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Tired of slip-sliding down your garden pathway when you have to collect the mail? Here are some tips on how to clean outdoor areas like steps, paths, courtyards and decks to remove mould and mildew. We also offer advice on how you can give outdoor surfaces more grip underfoot so that you can walk on them in confidence. Use one of the following suggestions, or apply a combination of them.
1) Clean the Surface
The first step is to ensure that your outdoor surface is clean and free of mould or mildew. There are a range of different outdoor cleaning products available for you to choose from. You could opt to clean the surface with a waterblaster (pressure water sprayer) or you could use a chemical cleaner.
Waterblast:
Usually waterblasters are attached to a garden hose. The water is sprayed out of the unit at a high pressure, the force of which blasts dirt and mildew away, leaving the surface behind it clean. Different sized waterblasters are available depending on the surface area that you wish to clean and how often you would be using it. For example, you`d select a bigger, more powerful waterblaster if you wish to clean the full exterior of your house, whereas you`d use a smaller waterblaster if you only wished to spray your deck.
You can browse and buy a range of Waterblasters online. To help you choose which type and size of waterblaster you'd need, read our Tips On Buying Waterblasters.
Chemical Cleaners:
A variety of chemical cleaners are also good for cleaning outdoor areas and removing algae, moss and mould. Two products that Mitre 10 recommends include 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner and 30 Seconds Spray and Walk Away. Both of these products are biodegradable.
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30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner provides instant results. You simply spray it on and then hose it off, no high pressure spraying is required.
You should only apply the product when the surface is DRY. Apply the cleaner to a small area and keep the surface wet with the product for at least 5 minutes. Brush the surface to loosen any dirt and finally, rinse it off with a hose. (The time will vary depending on the porosity of the surface as well as the type and the amount of growth that you want to treat.)
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The chemical action stops when the product dries so only work a small section at a time and keep the surface wet. Once the surface is clean, rinse it thoroughly with water using a garden hose and wash overspray off foliage as it may damage plants.
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30 Seconds Spray and Walk Away is a slow release exterior cleaner that works over time. Simply mix it up and apply it when no rain is expected for the next 12 hours. Keep the surface as moist as possible for as long as possible - not drying out straight away. Then walk away and forget about it! No scrubbing or hosing required. This product is ideal in those areas where water needs to be conserved.
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With "Spray and Walk Away" the environment does the work for you. When it rains it gently reactivates the product, rinsing away and removing dead material. You will see results on the treated surface anywhere between 4 and 12 weeks.
See our Exterior House Cleaning department for a range of house wash brushes and chemical outdoor cleaners.
2) Paint the Surface
There is an additive for Dulux exterior paints called "Dulux True Grip" that is especially designed to provide grip on surfaces that we walk on. The additive can be applied to Dulux Aquatread, Timbacryl, Dulux X10 Low Sheen, and Dulux Durapave (Durapave oil based only available in grey). Ask a member of staff about this in the Paint Department of your local Mitre 10 store.
Unfortunately Dulux True Grip additive cannot be applied to timber oils and stains however the Cabots oils and stains are loaded with anti mould inhibiters that prevent mould from growing.
View our Exterior Paints section for more information. Make sure that you select the correct paint for your particular surface (eg. Concrete or timber) and also that you prepare your surface as required first. (Read the paint instructions prior to application.)
3) Stick on Grip Treads
Grip tread strips are particularly useful along the edges of steps. Different types of these strips are available and you would either glue them on or screw them in place in such a position that they provide grip to your foot when walking. Usually the strips are metal or rubber and you cut them to the length that you require.
See our Antislip Products for some examples of grip treads.
Remember - Safety First!
There may be several options available to you in order to make your outdoor area less slippery to walk on. To select an appropriate solution, you need to consider the type of surface you`re treating (eg. concrete, or timber) and the type of finish you`d prefer. (eg. painted or bare). Discuss your options with a staff member from your local store and abide by the manufacturers directions for the product you choose.
To help prevent injury around the home we also recommend that you install hand rails where there are steps, a steep pathway, or where your deck is 900mm or more high.
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