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Now that the weather is getting warmer, it's time to get out into the garden and do all of those jobs you've been putting off. Many homeowners will be turning their attention to patios and driveways that have built up months of grime, algae and moss over winter.

For a lot of people, the first instinct is to bring out a pressure washer. But according to patio expert Bill Jarvis from Premium Paints, that could actually cause more harm than good. Instead, he says a simple household product that costs just a few pounds can often clean outdoor surfaces more safely and effectively.

Bill explained that while pressure washers are popular, the force of the water can damage outdoor surfaces without people realising.

He said: "Pressure washers feel satisfying to use, but they can strip the surface layer from certain paving materials. The jet can also remove the sand between slabs or block paving, which is what helps keep everything stable."

Over time, that can leave patios uneven and allow weeds and moss to grow back more easily. But there's an effective and cheap alternative - biological washing powder. This works differently because it breaks down the organic material that causes many outdoor stains to form.

The enzymes in biological detergents are designed to break down things like grease, food and organic matter.

Bill added: "That means algae, moss and general grime are exactly the sort of things it can tackle."

Getting your patio in a presentable condition again is simple. Fill a bucket with warm water, and add one scoop of biological washing powder.

Pour the mixture over the patio or driveway and leave it for around 20 to 30 minutes. Scrub the surface with a stiff outdoor brush, and rinse with a garden hose.

Bill added: "Giving the detergent time to sit is the key part. It allows the enzymes to start breaking down the dirt before you scrub, which makes the whole process much easier."

You can pick up a box of bio washing powder at Waitrose for £3.35, making it a very affordable trick too.

He says that the method is gentler on many common paving materials, including concrete slabs and block paving.

Bill explained: "With pressure washing, you're relying purely on force. This method lets the cleaner do the work first."

For stubborn stains, he recommended repeating the detergent treatment rather than using aggressive pressure washing.

He added: "Two gentler cleans are usually far better for your patio than one very harsh one."