Looking to get your patio ready for garden gatherings? Using a pressure washer might seem like the best option, but a new chemical-free hack has revealed how to restore your patio's shine using a £2 bottle of white vinegar.

Hailed as a nontoxic cleaning marvel, white vinegar is brilliant at eliminating odours, removing bacteria and getting rid of stubborn dirt. While it's a common go-to in the kitchen, Tombola has explained how to put it to good use outdoors, too.

"If you can't afford a pressure washer or don't have an outdoor tap, you might be wondering how to clean your outdoor paving," Tombola say. "However, did you know that can do it with white vinegar and a strong gardening brush?"

In order to try this hack for yourself, mix half white vinegar and water together. Before cleaning, we recommend decluttering and sweeping your patio so it is clear of any debris or dirt.

Once your patio is clear, pour the vinegar solution over the areas that need cleaning and leave for 20 minutes. Once the time is up, give it a good scrub with a gardening brush and rinse it away. "And best of all, a bottle of white vinegar costs less than £2 – making it a total bargain," the team add.

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Wilko

Once you've cleaned your patio, don't forget to get your hands on must-have accessories to spruce it up for summer. As well as a garden furniture set, some of the ways to turn your garden into the ultimate Insta-ready space include propping up a fire pit, adding a patio heater or buying a relaxing water feature.

Why not give the hack a go and say goodbye to stained paving slabs...

32 of the best garden furniture sets
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Lisa Joyner
Deputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful

 Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.