Others are concentrated fungicides, surface cleaners, or antibacterial disinfectants you need to apply by hand. In fact, the formula has a pH value that’s just above water although the manufacturers warn that it can be toxic to aquatic life.

You just mix one part concentrate to five parts water in a garden sprayer and then give your decking or patio a good soak. Dishwasher/washing machine – Sure, they get your plates and clothes clean, but how often do they themselves get a clean?Door handles - Metal and synthetic door handles go back to looking like new with a little Cif Cream on a damp cloth.

It works well when applied by hand, but it’s also very effective when used with a pressure washer – often more so than the manufacturer’s detergent.

It’s a lot less effort than using a pressure washer or scrubbing with a brush, and there’s no bleach or acid involved. With Cif Cream, it became possible to remove stubborn dirt without damaging the surfaces, leaving a beautifully clean result. Even the slimiest of algae comes off easily and you can use it on decking, fencing, paths, patios, and driveways. We’ve rounded up our pick of the bunch, plus we’ve included a guide showing how to get the most from your patio cleaner.

Garden Pots – Keep your garden pots looking their charming selves with some Cif Cream, a damp cloth and a little bit of wiping. The company does a very good Stone and Wood Cleaner as its entry-level, basic detergent for cleaning patios, but it’s the Stone Plague Cleaner that really won us over, cleaning any plague off stones, tiles and concrete – including black spot that stays stubbornly there even after a jetwash. There are lots of ways to clean a patio and the one you choose will depend on how big your outdoor space is — and how hands-on you are prepared to be. Forgive the slightly unpleasant vinegar smell that hangs around for a day or so after drying, and this one’s a rock-solid cleaner that won’t upset the local critters. These detergents and specialist fluids are designed to cut through the grime to make your patio look as good as new.

Get in touch with Unilever PLC and specialist teams in our headquarters, or find contacts around the world. Children’s Toys – Children’s toys tend to get covered in muck fairly often and fairly quickly, but with some Cif Cream, a damp cloth and a few wipes, they’ll be back to spotless before you know it.

For many of us, patios and decking is a useful extension of our home living spaces, perfect for relaxing and socialising, particularly during the summer months.Some use organic compounds and are biodegradable, so they’ll do no long-term harm to your garden or the environment. All the same, a patio cleaning fluid may do more to get rid of stubborn mould or algae, and will also leave a preventative layer to slow future growth. It doesn’t give a glossy look, like some sealers, so only use it if you prefer the more natural look. Others need to be used with a pressure washer or sometimes a scrub with a broom for the best results.