Clean a slippery patio or decking

Use this guide in autumn when paths, patios and decking turn green and slippery. You need a stiff brush, a scraper or weeding knife, a bucket, and a patio cleaner suited to your surface, plus a pressure washer if you have one.

Step by step

1. Check the surface and the drainage

   Identify what you are cleaning: natural stone, concrete slabs, block paving or timber decking. Some cleaners and pressure washing can damage limestone, sandstone and softwood. Check where the runoff will go and avoid washing chemicals into ponds, drains or flower beds.