Despite the current warm weather, recent downpours can prompt mould and lichen to flourish on patios, even those already spruced up after winter. Moss, algae, mould and lichen are amongst the culprits behind unsightly patio stains, which can prove stubborn to shift if left unaddressed. Mud, grimy paw prints and barbecue spillages can also create an unwelcome eyesore.

When preparing for summer, most homeowners turn to pressure washers to spruce up their patios. However, if you don't possess one already, this represents a costly purchase, reports the Express. Moreover, pressure washers consume substantial amounts of water, proving both wasteful and potentially inflating your water bills. Alternatively, gardening enthusiasts are being encouraged to abandon pressure washers in favour of a more natural method — bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar.

Laura Harnett, founder of eco cleaning brand Seep, explained to Express.co.uk: "There is an eco-friendly solution for every cleaning task in the home and garden, including the patio.

"It can be tempting to turn to a pressure washer, but this will waste an awful lot of water, can be expensive to use and could make a soggy garden even wetter.

"Instead, an effective, eco-friendly and low-cost way is to use white vinegar and baking soda."

How to clean patios using bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar

For limestone or concrete patios, simply utilise bicarbonate of soda and water instead.

When tackling particularly grimy patios, combine bicarbonate of soda with water to form a dense paste. For patios requiring only a gentle cleanse, create a milder mixture using five tablespoons of baking soda in a bucket of water.

Laura explained: "Spread this solution across the patio and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the baking soda to loosen the grime and mould.

"Then, take a scrubbing brush and work in a circular motion to scrub it off. Rinse the whole area with fresh water and use a sweeping brush to remove any surface water."

For patios not constructed from limestone or concrete, white vinegar proves an excellent alternative. White vinegar excels at eliminating dark patches caused by mould spores.

When applying vinegar, create a paste combining equal parts baking soda, white vinegar and hot water.

Work the paste into the patio sections using circular motions and allow it to rest for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash the area with clean water, brushing away any residue.

Laura noted: "If the patio was badly affected with mould, then neat white vinegar can be added to a reusable spray bottle and sprayed over the area, let it dry, and this will prevent the spots from coming back."