Two weeks is better. The marks on ther slabs are probably just a thin smear and will wear away when walked on. When they fully dry they will go very pale. Good advice from piglet.
To clean smaller surfaces areas, pH-neutral soap, a little water, and a brush are suitable. If you want to clean larger areas of natural stone efficiently, you can reach for the electric patio cleaner or work with the pressure washer and a surface cleaner.
Use a detergent such as Dawn or Ajax dishwashing liquid mixed with water to brighten a concrete patio that hasn't been cleaned in a while. Just as you would regularly vacuum the floor and dust your furniture inside your house, you should keep your patio clean so it's ready at a moment's notice to entertain.
Once complete, leave the mortar to dry for at least 48 hours. If bad weather is forecast after your paving slabs have been laid, cover the patio with a tarpaulin to protect against rain and wait until a dry day to finish your project.
Use a pressure washer for deeper dirt removal If your patio is covered in hard to remove stains such as algae and moss build-up, you may want to opt for a power washer. Larger patio sizes may also mean a pressure washer is the easier option. Any weeds growing through should ideally be removed by hand.
Squirt a small amount of washing-up liquid into the bucket and fill with warm water, ensuring there are enough soap suds. 2. Start in the corners of the patio and splash a little water and scrub with the brush. The dirt and debris should start to lift.
One of the best things for household stains is white vinegar, and the same can be said for how it targets stubborn garden dirt. This eco-friendly solution is made up of equal parts vinegar and water, which is then left to soak into the patio to correct any discolouration and also remove tough marks.
Use Bleach
But that's not all; chlorine bleach can also be used for cleaning the concrete driveway. Of course, you should dilute it with equal parts of water or a 1:1 ratio. With the mixture ready, spray it on the driveway, allowing it to sit for 10 minutes. Then, use a stiff brush before rinsing with clean water.
Experts say they can do the trick for the patio as well. 'You can remove black spots easily from patios in an eco-friendly, low-cost way, with white vinegar,' says Laura Harnett, Founder, Seep. 'It has antifungal and antibacterial properties and will also stop the mould or lichen growing back.
Do I need to seal my patio and pavers? By using a patio sealant, you can help protect your paving stones from stains such as dirt and oils, plus give it a UV resistance to help maintain the natural stone colours.
You can use a pressure washer on wooden decking, stones or brick paved patios which are bound together with concrete. However, we don't recommend using it to clean a block-paved patio, as it will simply wash away all the sand and dirt which binds the bricks together.
Don't walk on them
That's generally between 24 to 48 hours. If they're stepped on before that, they're liable to move - which not only affect the appearance of your lovely patio, but the safety of it as well, since uneven slabs might pose a tripping hazard.
Don't use bleach to clean patios
However, we advise against this as it could potentially discolour and ruin your patio slabs." Rowan said many other cleaning solutions can be used that are far less harmful than bleach. Clean water or soapy water, for example, can be used to clean patios.
If you want to get the most out of your new patio for the year, you're best off getting to work closer to the beginning of the year - around April. This way, your new outdoor space will be ready to enjoy during the warmer months.
If rain happens when the job is already done, then all you can do is sit back and hope for the best. The good news is that most patios can withstand a bit of rain, provided they have been properly installed.
Maintenance and Reapplication
Many experts agree that concrete flooring should be sealed every 2-5 years, in order to preserve and protect your floor. Of course, the amount of time between sealant application can depend on many different circumstances. Only you know how much your floor can endure between applications.
The classic and easiest method is to wash your paving slabs with warm water mixed with dish soap, rubbing it in with a brush before rinsing it with water and allowing it to dry fully.
In fact, vinegar removes mold from concrete better than bleach. Bleach will only remove the top layer of mold, causing the mold to return.