Cleaning the sidewalk: How to do it right!

Safety and a clean sidewalk are important, and not just in winter when there's snow and ice! A clean sidewalk lends a welcoming feel to the walkway from the street or sidewalk through the property's front yard to the front door, while also reducing the risk of accidents caused by slippery surfaces or fallen leaves. Regular cleaning also prevents the growth of weeds and moss, which can damage the structure of your sidewalk.

To clean the sidewalk from the street to the front door, it's best to establish a routine that's quick and easy to repeat regularly . Follow these steps to clean your sidewalk thoroughly and effectively:

1. Preparation

• Prepare tools and materials : broom, shovel, grout scraper , high-pressure cleaner and environmentally friendly cleaning products.
• Wear protective clothing : gloves, sturdy shoes and safety goggles.

2. Remove the coarse dirt

• Rough cleaning/sweeping : Remove leaves, twigs and other loose debris with a leaf vacuum/blower or with a broom.
• Remove weeds : Use a joint scraper or weed killer to remove weeds and moss from the joints.

3. Perform deep cleaning

• Use a pressure washer : Use a pressure washer to remove stubborn dirt and stains. Make sure to use environmentally friendly cleaning products.
• Alternatively , use a garden hose with a spray gun and a brush for more delicate surface areas.

4. Aftercare

• Fill joints : After cleaning, fill the joints with sand or grout to prevent the growth of new weeds.
• Sealing : Seal the sidewalk to protect it from future dirt and weather.

With these tips and the right tools from WALTER Tools, your sidewalk will stay clean and well-maintained . Start cleaning today and walk on clean and safe paths without slipping!

Not all sidewalks are suitable for cleaning with a pressure washer . Sidewalks made of clay bricks or natural stone such as granite or basalt are stable and hard enough to withstand the water pressure. This is different for sidewalks made of concrete or terracotta. In these cases, the high-pressure jet can damage the surface layer. Caution is advised for sidewalks with wide joints, as the powerful water jet can remove the joint materials and loosen the stone slabs.

As a homeowner or property owner, you are responsible for maintaining the adjacent sidewalk's safety . This includes not only winter maintenance but also regular removal of leaves and weeds . Although the sidewalk is public property, the responsibility for its safety generally lies with you as the owner of the adjacent property. The relevant municipal bylaws govern this, which are intended to ensure that pedestrians can use the sidewalk safely . If you are unable to fulfill these obligations due to health or time constraints, you must provide a replacement yourself.