By Lauren Haughey
As the weather chops and changes between April showers and sunshine, you may catch yourself slipping over on the patio. But one expert says a 65p hack may save you the bother - and it's probably already stashed in your kitchen cupboard.
Tom Allen, owner of TGA Concrete Pumping, claims his quick trick will clear up the algae and fungi that's making things slimy - saving you from spending hundreds on a professional cleaner. "Not everyone has sand lying around their property, but if you do, then it is one of the most effective ways to reduce the slippiness of your patio and decking," he said.
"However, if you don’t have a sandbag to hand, salt and sugar are common household items that can do a similar job." Standard table salt is available at Asda from just 65p, while granulated sugar is available for 85p at Sainsbury's.
Tom says that spreading a thin layer of this condiment in areas with the highest footfall is ideal for preventing tumbling accidents. This includes steps and doorways, or even the concrete surrounding an outdoor dining table.
But, if you do opt for salt, remember to use it with caution, as it can be corrosive to metal furniture and various plants. It also has the benefit of dehydrating unwanted slugs, which kills them within minutes.
Believe it or not, Tom claims that cat litter can have a similar effect too, when it comes to making your patio or decking safer. He continued: "Cat litter may be designed with our feline friends in mind, but it can also be a great tool when it comes to making your patio and decking safe.
"It's important that you choose a clay-based, non-clumping cat litter, and once you have, simply sprinkle a generous amount onto the damp or slippery areas and spread it out with a brush." The firm owner says this £2.19 solution should reduce slipperiness almost instantly, and is especially effective after large spouts of rain.
He added: "All you need to do is leave the cat litter for a while to soak in before sweeping away the excess."
If neither of these options take your fancy, Tom has one more in the bag - baking soda. This chemical compound is the key ingredient in countless other DIY cleaning hacks too - from banishing t-shirt sweat stains, to removing bathroom mould. "Baking soda is almost as renowned for its cleaning abilities as its primary use in the kitchen, and its versatility also spreads to the garden," he said.
"To enhance its anti-slip properties, you need to create a paste by mixing baking soda with water until it forms a spreadable consistency. Then, apply the paste onto the surface of your patio or decking using a brush or sponge and let it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes."
Once it's had time to work its magic, cleaners should then scrub the area with a brush, before rinsing it with water. Tom explained: "Baking soda's texture will help to create a rougher surface, enhancing traction and reducing slipperiness."
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