SURREY, UK. 3rd April, 2025 – Easter is almost upon us, and perhaps as traditional as eating chocolate eggs and catching up with family and friends, it marks the start of the annual DIY season. This sees homeowners take on those tasks that have been bothering them all winter.
With the long Easter Bank Holiday weekend fast approaching, new research from Thompson’s suggests that 60 per cent (60.24%) of UK households will use the weekend to tackle DIY projects at home.[1]
When it comes to the task in hand, cleaning / power washing your patio or driveway comes out on top, with 34.69% of DIYers tackling it this Easter. Followed by interior painting – 20.41%, exterior painting – 18.37%, building flat pack furniture – 6.12%, and laying new patio or decking – 4.08%.
Power washing is at the top of to-do lists
‘It’s no surprise that cleaning or power washing a patio or drive comes out as the top DIY job planned for this Bank Holiday”, says Clara Dursent, Brand Manager at Thompson’s. “The UK’s wet and windy weather can take its toll on paving and tarmac. Dirt and fallen leaves can quickly pile up on surfaces, causing unsightly stains that may become hard to clean and can damage the surface over time. Regular cleaning can help preserve the life of your paving, saving hundreds, if not thousands, in the long run.”
Cleaning dirt-ingrained slabs and blasting away moss and weeds growing through the cracks will make a space look more inviting, but patio and driveway cleaning isn’t just about maintaining a good appearance. The UK’s damp weather encourages algae and moss, making patios and pathways dirty and slippery. If rainwater doesn’t drain well, it can also lead to mould and mildew.
Keep patios and driveways looking good for longer
If you’re planning to clean your patio or driveway this Easter, choosing the right equipment is vital. Two-thirds (75.51%) of those surveyed said they’d need to buy items to complete their DIY projects, with most (64.86%) spending between £10 and £50.
A pressure washer can quickly remove dirt, grime, and other debris from your driveway in just a few minutes. It can also help remove tough, stuck-on stains that would otherwise be hard to remove, allowing you to complete the job quickly.
“However, for a longer-term solution, a specialist cleaner such as Thompson’s Advanced Patio and Block Paving Cleaner will continue to protect the surface from algae growth for a further 6 months. By investing in quality cleaning products and proper maintenance, your patio will look its best all year round. This makes light work of DIY and hopefully leaves you some time to relax this Easter!” says Thompson’s DIY Expert.
For the ultimate re-fresh, finishing the job with a waterproofing sealant will help repel water going forward and protect against ground in dirt, stains, algae and moss. Thompson’s One Coat Patio and Block Paving Seal prevents water from soaking into the paving, which damages the surface over time.
Find out more about Thompson’s and its products here: https://thompsonsweatherproofing.co.uk/. Or look for your nearest stockist here: https://thompsonsweatherproofing.co.uk/stockist-search/
[1] CIB, March 2025 ENDS