Clever 29p item resolves problem in garden that can 'ruin' house value

As winter approaches, households are being urged to prepare for possible damage to their properties.

Patio expert and director of , Dave Downing, warns that "mud, dirt and grime" from bad can "ruin the appearance of your home", especially the patio, and could even "reduce the value of your home by 20 per cent". He suggests a solution of white vinegar to effectively clean patios.

Before applying the cleaning solution, clear the patio of furniture and sweep away any loose dirt and debris. Mix one part vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle or bucket, apply to the patio and leave for 20 minutes.

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After this time, scrub the patio with a thick-bristle garden brush. Rinse the solution off with clear water and let the surface dry before replacing the furniture.

Dave also shared three additional tips: test the solution in a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it works "without damaging" the area; add one part baking soda to the solution to make it "more effective"; and finally, why does white vinegar work?

According to Dave, it's all down to its acidic content, reports . Dave remarked: "The acetic acid in white vinegar acts as a powerful cleaning agent that can correct discolouration and remove tough marks caused by wear and tear on your patio."

He further highlighted its benefits post-bad weather: "This is especially useful to do following bad weather when mud, rain and fallen leaves are more likely to affect the appearance of your patio slabs."

However, he adds a word of warning: "While this solution can be used on most patios, it should never be used on patio slabs made of limestone as the acid 'will permanently damage the surface'."

Dave also sang praises of white vinegar's cost-effectiveness, calling it a "very budget-friendly option with great results" and pointed out its affordability with prices like 29p at and 40p at .