Stubborn black spots on patios can be cleaned in 15 minutes with £3.79 item

Patios often fall victim to a variety of stains such as oil spills, moss and regular dirt, however, these are relatively easy to clean. The real challenge comes when dealing with black spots on patios.

Removing these dark marks from your patio can be a difficult and time-consuming task if you don't have the right black spot remover at hand. Black spot is essentially lichen that thrives on stone surfaces in the damp and shady conditions so common in the UK.

As the lichen matures, it burrows into the pores of the stone, drawing nutrients from the minerals within the stone and gradually spreading across the surface of the patio. With this in mind, Tom Allen of TGA Concrete Pumping, has shared his advice on how to eliminate black spots from your patio using citric acid, which he describes as "a fairly common household item that is cheap to buy".

He said: "Black spots, typically caused by algae, moss, or mould, can make patios appear dirty and neglected, and while solutions like baking soda and vinegar are often recommended for cleaning, citric acid is another household item readily available in supermarkets that can effectively tackle these stubborn stains."

Before embarking on the patio cleaning process, start by assembling the necessary supplies. You will need citric acid powder, a large bucket, warm water, a scrubbing brush or broom with stiff bristles, and a watering can or spray bottle, reports the Express.

Next up is concocting a homemade patio cleaner. Nab a large bucket and mix approximately one cup of citric acid powder with a gallon of hot water, giving it a vigorous stir until the powder has completely dissolved.

Adjust the concoction accordingly based on the size of the area you're addressing. Arm yourself with a watering can or spray bottle and distribute the solution uniformly across the discoloured areas of your patio, ensuring you apply a generous amount to penetrate the surface thoroughly.

Let the mixture sit for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the citric acid to "break down and loosen the black spots" and aid in their eradication. When the time has elapsed, seize a scrub brush or a stiff-bristled broom to give the patio a thorough cleaning.

Focus on the most stained segments, exerting some muscle to remove those persistent blemishes. After a robust scouring session, rinse down the patio with a hose to clear away all traces of the citric brew.

This eco-friendly substitute for harsh chemicals is gentler on both the earth and its inhabitants, marking a triumph for cleansing your outdoor areas. Pop down to Robert Dyas and get your hands on a 250g box of citric acid for only £3.79, or bulk-buy from Amazon at £7.29 for a more substantial quantity.

And should citric acid fall short in banishing those stubborn black spots from your patios, don't despair, as Pro-Kleen's Ultimate Patio Cleaner is up for grabs on Amazon for £24.95, reduced from £29.95, targeting patio black spots and lichen specifically.

Customers have found that the product performs effectively, is user-friendly, and rejuvenates their patio. However, a few have expressed concerns about its odour.