A garden expert has revealed exactly what you should do once the ice and snow melts to treat slippery paths and treat 'stubborn stains' on your patio and decking.

Steven Walley, outdoor flooring expert from London Stone explained the damage damp leaves - left behind by snow and ice - can have on your patio garden.

If left to lie on paving or decking, it can cause algae and moss to grow which can be difficult to remove without a power washer.

He said: “Damp leaves can cause significant problems for your patio or decking. If damp leaves are left untreated or left to settle for a long time, this can lead to the growth of algae, which can not only stain your outdoor flooring but also lead to a slippery surface.

“It’s important to stay on top of falling leaves and take the necessary steps to keep your outdoor flooring looking great all year-round.”

He suggests a natural solution to fix the issue and make sure your patio is safe. The natural hack can kill the algae growth, and involves a mix of water and vinegar.

Steven said: “Use a mixture of water and white vinegar to spray down the area and kill the algae before rinsing the surface with a hose.

“Next, pour white vinegar directly on the surface and scrub using a brush. Use a vigorous back and forth motion to lift any stains.”

Not only that, algae and moss can cause stubborn stains, but these can also be fixed with a natural solution.

“Algae and moss can cause stubborn green stains if left untreated for a while. For a natural cleaning solution for porcelain tiles, use white wine vinegar mixed with water. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle for a multipurpose cleaner that disinfects and cleanses outdoor surfaces.

“Alternatively, create a mixture of baking soda and water to help lift stubborn stains from your tiles.

“Both of these natural cleaning solutions are safe and effective on porcelain tiles and won't cause any damage or discolouration," said Steven.

Steven also added that mould, mildew, and algae tend to grow in moist conditions meaning if your deck is exposed to snow and moisture all winter, it’s likely it will develop a layer of green film over it.

So, to remove algae from wooden decking, he advises to use a mixture of water and one cup of white vinegar before scrubbing the deck to remove algae, mould and mildew.

“To avoid using chemicals on your deck, blast the decking with a pressure washer to clean algae away," he said.