I got my grotty 17-year-old patio sparkling using a cheap Wilko buy – the results were fab
A WOMAN has revealed the easy way she transformed her patio from drab to fab.
Sandra took to Facebook to show off the incredible transformation and the cheap buy that did all the work.
The savvy DIYer took to social media to show off the transformation in her garden and was clearly chuffed with the results.
She revealed she had her patio laid 17 years ago and it was looking worse for wear.
The concrete tiles had lost their colour turning to a pale grey and had become stained while the sealant in between had fallen away.
But now they were looking pristine and back to the deep black tiles she once had.
In the post where she shared the before and after pictures she wrote: “Patio cleaned and resealed.”
She posted the transformation on the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook page which boasts over 620k members.
Mrs Hinch became a viral sensation after sharing her cleaning and organising videos on Instagram.
People who saw Sandra’s pictures were in awe of the new look and asked for more details.
One wrote: “Wondering what you used? We have black slate but it’s gone grey would love to get the colour back.”
Sandra was quick to share what she used.
She replied: “We cleaned the patio area with patio cleaner from wilkos allowed it to dry then applied 2 coats of the sealant allowing at least 2 hours between coats.
Our patio had been down 17 years we got fab results. Good luck.”
Another asked: “How did you get this so clean please ? Only had ours 4 weeks and its already all dirty.”
“We used smart seal but that is for concrete slabs not slate, you will need to google suitable colourant for outdoor slate tiles. Good luck hope you get fixed up,” Sandra said.
How to repair broken patio slabs
THE paving specialists at Simply Paving told Fabulous how you can repair broken patio slabs, without the faff.
The experts advised: “If you have a loose paving slab, then it’s unlikely it can be lifted straight by hand. Instead, you will probably need a hammer and chisel to prise the paver free of your patio.
“To remove loose paving slabs without damaging your flagstones, carefully chip away at the mortar around the paving slab with the plugging chisel and rubber mallet until the slab comes completely loose.
“Then, slide the spade into the gap left by the mortar and prise the paver free of the patio.
“As you lift it up, place a short piece of timber underneath the spade to act as a lever, making it easier for you while protecting the slab underneath.
“When the paver starts to give, place the cylindrical wood underneath it and roll the slab out of the patio.”
The Wilko Outdoor Cleaning Fluid costs just £5.49 and can be used to clean paths and patios.
Wilko bosses say: “Our Outdoor Fluid is a powerful black disinfectant for keeping your garden fresh and clean.
“It has a strong phenolic odour and turns white when diluted in water. Use on paths and patios to remove algae, mould and lichen.
“Dilute 50 parts water to 1 part of our outdoor cleaning fluid and apply generously to affected areas. Leave for 30 mins then scrub with a brush and rinse with water.”
One person wrote: “Looks great!”
Another commented: “Perfect.”
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