Autumn can be hard on UK patios. Damp weather, low sunlight, fallen sticks and growing algae can leave slabs looking dull, stained and worn. While professional cleaning services can restore paving, the cost and scheduling make them impractical for many homeowners.
Experts at Reclaimed Brick Company say there is a cheap and surprisingly effective alternative hiding in most kitchens. The secret weapon is cream of tartar, a common baking ingredient, that costs just pennies per use.
Cream of tartar is a mild, food-safe acid that can lift orange and brown stains from concrete, clay bricks and even many porcelain surfaces.
When mixed with a little water to form a paste, it sits on the stain, loosening rust and dirt so that a light scrub is enough to restore a cleaner look. Unlike stronger acids, it won’t burn the surface.
The process is straightforward. First, sweep and pre-wash the patio using warm water and a small amount of washing-up liquid to remove a thin film of dirt and algae.
Then, mix cream of tartar with water to create a paste roughly the thickness of toothpaste and dab it directly onto stained areas.
After 10 to 15 minutes, keeping the paste slightly damp, use a stiff nylon brush to scrub the spot in small circles. Finally, rinse thoroughly with clean water.
For particularly stubborn patches, Reclaimed Brick Company recommends repeating the treatment after a quick soapy pre-wash, always using a stiff brush rather than a soft broom. Working in daylight helps homeowners see the difference as the stain lifts.
Other low-cost kitchen items can also help keep patios looking their best. Options include soda water (£0.70 per litre), dishwasher tablets (£3.34 for 40 tablets), cheap cola (£0.80 for 2 litres), bicarbonate of soda (£0.59) and white vinegar (£0.30).
A spokesperson for Reclaimed Brick Company added that while these inexpensive fixes can lift stains effectively, regular upkeep is key to preventing long-term damage.
Light, frequent cleaning stops dirt, algae, and rust from embedding, protects joints, and keeps the surface looking even.
“The aim is to stay on top of small issues so they never turn into costly repairs,” the expert said.
With just a few pence and a little effort, homeowners can restore their patios and enjoy autumn outdoors without calling in professional cleaners.
