You’re left with a patio that looks as good as the day it was built. At least, most of the time…
Where Not to Use It
Sodium hypochlorite patio cleaner is a powerful choice for many situations - not all, though. It can damage nearby plants and lawns if not properly contained, and it may alter coloured or sealed surfaces. It’s also unsuitable for use on wood or certain metals.
So, make sure you’ve done your due diligence into the material of your patio slabs first and foremost. The last thing you want is to cause more harm than good. On that note, it’s also important to follow the proper sodium hypochlorite mix ratio for patio cleaning.
What’s the Ideal Sodium Hypochlorite Mix Ratio for Patio Cleaning?
Sodium hypochlorite is a potent chemical that works at surprisingly low concentrations when cleaning porous outdoor surfaces. Overly concentrated solutions not only waste product but can also cause uneven bleaching, surface damage, or harm to nearby lawns and flowerbeds.
There’s a fine line to be struck here. Too strong, and you risk damaging surfaces or surrounding plants; too weak, and it probably won’t completely remove embedded stains and organic growth.
A 5-10% sodium hypochlorite solution is typically the sweet spot for most standard stone, concrete, or slab patios. However, many commercial products are supplied at 10-15% concentration and should be diluted accordingly. Here’s some guidance:
- Light growth and general maintenance cleaning: Mix at 1 part sodium hypochlorite to 5-7 parts water.
- Heavy soiling or stubborn black spots: Mix at 1 part sodium hypochlorite to 3-4 parts water
It’s also important to know that when getting the optimal sodium hypochlorite mix ratio for patio cleaning, you need to use cold water. Heat can diminish the product's effectiveness.
Always perform a spot test on a discreet area of the patio first, even with these recommended ratios. Apply the diluted solution, let it dwell for a few minutes, then rinse and inspect once dry. You’ll know you’re safe to apply it fully if you don’t see any discolouration or streaking.
That said, let’s get into how to use sodium hypochlorite on patio slabs below!
How to Use Sodium Hypochlorite on Patio Slabs
Sodium hypochlorite is one of the most effective solutions for restoring the look of weathered patio slabs, but you need to apply it with care to avoid causing more harm than good. Here’s how to use sodium hypochlorite on patio slabs.
Preparation and Safety Precautions
Start by preparing the area and protecting yourself. Sodium hypochlorite is a strong oxidising agent and can harm skin, eyes, plants, and even clothing if mishandled. So always handle it with gloves.
Remove any furniture, pots, and any items from that patio that could be damaged or get in the way of thorough cleaning. Sweep the slabs to remove loose debris like leaves and soil, which can otherwise trap the cleaner unevenly.
Make sure the area is well ventilated and keep pets and children away until the patio is dry again. You should already have your product diluted per the proper sodium hypochlorite mix ratio for patio cleaning. Then, the real fun begins!
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Here’s how to use patio cleaner, step by step:
- Rinse and wet the patio. Lightly dampen the slabs with water before application to help the solution spread evenly and prevent excessive absorption into dry, porous stone.
- Apply the cleaner evenly. Use a low-pressure sprayer to evenly coat the slabs with the diluted sodium hypochlorite. Work methodically across sections to avoid missing areas.
- Work into the surface if needed. Address heavy algae or lichen growth with a stiff brush. Gently agitating the surface after applying the cleaner helps the solution penetrate deeper and dislodge stubborn growth.
- Allow to dwell (see below). Let the cleaner sit on the surface for the appropriate dwell time to fully neutralise organic matter. We’ll talk more specifically about how long to leave sodium hypochlorite on patio in a moment.
- Rinse thoroughly. Once the dwell time has passed, rinse the entire patio thoroughly with clean water, using a hose or pressure washer on a low setting to wash away residue.
There you have it, how to use sodium hypochlorite on patio! Work in cool, dry conditions if possible as sunlight or hot weather can cause the solution to evaporate too quickly, leading to uneven cleaning.
Apply in overlapping passes to avoid streaks or missed patches, and make sure you’re not letting the solution pool excessively in low spots. Redistribute it with a brush if necessary.
How Long to Leave Sodium Hypochlorite on Patio
We mentioned you need to let the solution sit on your patio surface for a bit to work its magic, but understanding how long to leave sodium hypochlorite on patio is more important than most people realise.
Rushing the rinse step can leave behind stains or allow moss and algae spores to survive. On the other hand, leaving it on too long risks drying and leaving white chalky marks or damaging the stone. So like the ideal sodium hypochlorite mix ratio for patio, there’s a fine line here.
A dwell time of 10-20 minutes is optimal in most cases, but it all depends on how dirty the patio is and the weather. It may need a bit longer in cooler, damp weather, while it could dry a little quicker in warm, sunny days.
Keep an eye on it, as there’s no exact science here. You just want the surface to stay wet throughout this period to ensure uniform action. You’ll notice the green algae and black marks starting to lift and fade visibly during the dwell time. It’s ready to rinse when most of the visible growth has turned a pale colour or detached from the surface.
Get the Best Sodium Hypochlorite Patio Cleaner at Jennychem!
The only thing left to do now that you know how to use sodium hypochlorite on patio slabs is set yourself up for success with the best patio cleaner UK homeowners and businesses have access to, exclusively at Jennychem.
You gain access to both 10% sodium hypochlorite and 14-15% sodium hypochlorite, each available in sizes ranging from 5 LT to 1,000 LT. We also have more tailored formulations for specific challenges, be it brightening dull timber or addressing black spots.
Jennychem has been the UK’s trusted choice for all things chemical cleaning since 1985. You’ll enjoy world-class customer service every step of the way, too, so what are you waiting for? Stock up today and get the #1 sodium hypochlorite patio cleaner!
Bringing Our Sodium Hypochlorite Patio Cleaner Guide to a Close
We hope this sodium hypochlorite patio cleaner guide has left you feeling clear in how to use sodium hypochlorite on patio slabs. It’s a powerful way to tackle stubborn organic growth and restore your patio’s original finish - you just need to use it correctly and safely.
From how long to leave sodium hypochlorite on patio to the proper sodium hypochlorite mix ratio for patio, you’re now ready to get started! We have more tips on how to clean patio with pressure washer in our blog if you’re interested.
But with the best sodium hypochlorite patio cleaner waiting for you in our online storefront, it’s time to stock up on the essentials at Jennychem and return your patio to its original, pristine lustre!
Your patio is both your personal relaxation sanctuary and a place to host family and friends. But, enjoying it to the fullest requires a bit of regular maintenance, given all the wear and tear it takes on from Mother Nature, spilled drinks and food, and more.
Cleaning patio with sodium hypochlorite is one of the easiest ways to tackle this task, making quick work of stubborn stains that have taken up residency on your slabs. We’ll show you how to use sodium hypochlorite on patio below so you can restore the surface to pristine condition.
From the proper sodium hypochlorite mix ratio for patio to how long to leave sodium hypochlorite on patio, we’ll cover everything you need to know - including where to get the best sodium hypochlorite patio cleaner in the UK. Look no further than Jennychem.
Our patio cleaner collection features two different strengths (10% and 15%) so you can tailor your application accordingly. We also have more targeted black spot removers, timber brighteners, and more to help you breathe fresh life into your outdoor spaces. Shop now!
Why Cleaning Patio With Sodium Hypochlorite Works So Well
A clean, bright patio can transform the look of your outdoor space and ensure you enjoy it to the fullest. Unfortunately, organic growth like algae, moss, lichen, and mildew can take hold over time, leaving surfaces stained, slippery, and unsightly.
So what does sodium hypochlorite do that makes it such an effective solution? This powerful oxidiser is more commonly used as a disinfectant and bleaching agent. You might know it more by its household name, bleach. But it can do more than clean bathtubs and toilets.
Cleaning patio with sodium hypochlorite helps break down organic matter at a chemical level, killing micro-organisms and loosening dirt and biological stains for easy rinsing. Here’s what makes it a good homemade patio cleaner.
Why It’s Effective on Organic Growth
Scrubbing or pressure washing alone won’t cut it for most patio cleaning tasks because you’re only addressing the dirt and grime on the surface of your patio.
In contrast, sodium hypochlorite works deep into the pores of your patio slabs, killing algae, lichen, and moss at their roots. These resilient organisms are often deeply embedded in porous stone or concrete, so it takes a tougher approach to fully eradicate them.
Sodium hypochlorite’s biocidal properties penetrate the surface pores to destroy spores and prevent regrowth for longer. It’s one of the best choices if you need a patio algae remover or are trying to address black spots on patio.
The best part? It’s faster and less physically demanding than other approaches like pressure washing, and you won’t have to worry about inadvertently etching the stone with excess force.
It’s also gentler than acidic cleaners so it works well on delicate surfaces like limestone, as it won’t dissolve the stone’s minerals. You’re left with a patio that looks as good as the day it was built. At least, most of the time…
Where Not to Use It
Sodium hypochlorite patio cleaner is a powerful choice for many situations - not all, though. It can damage nearby plants and lawns if not properly contained, and it may alter coloured or sealed surfaces. It’s also unsuitable for use on wood or certain metals.
So, make sure you’ve done your due diligence into the material of your patio slabs first and foremost. The last thing you want is to cause more harm than good. On that note, it’s also important to follow the proper sodium hypochlorite mix ratio for patio cleaning.
What’s the Ideal Sodium Hypochlorite Mix Ratio for Patio Cleaning?
Sodium hypochlorite is a potent chemical that works at surprisingly low concentrations when cleaning porous outdoor surfaces. Overly concentrated solutions not only waste product but can also cause uneven bleaching, surface damage, or harm to nearby lawns and flowerbeds.
There’s a fine line to be struck here. Too strong, and you risk damaging surfaces or surrounding plants; too weak, and it probably won’t completely remove embedded stains and organic growth.
A 5-10% sodium hypochlorite solution is typically the sweet spot for most standard stone, concrete, or slab patios. However, many commercial products are supplied at 10-15% concentration and should be diluted accordingly. Here’s some guidance:
- Light growth and general maintenance cleaning: Mix at 1 part sodium hypochlorite to 5-7 parts water.
- Heavy soiling or stubborn black spots: Mix at 1 part sodium hypochlorite to 3-4 parts water
It’s also important to know that when getting the optimal sodium hypochlorite mix ratio for patio cleaning, you need to use cold water. Heat can diminish the product's effectiveness.
Always perform a spot test on a discreet area of the patio first, even with these recommended ratios. Apply the diluted solution, let it dwell for a few minutes, then rinse and inspect once dry. You’ll know you’re safe to apply it fully if you don’t see any discolouration or streaking.
That said, let’s get into how to use sodium hypochlorite on patio slabs below!
How to Use Sodium Hypochlorite on Patio Slabs
Sodium hypochlorite is one of the most effective solutions for restoring the look of weathered patio slabs, but you need to apply it with care to avoid causing more harm than good. Here’s how to use sodium hypochlorite on patio slabs.
Preparation and Safety Precautions
Start by preparing the area and protecting yourself. Sodium hypochlorite is a strong oxidising agent and can harm skin, eyes, plants, and even clothing if mishandled. So always handle it with gloves.
Remove any furniture, pots, and any items from that patio that could be damaged or get in the way of thorough cleaning. Sweep the slabs to remove loose debris like leaves and soil, which can otherwise trap the cleaner unevenly.
Make sure the area is well ventilated and keep pets and children away until the patio is dry again. You should already have your product diluted per the proper sodium hypochlorite mix ratio for patio cleaning. Then, the real fun begins!
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Here’s how to use patio cleaner, step by step:
- Rinse and wet the patio. Lightly dampen the slabs with water before application to help the solution spread evenly and prevent excessive absorption into dry, porous stone.
- Apply the cleaner evenly. Use a low-pressure sprayer to evenly coat the slabs with the diluted sodium hypochlorite. Work methodically across sections to avoid missing areas.
- Work into the surface if needed. Address heavy algae or lichen growth with a stiff brush. Gently agitating the surface after applying the cleaner helps the solution penetrate deeper and dislodge stubborn growth.
- Allow to dwell (see below). Let the cleaner sit on the surface for the appropriate dwell time to fully neutralise organic matter. We’ll talk more specifically about how long to leave sodium hypochlorite on patio in a moment.
- Rinse thoroughly. Once the dwell time has passed, rinse the entire patio thoroughly with clean water, using a hose or pressure washer on a low setting to wash away residue.
There you have it, how to use sodium hypochlorite on patio! Work in cool, dry conditions if possible as sunlight or hot weather can cause the solution to evaporate too quickly, leading to uneven cleaning.
Apply in overlapping passes to avoid streaks or missed patches, and make sure you’re not letting the solution pool excessively in low spots. Redistribute it with a brush if necessary.
How Long to Leave Sodium Hypochlorite on Patio
We mentioned you need to let the solution sit on your patio surface for a bit to work its magic, but understanding how long to leave sodium hypochlorite on patio is more important than most people realise.
Rushing the rinse step can leave behind stains or allow moss and algae spores to survive. On the other hand, leaving it on too long risks drying and leaving white chalky marks or damaging the stone. So like the ideal sodium hypochlorite mix ratio for patio, there’s a fine line here.
A dwell time of 10-20 minutes is optimal in most cases, but it all depends on how dirty the patio is and the weather. It may need a bit longer in cooler, damp weather, while it could dry a little quicker in warm, sunny days.
Keep an eye on it, as there’s no exact science here. You just want the surface to stay wet throughout this period to ensure uniform action. You’ll notice the green algae and black marks starting to lift and fade visibly during the dwell time. It’s ready to rinse when most of the visible growth has turned a pale colour or detached from the surface.
Get the Best Sodium Hypochlorite Patio Cleaner at Jennychem!
The only thing left to do now that you know how to use sodium hypochlorite on patio slabs is set yourself up for success with the best patio cleaner UK homeowners and businesses have access to, exclusively at Jennychem.
You gain access to both 10% sodium hypochlorite and 14-15% sodium hypochlorite, each available in sizes ranging from 5 LT to 1,000 LT. We also have more tailored formulations for specific challenges, be it brightening dull timber or addressing black spots.
Jennychem has been the UK’s trusted choice for all things chemical cleaning since 1985. You’ll enjoy world-class customer service every step of the way, too, so what are you waiting for? Stock up today and get the #1 sodium hypochlorite patio cleaner!
Bringing Our Sodium Hypochlorite Patio Cleaner Guide to a Close
We hope this sodium hypochlorite patio cleaner guide has left you feeling clear in how to use sodium hypochlorite on patio slabs. It’s a powerful way to tackle stubborn organic growth and restore your patio’s original finish - you just need to use it correctly and safely.
From how long to leave sodium hypochlorite on patio to the proper sodium hypochlorite mix ratio for patio, you’re now ready to get started! We have more tips on how to clean patio with pressure washer in our blog if you’re interested.
But with the best sodium hypochlorite patio cleaner waiting for you in our online storefront, it’s time to stock up on the essentials at Jennychem and return your patio to its original, pristine lustre!