Patios will be spotless and grime-free if you clean with one cheap natural ingredient

Damp weather and shorter days make perfect conditions for algae to spread on patio surfaces. Fallen leaves break down and stain the slabs, while moss and weeds grow in the joints and trap moisture, causing patios to become slippery.

So experts at Gardeners World recommend a low-cost natural formula to easily remove grime from patios. Instead of forking out for a pressure washer, which can also remove the top layer of stone, this natural spray uses only white vinegar and water. Sue Fisher, whose horticultural career spans over 40 years, explained: "Household vinegar is excellent for cleaning with many uses around the home and can be used on patios for dirt and stains that are hard to shift."

The vinegar can help loosen the grime without harsh chemicals, but she warned households against using malt vinegar, which has a strong smell.

For the best results, first sweep the patio to remove loose leaves, soil, and grit. Then to make the cleaning liquid, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a large bucket and stir thoroughly.

Then test a small corner before applying the mixture to the whole patio. "Using a sprayer ensures even coverage and makes the mixture go further," she added.

However, vinegar is corrosive and has the potential to damage plants, so any foliage should be shielded to avoid getting splashed by the solution.

Leave the solution to soak for 20 to 30 minutes before scrubbing it diagonally with a stiff-bristle brush in both directions.

Then rinse well with clean water to dilute the solution, and guide dirty water away from flower beds and drains. You can repeat this method on stubborn stains if needed.

In supermarkets like Tesco, distilled white vinegar can be purchased for as little as 35p.