Cleaning your patio with cleaning vinegar
Removing green deposits from your patio
Cleaning the patio
To use cleaning vinegar or not?
When the weather is nice, we are busy gardening. This includes cleaning the patio and removing weeds. Unfortunately, algae growth, for example, cannot be prevented; it is a natural phenomenon. That is why cleaning your patio every so often remains a necessity. However, a worrying cleaning “trend” has emerged: the use of cleaning vinegar.
Increase in the use of cleaning vinegar
In recent years, there has been a shift from professional cleaning and pest control products to domestic and “natural” alternatives. In 2017, for example, 11.5 million litres of cleaning vinegar, not to be confused with natural or table vinegar, were used to combat weeds. In 2018, this figure had already risen to 16 million (source: research by Tuinbranche Nederland). GFK research shows that this figure rose even further in 2019. In addition to cleaning vinegar, there are other harmful household remedies that are frequently used to clean patios, such as chlorine and (large quantities of) salt. We do not advocate this, from the point of view of the environment and all living organisms in your garden.
Cleaning vinegar vs. natural vinegar
Cleaning vinegar and natural vinegar, the latter also known as table vinegar, should not be confused with each other. As the name suggests, cleaning vinegar is used for cleaning. It is a synthetic product and also contains much more acetic acid than natural vinegar. Natural vinegar, on the other hand, is a natural product and is produced during the fermentation of wine. The gardening industry has determined that only table vinegar (or natural vinegar) of food quality with a maximum content of 10% acetic acid may be used in specific cases to clean the garden:
- It can be used against weeds, but not on green deposits.
- Only use on paths, borders, pavements and terraces (however, we do not recommend this).
- Before use, this vinegar must be diluted to a maximum concentration of 6% acetic acid. For example, dilute 6 ml of vinegar with 100 ml of water.
- Only use at temperatures above 20 degrees and not when it is raining.
- If it is dry: postpone for 24 - 48 hours if rain is expected.
- Use a maximum of twice a year with a break of at least one week.
- The diluted vinegar must be dripped or poured precisely (spot by spot) onto the weeds. Spraying vinegar with a plant sprayer is strongly discouraged.
- A maximum of 10 ml of diluted vinegar may be used per square metre.
Facts about cleaning vinegar
- Cleaning vinegar kills all living organisms, including beneficial bacteria and fungi in the soil.
- Cleaning vinegar is banned by the EU for use in non-agricultural weed control. It can pose risks if inhaled.
- Acetic acid breaks down lime, so any product containing lime will be affected. The concentration of the acid and how often you apply it will determine the long-term effect. Cement contains lime, so unprotected concrete tiles are more sensitive than protected concrete tiles.
- Garden tiles are evolving and are increasingly being coated or given a protective layer. Some protective layers can withstand vinegar, while others may be affected by it.
However, using cleaning vinegar in the garden is strongly discouraged in all cases!
Cleaning vinegar is harmful to flora and fauna
Alternatives such as cleaning vinegar are often wrongly considered “natural”. What's more, it is cheap and readily available at the supermarket. However, high concentrations of acetic acid are bad for flora and fauna. Cleaning vinegar contains twice the amount of active substance compared to pesticides used professionally! It is therefore not surprising that the EU has banned cleaning vinegar for use in non-agricultural weed control. It poses unnecessary risks when inhaled and causes damage to living organisms and plants. It is therefore best to avoid this alternative! The reason it is available in supermarkets is because it is sold as a cleaning product and not as a weed killer. This makes it, so to speak, a loophole in the law.
Acetic acid is harmful to your patio
Do you have a patio made of concrete tiles or natural stone? Then we advise against cleaning your patio with cleaning vinegar and we even advise against natural vinegar, as it can have adverse effects on your paving. Acetic acid breaks down lime. Both natural stone and concrete contain a lot of lime. So you are actually damaging your tiles. Ceramic garden tiles can withstand acetic acid, but we still advise against it.
Tips for cleaning your patio
Clean your patio with warm water
Rest assured, there are safe ways to clean your patio. It is best to clean your patio with warm water. This is often all it takes to get the job done. Algae do not like heat. The surface structure of the tile determines how easily you can scrub off the deposits. The more closed the top layer, the easier it is to remove dirt and deposits. If your tiles are a little more difficult to clean, you can add a mild, organic cleaning agent to the water.
Use of a high-pressure sprayer
A high-pressure sprayer seems like a good idea. It removes dirt quickly, but there is a high risk that you will spray away the protective layers applied by the manufacturer and/or make the top layer of concrete garden tiles, for example, more porous. This will only make the green deposits more stubborn, as they will be able to adhere better. It is best not to use a high-pressure washer on concrete tiles, but it is fine to use one on ceramic patio tiles.
Cleaning with professional products
On 24 April 2019, a debate took place in the House of Commons on the private use of crop protection products. Tuinbranche Nederland was present to advise the House of Commons. In 2017, Tuinbranche Nederland concluded a “Green Deal”. As a result, it is now recommended to avoid the use of pesticides as much as possible. Packaging has also been reduced in size, labels have been improved, dosing has been simplified and employees have been trained in providing advice. Furthermore, the use of “heavy” chemicals has decreased and the range of safe and natural, low-risk products has increased. For good advice and safe, professional products, visit a garden centre or one of our dealers. You can find more tips on cleaning your patio in our maintenance tips.
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