Potted plants are all fun and games until the drained compost starts marking your patio. Mine’s been afflicted by my planter in recent weeks – and now, I’m trying to figure out the best way to remove compost stains from a patio.
Containers are game-changers for small or paved outdoor spaces, but if the pots and planters are sitting directly on a patio, they’ll leak or even puddle when you water them. That’s the case for my vegetable planter – the drainage holes are in the legs, so they carve lovely rivers of compost-y water along my patio whenever I water it.
After I finally buy a tray for the planter, I need to tackle those stains and figure out the best way to clean the paving slabs – so I asked the experts for their take on the best ways to remove compost stains from a patio.
What you’ll need
Algon
Organic Path and Patio Cleaner Concentrate
Our favourite patio cleaner is organic, too!
Newman & Cole
18″ Soft Outdoor Broom
A natural coco bristle brush with a long handle.
Faithfull Stiff Bassine Hand Brush
A sturdy stiff brush for tougher stains.
1. Remove loose debris
Before you start scrubbing away at your compost-stained pavers, it’s worth giving it a chance to dry. It makes the first step in removing compost stains from a patio a lot easier.
‘Allow any wet compost to dry before lifting it away with a broom, soft brush or plastic scraper,’ advises Morgan Smith, director at porcelain garden tiles company Pegseo Stone. ‘ Removing the loose material first stops it turning into sludge and spreading across the surrounding slabs.’
A soft broom like this Gardeners Mate one from Amazon ought to do the trick, but a plastic scraper like Morgan suggested will help loosen up tougher debris. Or, use the metal scraper on this Charles Bentley 2 in 1 Outdoor Broom from Argos.
2. Use a mild detergent
Once the looser material has been removed, you’ll likely be left with a matt compost stain. That’s where a mild detergent, even fairy liquid, can be a good first port of call.
‘Mix warm water with a mild detergent, apply it to the affected area and scrub with a stiff-bristled brush, then rinse with clean water once the discolouration begins to lift,’ says Morgan.
This Faithfull Stiff Bassine Natural Material Hand Brush from B&Q is ideal (but remember to wear gloves to protect your hands from the detergent).
3. Use a patio cleaner
If that doesn’t do the job, or you just want to start with a cleaner that you know will act fast on stubborn stains, it’s worth looking into the best patio cleaners on the market (our current favourite is Algon Organic Path, Patio & Deck Cleaner, which you can order from Amazon).
‘For a mark that remains after washing, try a specialist enzyme cleaner designed to break down organic matter,’ says Morgan. ‘Follow the product directions, including the recommended amount and contact time.’
You could even pair a patio cleaner with a quality pressure washer to target tougher stains, like the WORX Hydroshot Cordless Pressure Washer from Argos (the best budget machine we’ve tried!).
4. Preventing future stains
Prevention is, of course, better than cure, and there are ways to keep stains minimal going forward.
‘Clear spilt compost promptly and avoid leaving damp bags, pots or garden containers directly on the paving,’ says Morgan. ‘Regular sweeping will also stop organic debris from sitting on the surface long enough to leave a mark.’
Morgan also told me that acting early is key, once you spot the first signs of staining.
‘Compost can leave dark brown marks on patio slabs because decaying leaves and other organic material release tannins as they break down,’ Morgan explains. ‘These natural compounds can soak into porous paving, so treating the stain early can make it easier to remove and reduce the need for stronger cleaning products.’
Removing compost stains from a patio isn’t as hard as it sounds, especially if you target them early.
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