Tips&TricksUnlocking spring clean secrets: Vinegar and cola to revive paving stones

Unlocking spring clean secrets: Vinegar and cola to revive paving stones

Cleaning paved stones after a long winter can give you a headache. Fortunately, you don't always have to exert much effort to restore them to their original state. You need to know the right techniques. The most effective cleaning agent might surprise you.

paving block
paving block
Images source: © Adobe Stock

3 April 2024 16:22

The ideal time for tidying up the household surroundings usually coincides with the first hints of spring. During this period, we aim to clean the driveway and all paths or walkways constructed with tiles or paving stones – eliminating all the dirt, moss, and stains accumulated during the harsh winter months. This task can prove challenging, so it's advisable to tackle it wisely. We aim to achieve the best results with minimal effort.

how to clean paving stones? Slowly and with purpose

Before thoroughly cleaning, it is crucial to remove all leaves, branches, and other debris from the paving stones' surface. A leaf blower is ideal, but a simple broom will suffice. Next, we rinse the stones with water using a garden hose—this action moistens the surface and dissolves lighter dirt.

While it is possible to wash the stones with special detergents sold in stores, it's not necessary to spend extra money. The most efficient cleaning solution is likely already in our homes.

Home remedies are the best – you have them in your kitchen

Our kitchens hide many proven cleaning agents for various surfaces. Diluted vinegar with water (in a 1:2 ratio) can effectively tackle paving stone stains. Spray it on the paving and wait for the results – moss or greasy marks will vanish before your eyes.

Undiluted vinegar can be used for particularly stubborn stains, but it is advisable not to place plants near the stain, as vinegar can harm them. However, vinegar isn't the only option. Another very effective liquid, commonly found in kitchens, can address the issue even faster.

Not just for drinking – cola excellently removes stains

Cola is a commonly enjoyed drink with a surprisingly versatile application. It's known for its enjoyable taste, but thanks to phosphoric acid's presence, it can also aid in stain removal. The process is straightforward: just take a bottle and evenly pour the cola over the paved surface. Allow the cola to sit for about 10-15 minutes. As it works to dissolve the toughest stains, scrub the area clean with a brush, then rinse thoroughly.

Treated in this way, the pavement will look as good as new. After the paving stones are cleaned and dried, it's wise to consider applying a professional sealant to protect the surface from future pollution. This preemptive step will simplify future cleaning efforts.
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