Best cleaner for decking and patios please

[maxiewaxie]

Can anyone tell me the best cleaner to use on decking and patios or is a steam cleaner the best thing?

many thanks

[markysngc]

I would have said a pressure washer rather than a steam cleaner

[Jules001]

There is a review in the latest Which magazine. They say not to use a pressure washer on decking as this can lift the wood fibres and cause premature weathering. Their results said that Wickes Patio and Decking cleaner was the best tested.

[shylock73]

Pressure washers are ok for cleaning many things but I don`t asvise it on concrete as although it does clean it also takes off the `skin` that forms on concrete and you will find it will get dirtier again quicker than ever. They are fine for cleaning engines providing you cover the electrics, and I use mine for getting algea off trees and gates etc,etc.

[shylock73]

Sorry, I missed out the `d` in advise, 2nd row above.

[maxiewaxie]

Thanks very much, I'll try that.

[ethandron]

if it's just a general grubbiness, we use 'pathclear' on our block paved drive at the front, and patio area at the rear of the house. we've never used a pressure washer, this 'pathclear' brings it up like new and is very quick and easy to use. it's sachets of powder which you dilute with water in a watering can and sprinkle over the area to be treated. i don't know if you could use it on wooden decking though.

[condor66]

my hubbie uses hypochlorite which he buys from the local farm supplies store , it's brilliant . He dilutes it as stated on the contaainer and applies it with a sprayer.