From entertaining at a summer birthday party to gathering around a fall fire, there are plenty of reasons why you might be considering a patio installation for your Bucks County home. While you’re probably already planning where you’ll place your patio and how you’ll use it, you should also plan ahead for how you’re going to care for and clean your patio. Here are three big mistakes you need to avoid when you clean your new stone patio.
- Leaving spills to clean up later. If you cook or eat on your patio, make sure you’re proactive when it comes to cleaning up spills and stains. If you let sauce or grease sit on your stone, the liquid can seep into the surface of the stone and cause a permanent stain.
- Using regular household cleaner to wash your patio. Natural stone paved patios shouldn’t be cleaned with the regular cleaners you use to tackle stains and dirt in your kitchen and bathroom. These cleaners have acidic ingredients that can damage the surface layer of your stone, causing scraping and sensitivity to future stains. Check your local hardware store for a natural stone cleaner. If you can’t find a special stone cleaner, get a bucket of warm water and add a few drops of dish soap for a mild solution.
- Failing to sweep regularly. Allowing leaves, dirt, and debris to build up on your patio can lead to decomposition, which causes more stains. Try to sweep your patio once a week during the spring and summer and daily in the fall.
It might still be cold outside—but now’s the right time to start planning your patio installation or scheduling another hardscaping service in Bucks County before spring arrives. To learn more about the patio installation process or to schedule your appointment for a free quote, call the team at Anthony Landscapes today.