Street cleaning: Maintenance and planning for different surfaces

THE GOOD weather has finally arrived and with it, the need for clean streets and outdoor spaces.

Street cleaning is hugely important for the wellbeing of local communities and any areas used by the public. As well as ensuring an area looks smart, cleaning is essential for maintaining safety.

Regular cleaning means there are no hazards from litter and fallen tree debris, and it also removes potentially slippy leaves, stones and gravel which can cause accidents to pedestrians or damage to cars and bikes. It removes dust so improves air quality, prevents drains from getting blocked so reduces the risk of flooding, supports wildlife and benefits the local community by boosting the appearance, appeal and overall value of an area.

Data reveals that, overall, street cleaning is managed well in the UK. Statistics from 42 English authorities show that over 95% of inspected sites were categorised as having an acceptable level of cleanliness. Local councils manage street cleaning and sweeping on a regular basis with an ongoing agreed schedule, but in areas of high footfall, or during periods of wet and windy weather, it can be necessary to look at increasing the cleaning frequency of paths, smaller streets and parks.

This is where a product such as Monty Miracle can come in. We are used by groundspeople, local authorities, private tradespeople and outdoor cleaning firms all over the UK, in areas as varied as smaller private residential settings to large public parking facilities, sportsgrounds and transport hubs. Our customers know that a quick-acting liquid cleaner with a gentle action on the underlying surface is the right choice for lifting dirt, grime and surface staining from their hardscaped areas.

Street cleaning in larger areas will include mechanical sweeping and brushing. The UK climate, with its wet weather even in the summer months, means surfaces accumulate dirt, debris and staining quickly, and they can begin to look tired and worn. Routine mechanical maintenance - sweeping, brushing and removing surface debris from joints and gaps - is an essential part of the regime, alongside a thorough surface clean to lift accumulated dirt, grime and staining. It is vital that cleaning is done properly, and that different surfaces are cleaned gently to avoid damaging the materials beneath.

It is important to use the right kind of products to maintain and clean hardscaped areas like streets, as each surface differs and responds differently to cleaning. This is not just about getting paths looking good - it is also about caring for the materials used to create them so that they stay in good condition for the long term.

Brick maintenance

Brick streets, walls and paths take a long time to create and tend to last longer if they are maintained well. With more gaps and joints to consider, cleaning carefully is a must. Avoid using a jetwash, which can unsettle the grouting and damage the surface of the brick. Instead, use a gentle liquid cleaner. Regular brushing between the bricks is needed to prevent dirt and surface debris accumulating in the joints; a thorough liquid clean only needs to be carried out once or twice a year.

Natural stone

Natural stone street paving and paths will last for years. Limestone is the most commonly used and is created by a material - usually silicon - holding together lots of tiny grains. It tends to have a smoother surface and a more consistent colour. Slate is very durable but is susceptible to water damage, and as it has been formed in layers, the top layer needs to be cared for. Granite, as you would expect, is the toughest of the natural stones. Thermally stable, it is the least porous. While these stones all differ, they share the same quality: they need to be cared for and washed with a gentle approach to avoid damage.

Porcelain tiles

A modern take on the classic stone path, tiles can have a more uniform appearance and are relatively easy to maintain, so can be very suitable for high-traffic areas in commercial street scenes such as shopping centres. They are resistant to freezing and thawing, and are lightweight. However, they can be more brittle than natural stone and tend to be more expensive than concrete. They are more durable under harsher pressure but still need treating properly, and look best with a colour-coordinated render.

Concrete paving slabs

Concrete paving slabs can last for decades; it is an incredibly strong material. Easier to maintain, it simply requires regular brushing and care, with a one-off deep clean every year to lift accumulated dirt, debris and staining from the gaps and surface.

Tarmac and asphalt

Tarmac - or asphalt - is a very popular material used in streets, lanes and driveways. It is easy to use, cost-effective, and can look very smart, but it needs regular cleaning and maintenance. Grasses and weeds can establish through tiny gaps, which can cause structural problems, and the weather - particularly UV rays - can cause it to lose its integrity over time, as can heavy weights. Powerful jet washing is not recommended; a gentle approach works best.

Gentle cleaning

The best cleaning approach for many areas is often using a gentle cleaner. With less kit and less noise a small road, parking space or pathway can be cleaned quickly and easily without disruption. The first action is to clear the debris - fallen leaves, twigs and general rubbish or litter - and dispose of it properly, recycling wherever possible. Then, using a pump, apply a gentle liquid cleaner to your hard surface areas. Monty Miracle does not need to be applied several times, nor does it need to be scrubbed or jet washed. A little agitation to spread it round the surface activates the cleaning, and it can be rinsed off after just six to ten minutes -making it well-suited to busy areas that may be used by children and animals. The product’s surfactants are readily biodegradable, and when used as directed - including pre-watering adjacent grassed areas before rinsing - it is suitable for use near landscaped and grassed surfaces.

If you can, seal

Streets and paths need to be safe, so caring for surfaces after cleaning, well ahead of the dampest, coldest months of the year, is good planning. A strong sealant will lengthen the standard of the surface, prolonging the life of paths, patios and roads by forming a bond with the surface and providing stain resistance, repelling dirt and contaminants even on delicate surfaces like natural stone.

With proper cleaning and care, surfaces can remain stain-resistant for years, reducing the time spent on the task going forward. A deep clean once a year can be supplemented with regular sweeping and rinsing, helps ensure that paths, roads, drives and parking areas continue to look their best, remaining clean, well-maintained and safe for public use through the seasons.

Peter Beaumont is director at Monty Miracle

For more information, visit montymiracle.co.uk