The genius 70p item that gets your patio sparkling clean - and most of us already have it

A budget-friendly cleaning hack has taken social media by storm, promising to restore lackluster patios to their former glory for less than £1.

Lindsey Lou, a member of the Gardening Hints public Facebook group, ignited the discussion when she posted a photo seeking advice for her worn-out patio tiles. 

Unable to afford replacements, Lindsey explained to the group's 1.3 million members: “They have been jet-washed to death. 

“Any advice on how to get them clean and colourful again? I can’t jet wash them again as it’s wrecking them." She added: “I have tried a product called Wet and Forget already."

Among the flood of suggestions, a simple yet effective tip stood out: using thick bleach. Countless users vouched for bleach's efficacy in tackling grime, often outperforming expensive jet washers. One user recommended: “Just wash them with a little bit of bleach."

Another user offered a detailed method: “My plan would be... Bucket, warm water, squish of washing up liquid and a squeeze of bleach. 

“Scrub with a yard brush or deck brush and leave to dry! Done.” For even more stubborn stains, another user suggested using neat bleach: "Scrub it in with a garden brush. It’ll brighten up within a few days."

Bleach can be purchased for as little as 70p, making this hack incredibly affordable. While bleach is highly effective at removing dirt and grime, it comes with significant risks. 

Bleach is highly toxic and can cause skin irritation, as well as pose dangers to pets. The Pet Poison Helpline warns that bleach can be corrosive to animals' fur. Additionally, bleach’s high pH levels can harm plants.

Due to these risks, experts advise using bleach sparingly and only in specific areas. 

Any lingering residue should be thoroughly rinsed away to prevent damage to pets, plants, and the environment.