10 Best Patio Cleaners of 2024

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The Best Patio Cleaners

best patio cleaner uk
  1. Best against mould & algae - Wet & Forget Moss Mould Lichen & Algae Remover

  2. Best Seller - Patio Magic! Mould & Algae Killer

  3. Best for large areas - Jarder Spray & Leave Concentrate Patio Cleaner

  4. Best for fast results - Pro-Kleen Patio Cleaner

  5. Best pre-dilluted option - Jeyes Fluid Ready-To-Use Outdoor Patio Cleaner

  6. Best against black spots - PowerChem High Strength Patio Cleaner

  7. Best against black mould - Smartseal Patio Clean Xtreme

  8. Best for ease of use - Pro-Kleen Simply Spray & Walk Away Patio Cleaner

  9. Best value patio cleaner - Algon Organic Path and Patio Cleaner

  10. Best for soft surfaces - HYDRA DeGreen Patio Cleaner

Patio Cleaner Reviews

Editors Choice

1. Wet & Forget Moss Mould Lichen & Algae Remover

Best against mould & algae

Wet & Forget Moss Mould Lichen & Algae Remover
  • Delivers the results of a pressure washer without damaging your patio or paving stones
  • More eco friendly than harsher solutions as contains no bleach
  • The active ingredients prevent recontamination meaning long-lasting results for up to 12 months
  • No scrubbing required

  • Results are slower than others on the market - generally visible within a few weeks
  • Although it contains no harsh chemicals, this product can still cause eye and skin irritation
  • Needs to be applied on sunny days, when the patio surface is very dry
  • Kids and pets need to be kept off treated outdoor areas until the surface has fully dried
Treatment Area
300 sqm
Size
5 L
Time to Results
3 Days
Duration of Results
12 months
Rinsing Required
No
Overall Score 4.5
Effectiveness
4.5
Speed of Results
4.4
Longevity
4.6

If you’ve ever used a pressure washer to remove algae from your patio, only for it to grow back after a couple of months, you’ll know how frustrating it can be. However, Wet & Forget Moss Mould Lichen & Algae Remover is an effective patio cleaner that continues to work in the weeks after you first apply it, preventing any fast regrowth of mould and algae.

It also gets rid of the necessity to use a pressure washer on your patio, which can cause more harm than good.

The ingredients of Wet & Forget patio cleaner are reactivated each time it rains. And there are plenty of opportunities for that in the UK! This product prevents regrowth for at least six months, although it can keep working for up to 12, making it the best patio cleaner for long-lasting results.

If you’ve tried other patio cleaners in the past, you’ll likely find that this product (and its active ingredients) help achieve a cleaner patio for longer.

This patio cleaner is safe and effective to use on a wide range of materials, from teak to marble.

It’s non-acidic, contains no bleach and is biodegradable. Although, as is typical for these kinds of products, you must keep children and pets away from the treated area until it’s dry.

One bottle will treat up to 300 m², although this does depend on how porous the material being cleaned is. If your paving is made of permeable clay pavers or dry-laid pavers, you may find that more product is lost through the patio itself or through the gaps between the paving stones.

Overall though, this product is very easy to use, simply spray it onto the patio after diluting, or use a watering can. After that, you can just let it get to work.

It’s important to apply it on a dry day, even though future downpours will be useful in order to reactivate the solution.

It will remove moss, mould and mildew as well as gently remove any unsightly stains from all outdoor surfaces. Despite its effectiveness, results take a couple of weeks to appear which is longer than other products. Results are long lasting, and there’s no scrubbing required on application. This is a reasonably slow-acting, albeit effective, product.

Overall, this is one of the best patio cleaner products available, particularly because it is effective, with results that last a long time, without the use of bleach.

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Runner Up
  • Suitable for both indoor and outdoor areas so it’s more versatile than others on the market
  • Most users saw visible results within a week
  • Once dry there is no strong smell
  • Can be applied using a watering can instead of a sprayer
  • Continues to kill regrowth after first application

  • Some users saw very little difference to the moss between patio slabs
  • Although it can be applied in most conditions, results tend to be quickest when applied in bright sunshine
  • A lot of product is needed for maximum benefit which makes this more expensive than others on the market
  • Won't work on black spot
  • Children and pets must be kept away from treated area
Treatment Area
85 sqm
Size
2.5 L
Time to Results
4 Days
Duration of Results
6-9 months
Rinsing Required
No
Overall Score 4.4
Effectiveness
4.4
Speed of Results
4.3
Longevity
4.5

In the past, patios would have to be cleaned every time new mould or algae grew back. But now, many products have been developed with reactivation technology – chemicals that can continue to kill regrowth, weeks after you’ve applied the product.

The Patio Magic Mould & Algae Killer is one such product. This concentrated patio cleaner continues to remove the regrowth of green mould and algae, even if you applied the product months ago.

Patio Magic kills green mould and algae in 2-4 days and continues to clean the treated surface in the following months. As a result, the effects of the product last between six and twelve months after the initial application.

So, although one bottle will cover up to 85 m², which is less than other products on this list, the bottle is likely to last a long time as you won’t need to re-apply it very frequently.

Another of this product’s features is that it doesn’t specify sunny conditions to be essential for application. Although results might not be as effective, you can also clean your patio with this product in the winter if you want to.

It’s suitable for use on a variety of outdoor surfaces: block paving, decking, driveways and fencing.

Plus, it can also be used to treat mouldy walls and fences before painting them, removing mould that would otherwise ruin the finish of the paint. So, if you’re planning a big garden spruce up, this multipurpose patio cleaner could be incredibly helpful.

It’s worth noting that this patio cleaner will not work effectively on black spot. Whilst it’s great at removing other kinds of mould from your garden, if you’re particularly plagued by black spot this might not be the best patio cleaner to choose.

With no rinsing required, this patio cleaner is very easy to use, simply spray it with a low-pressure sprayer, or use a watering can with a fine rose, then leave it to get to work. It’s one of the best patio cleaners overall for tackling moss and algae.

Patio Magic can be purchased alongside a battery powered sprayer, although this is not essential for application. Nevertheless, a sprayer might make product distribution more economical.

It’s safe to use and children and pets can enter the treated area once the product is dry.

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Also Good
  • Results can be seen very quickly - in as little as 48 hours
  • Very versatile - can be used on patios, driveways, fending and even artificial grass
  • Can help prevent regrowth for up to 6 months following application

  • Very toxic so can’t be sprayed near plants, grass or close to aquatic habitats
  • Not the best at removing black spot - may need a specialist cleaner for this
Treatment Area
240 sqm
Size
5L
Time to Results
2-3 days
Duration of Results
6 months
Rinsing Required
No
Overall Score 4.3
Effectiveness
4.5
Speed of Results
4.5
Longevity
4

The Jarder Spray & Leave Concentrate Patio Cleaner produces results in just 24 hours, and it doesn’t require any scrubbing or pressure washing after application.

Once treated, this solution produces an invisible barrier which can help to prevent regrowth for up to 6 months. It doesn’t contain any acid or bleach, so won’t damage your surfaces. It’s also safe to use around children and pets, although they should still be kept off the treated area until it has dried. 

This highly effective cleaner can be used on a range of surfaces, so it’s a good choice if you’re after an all-round, versatile cleaner. It can be used on garden furniture, patios, decking, stonework and roofing, although, unlike others I’ve tested, it can’t be used on soft surfaces such as outdoor cushions. 

You should take care when using this product, as it’s highly toxic to aquatic habitats. You should also take care not to spray it near plants. Apply in dry conditions when no rain is expected for up to 8 hours but you should also avoid applying it during intense sunlight. 

This cleaner generally works very well and marks good value for money. It has a recommended dilution rate of 1:5 with water, and it can also be applied neat if needed. For less affected areas, opt for a dilution rate of 1:10. 

One minor criticism is that this patio cleaner isn’t particularly effective when it comes to removing black spot. If you’ve got a lot of black spot on your patio, you might prefer a heavier duty, specialised black spot cleaner. 

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4. Pro-Kleen Patio Cleaner[ SAVE 17% ]

Best for fast results

best patio cleaner Pro Kleen Patio Cleaner
  • Does a great of job cleaning your patio and killing moss with minimal effort required during application
  • Can be used on all outdoor hard surfaces including garden furniture
  • Visible results in just a few days
  • Very easy to use with a garden sprayer
  • Provides 25 L of diluted solution, which should last you several applications

  • A lot of care is needed when using this cleaner to avoid it making contact with your skin or eyes
  • Need to use during a dry few days - difficult to predict in the UK!
  • Although it contains no bleach and no acid, it is still not safe for children or pets and they should be kept away from the area
  • Will need to be applied a couple of days before a garden party, if you're cleaning ahead of an event
Treatment Area
200 sqm
Size
5 L
Time to Results
2 Days
Duration of Results
6 months
Rinsing Required
No
Overall Score 4.5
Effectiveness
4.7
Speed of Results
4.5
Longevity
4.4

If you look at your patio, paths or decking and curse the algae or mould that seems to always grow back, you might be seeking a fast-acting, long-lasting solution.

The Pro-Kleen Patio Cleaner is a successful remover of mould and algae from patios, paths and decking. It works quickly and its effects last up to six months.

This concentrated patio cleaner gets to work immediately and within a couple of days your block paving will be free of green mould and algae – looking its best all summer long! So if you’ve got several garden gatherings lined up, you’ll only have to do one big clean.

Although this is one of the best patio cleaner for fast-acting results, it will still take a few days to clean the patio completely. Therefore, if you’re cleaning ahead of a party or gathering you should make sure you use this product a couple of days before to ensure the patio is looking fresh for the big day.

This product can also be used on fencing, sheds, caravans, conservatories and uPVC windows, so you don’t have to buy separate products for all these different jobs! It’s a very powerful option, easily removing all sorts of grub and grime.

The concentrated formula is highly effective whilst being reasonably safe to use. It doesn’t contain bleach or acids, but kids and pets should still be kept away until the area is dry. Also, you’ll still need to take extra care when handling this solution, to avoid harm to your eyes and skin.

To use this patio cleaner, dilute 1-part cleaner to 4-parts water, then apply with a garden sprayer or watering can. There’s no need for scrubbing or rinsing (which is always excellent news!).

It’s best to use this product when there’s no rain forecast for a couple of days – just to ensure it has time to fully work. This could prove difficult if you’re wanting to clean your patio in winter.

It comes in a 5 L bottle which is enough to make 25 L of diluted solution. This is a fairly large volume of product, compared to others on the market, making this patio cleaner quite cost effective.

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  • Contains no dye so can be used on light coloured surfaces without altering the colour
  • Arrives pre-diluted so there’s no need to add water
  • Safe for pets and children, can be used to clean pet housing and only needs 30 minutes to work

  • Needs to be scrubbed and rinsed off, unlike other patio cleaners which can be left
Treatment Area
30 sqm
Size
4L
Time to Results
1-3 Days
Duration of Results
Not Listed
Rinsing Required
Yes
Overall Score 4.3
Effectiveness
4
Speed of Results
5
Longevity
4

The Jeyes Fluid Ready-To-Use Outdoor Patio Cleaner is a versatile patio cleaner that can be used on a range of items and surfaces. Unlike others on the market, this patio cleaner does need rinsing off, and some scrubbing may be required! However, this does mean that results are quicker. 

It kills 99.9% of germs, so it’s a good option for very dirty areas and even unblocking drains. It can be used to clean pet housings such as kennels, stables and hutches. Simply leave to sink in for 30 minutes, then rinse off. Pets can be returned to the area straight after rinsing. 

Cleaning a patio is equally easy. Apply and leave for 30 minutes, then scrub with a yard brush and rinse. The results are very good and, as this cleaner contains no dye, it won’t alter the colour of any light coloured surfaces. 

It arrives pre-diluted so there’s no need to mix this product before use. While you should still be fairly careful not to get this product on your skin, the fact that it arrives diluted means you’re not dealing with the same potency as you are with other cleaning products. 

While this cleaner is very versatile, it’s worth noting that it hasn’t been specifically designed for patios. For this reason, it may struggle to remove stubborn stains or black spots.

It also doesn’t go as far as concentrated cleaners, and while this is reflected in the price, you are getting slightly less bang for your buck. 

It arrives in a 4 L container, with this amount covering up to 30 sqm. It can be used straight away.

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6. PowerChem High Strength Patio Cleaner

Best against black spots

best patio cleaner PowerChem High Strength Patio Cleaner
  • Does a good job removing black spots as well as stubborn dirt and grime
  • It’s easy to use and the instructions are very clear
  • Unlike others which need to be left for a couple of days, this only needs leaving for a few hours and then rinsed off

  • Very strong so a lot of care needs to be taken to not allow it to touch your skin, protective gear is needed
  • Produces a strong chemical smell which can last a day or so
Treatment Area
10 sqm
Size
5L
Time to Results
2 Days
Duration of Results
Not Listed
Rinsing Required
Yes
Overall Score 4.7
Effectiveness
5
Speed of Results
5
Longevity
4

So many patio cleaners don’t remove black spots, but the PowerChem High Strength Patio Cleaner is much stronger than others on the market. This patio cleaner is capable of removing weeds, algae, moss and black spot from patios and other hard surfaces. 

Although high strength, this product remains fairly easy to use. The instructions are clear; you simply need to spray, leave for a few hours then rinse off. This means results are visible much quicker than other cleaners which need to be left to work for a few days. 

It does need diluting, and because of the high strength, it’s important that the concentrated product doesn’t touch your skin. In fact, I’d recommend wearing protective gear and clothes you don’t really care about – even a small splash of this product will discolour your trousers! 

It contains Sodium Hypochlorite which can remove all sorts of dirt and debris. Having said that, it is highly toxic to plants, so a lot of care needs to be taken to not allow the solution near your plants. 

Another of this product’s features is that it doesn’t require particularly sunny conditions to be essential for application. It can be used year-round to give your patio a serious spruce up. 

It comes in a 5 L container, which contains enough product to cover up to 10 sqm of surface. The high strength makes it very good value for money, while it should have no issues tackling most patio stains. 

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7. Smartseal Patio Clean Xtreme

Best against black mould

best patio cleaner Smartseal Patio Clean Xtreme
  • Best patio cleaner for removing black spot
  • Eliminates both fungus and algae and prevents regrowth
  • Results start to be visible in just a a few hours
  • Unlike using a pressure washer on black spot, it won't cause the lichen to spread
  • 5 L container can cover an area of approximately 40 m² when diluted

  • Needs to be applied to a wet area, brushed on and rinsed off, so requires more work than many cleaners
  • Some users have noticed discoloration to certain areas of their patio
  • Hand, skin and face protection is needed
  • Contains a lot of chemicals, including bleach, which can be harmful to pets, plants and wildlife
Treatment Area
40 sqm
Size
5 L
Time to Results
1 Day
Duration of Results
Not listed
Rinsing Required
Yes
Overall Score 4.6
Effectiveness
4.5
Speed of Results
4.7
Longevity
4.5

The Smartseal Patio Clean Xtreme is a powerful product and the best patio cleaner for removing stubborn black spot from block paving, concrete and natural stone.

This highly effective cleaner contains 4 powerful active ingredients, including biocide to inhibit future growth of mould and black spot. It will clean your patio quickly and thoroughly, without the need for a pressure washer.

When treating black spot this product should be used neat, and for all other moulds diluted at a ratio of 1:1. It should be spread over the paving slabs using a stiff brush and left on the surface for between 1 – 2 hours before needing to be rinsed off.

Most patio cleaning products do not require rinsing, so this could be considered an inconvenience. However, if you’re really struggling with black spot, it’s worth going to the extra effort as not many products can tackle this strain of mould.

Additionally, this cleaner must be applied to a wet surface to work fully. These steps of wetting and rinsing mean that this particular product requires more work than others on the market, but the results are worth it.

It’s one of the best patio cleaners for tackling black spot and will really help get a clean finish out of a difficult-to-treat patio. It can be seen visibly working in as little as one hour and won’t spread the spores around as a pressure washer would.

Be prepared to take a lot of care when using this product as it contains strong chemicals including chlorine bleach – if used improperly it could cause harm to your eyes, skin, children, pets and garden wildlife.

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  • Instructions are simple and it’s easy to apply
  • Most users noticed results within 2 days and there’s no need to rinse or scrub
  • Arrives ready to use, there’s no need to dilute the solution yourself
  • Very versatile - can be used on both outdoor and indoor surfaces
  • Biodegradable and contains no bleach

  • Doesn’t remove black spot particularly well so you may need a specialist black spot cleaner
  • Multiple applications may be required for more stubborn dirt and grime
Treatment Area
200 sqm
Size
5L
Time to Results
2 Days
Duration of Results
6 months
Rinsing Required
No
Overall Score 3.8
Effectiveness
3.5
Speed of Results
4
Longevity
4

The Pro-Kleen Simply Spray & Walk Away Patio Cleaner is arguably the easiest patio cleaner to use. First, it arrives pre-diluted so there’s no need to worry about mixing it yourself. Plus, it can simply be sprayed onto your patio then left to do its job.  

This cleaner is very versatile, able to clean patios, fencing and deckings. It produces results within about 2 days, and there’s no need to rinse or scrub after use. It’s biodegradable, so can simply be left to work. 

Once the treated area has dried, it’ll be fully safe for children and pets. This is because it contains no acid or bleach. 

There’s also no shelf life, so if you don’t manage to use the 5 L bottle at once, it can be saved for a later date with no concerns of the effectiveness dropping. 

I found this cleaner produced good results within a couple of days, and it’s a welcome change that there’s no need to dilute it before use. It doesn’t remove black spot however, and is more suited to general cleaning as opposed to spot cleaning. Multiple applications may be required if you’ve got a very dirty patio. 

For best results, this cleaner can simply be sprayed into your patio or decking with a garden sprayer. Results should last a couple of months. 

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9. Algon Organic Path and Patio Cleaner

Best value patio cleaner

best patio cleaner Algon Organic Path and Patio Cleaner
  • Best patio cleaner if you want an organic, bleach-free solution
  • Effective as a moss killer and against weeds as well
  • Results visible within a week
  • No need to rinse later, can simply be applied then left to work
  • Continues to kill regrowth for up to a year

  • Produces a strong seaweed smell
  • A garden sprayer is recommended for best results
  • Cannot be applied on a windy day as it can kill plants
  • Awkward to decant without a funnel due to huge 20 L size
  • Despite being a pet friendly patio cleaner, pets and children must still be kept away from area until product is dry
Treatment Area
480 sqm
Size
20 L
Time to Results
2 Days
Duration of Results
9 -12 months
Rinsing Required
No
Overall Score 4.5
Effectiveness
4.5
Speed of Results
4.5
Longevity
4.5

Sometimes it feels like you need to spend a lot of money on different products to achieve a good result; fortunately, the Algon Organic Path and Patio Cleaner is one of the best patio cleaning solutions if you want a multi-purpose product that also offers good value for money. It will remove dirt, mould and lichen from block paving, as well as get rid of weeds and act as a moss killer. Most other cleaners only promise to remove mould and algae.

So, if you want to have a big clean of your garden, removing moss and weeds from outside areas as well as algae and mould, this patio cleaner should reduce the total cost and effort of the job. As a fairly universal cleaner, you’ll likely only need this one product to complete all the aforementioned jobs.

This Algon cleaner is safe to use on wood and outdoor hard surfaces, which gives you lots of options for what you can clean.

It’s also the best patio cleaner if you want an organic product. The ingredients of this biodegradable patio cleaner are organic and it contains no bleach or acids. It’s therefore safer to use by homeowners with pets and children, although they should still be kept away from the application process until the area dries.

To use this product simply dilute it at 1-part Algon to 3-parts water then apply with a garden sprayer, soft broom or watering can. With no need to rinse, application time can be kept short and sweet.

One thing to bear in mind is that if this product is used on a windy day, it could kill plants nearby. You obviously only want to kill weeds, not your lovely flowerbeds!

Users have also reported needing to use a wrench to open the lid, as it’s quite difficult to get into. This might be an important consideration if you have mobility issues in your hands.

Algon does also make a ready-to-use version of this product which has a sprayer. It’s not as cost effective but it is useful if you just have a small area to spray and don’t want to invest in a garden sprayer.

Approximately five days after applying this patio cleaner, mould and lichen will begin to disappear, stains will be removed, and your patio or decking should greatly improved. As results aren’t instant, you might want to clean your patio well in advance of any upcoming outdoor event you might be hosting.

Much like other patio cleaning products, this cleaner also goes on working, reactivating each time it rains, for up to a year.

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10. HYDRA DeGreen Patio Cleaner

Best for soft surfaces

best patio cleaner HYDRA DeGreen Patio Cleaner
  • More eco-friendly than harsher solutions as it contains no acid or bleach
  • Works on both hard and soft outdoor surfaces including plastic garden furniture, cushions and patios
  • Results are visible within just a couple of days, even if it rains
  • Concentration can be increased depending on the extent of the dirt

  • Repeat applications are often required
  • May still need to gently remove moss with a brush
Treatment Area
25 sqm
Size
5L
Time to Results
2 Days
Duration of Results
6 months
Rinsing Required
No
Overall Score 4.3
Effectiveness
4.5
Speed of Results
4.5
Longevity
4

If you don’t fancy doing a lot of scrubbing to get your patio clean, the HYDRA DeGreen Patio Cleaner should be in your cupboard. This patio cleaner removes algae, moss and green fungus, and it doesn’t need washing off afterwards. 

It contains detergents that dissolve outdoor contamination, so there’s almost no physical labour needed. It gets to work quickly, with results visible in just a couple of days. While some repeat applications may be required, the protective finish should last up to 6 months. 

It doesn’t require rinsing off, scrubbing or pressure washing, although if you have lots of moss then you may still need to gently remove it with a brush. 

One of the best things about this patio cleaner is that it doesn’t contain any acid or bleach, which means it can be used to clean outdoor cushions, wooden garden furniture and decking as well as patios. It won’t damage or discolour any surfaces, and the protective finish should last up to 6 months. 

The concentrated formula is highly effective but still very safe to use. Kids and pets should still be kept away until the area is dry however, and you’ll still need to take extra care when handling this solution, to avoid harm to your eyes and skin. 

This cleaner can be mixed for either normal use or very heavy contamination. To use, simply dilute the solution at 1 part cleaner with 9 parts water, then apply to the surface. It’s fully biodegradable so will break down over time. 

It’s best to use this product when there’s no rain forecast for 5 hours, which gives you more flexibility than those which require no rain for a few days. It also shouldn’t be used in very bright sunlight. 

It comes in a 5 L bottle which is able to make 25 L of solution and cover up to 400 sqm which makes it much better value for money than other cleaners on the market. 

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Clive's Smart Buying Tips

  1. When it comes to cleaning the patio, you’ll want to avoid reaching for the pressure washer too often – no matter how satisfying it is.
  2. Instead, choose a patio cleaning product that will lift stains and treat both algae and mould. In order to protect your patio, you should avoid using a pressure washer too often, and look for cleaning products that don’t contain bleach.
  3. The best patio cleaners offer a fairly hands-off approach; choose a product that doesn’t require any additional scrubbing or brushing in if you want a quick, easy application method.
  4. When it comes to product quantity, the average patio measures 25 m² or less. Most patio cleaners come as a neat solution, so you should consider a cleaner that will provide at least 80 – 100 m² coverage in order to use it on a few occasions.
  5. On this list, you’ll find patio cleaners that reactivate when it rains, meaning they continue treating the patio for several months after application. This is a real time saver and something well worth looking out for!
  6. Finally, if your patio is being particularly plagued by a case of black spot, make sure to buy a product that specifically claims to deal with this type of mould. Not all patio cleaners will manage.

Overall, I recommend the Wet & Forget Moss Mould Lichen & Algae Remover as my top pick. Delivering long-term results, this cleaner is suitable for use on a range of materials and it doesn’t contain bleach.

Compare Product Features

Use the dropdown to sort the table by the feature you want to see.

  • Wet & Forget Moss Mould Lichen & Algae Remover
    Wet & Forget Moss Mould Lichen & Algae Remover
    • 4.5
    • 300 sqm
    • 5 L
    • 3 Days
    • 12 months
    • No
  • Patio Magic! Mould & Algae Killer
    • 4.4
    • 85 sqm
    • 2.5 L
    • 4 Days
    • 6-9 months
    • No
  • Jarder Spray & Leave Concentrate Patio Cleaner
    best patio cleaner Jarder Spray & Leave Concentrate Patio Cleaner
    • 4.3
    • 240 sqm
    • 5L
    • 2-3 days
    • 6 months
    • No
  • Pro-Kleen Patio Cleaner
    best patio cleaner Pro Kleen Patio Cleaner
    • 4.5
    • 200 sqm
    • 5 L
    • 2 Days
    • 6 months
    • No
  • Jeyes Fluid Ready-To-Use Outdoor Patio Cleaner
    best patio cleaner Jeyes Fluid Ready To Use Outdoor Patio Cleaner
    • 4.3
    • 30 sqm
    • 4L
    • 1-3 Days
    • Not Listed
    • Yes
  • PowerChem High Strength Patio Cleaner
    best patio cleaner PowerChem High Strength Patio Cleaner
    • 4.7
    • 10 sqm
    • 5L
    • 2 Days
    • Not Listed
    • Yes
  • Smartseal Patio Clean Xtreme
    best patio cleaner Smartseal Patio Clean Xtreme
    • 4.6
    • 40 sqm
    • 5 L
    • 1 Day
    • Not listed
    • Yes
  • Pro-Kleen Simply Spray & Walk Away Patio Cleaner
    best patio cleaner Pro Kleen Simply Spray & Walk Away Patio Cleaner
    • 3.8
    • 200 sqm
    • 5L
    • 2 Days
    • 6 months
    • No
  • Algon Organic Path and Patio Cleaner
    best patio cleaner Algon Organic Path and Patio Cleaner
    • 4.5
    • 480 sqm
    • 20 L
    • 2 Days
    • 9 -12 months
    • No
  • HYDRA DeGreen Patio Cleaner
    best patio cleaner HYDRA DeGreen Patio Cleaner
    • 4.3
    • 25 sqm
    • 5L
    • 2 Days
    • 6 months
    • No

How to Choose The Best Patio Cleaner

Despite living in the unpredictable UK climate, we still spend a lot of time in the garden – even when the weather isn’t great!

Of course, one thing that can put us off fully enjoying our outdoor space is an ugly layer of green mould across the patio. Mould, grime, algae can all cause problems; they can be quite slippery and dangerous too!

Luckily, sprucing up dirty patios can be done quickly and easily with specially-designed patio cleaning solutions.

There are a lot of products on the market, which can make it tricky to find the best patio cleaner. Some are more suited to cleaning certain types of mould, and some require different application methods.

The following advice will help you make an informed choice and choose the best patio cleaner for your outdoor space.

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Patio Cleaner vs Pressure Washer

Although a pressure washer can be a good option for cleaning the patio, they are far more expensive than patio cleaners and certainly require you to put more work in. Plus, a pressure washer can cause damage to the patio if used too often. Portable pressure washers generally have less power than mains powered models, so this could also be a decent alternative.

However grout in paving slab cracks can become dislodged by using a pressure washer. Therefore, it’s best to keep pressure washer use to a minimum if possible.

Patio cleaners don’t require fierce scrubbing or excessive elbow grease. In fact, they often require next to no work from you at all. The best patio cleaner will simply require that you mix the solution and spread/spray it over the patio. Some cleaners will need to be applied with a brush, and in some cases you will have to rinse the area with the garden hose.

Whilst a pressure washer can be great for doing an annual deep clean, a patio cleaner is really all that’s needed for a quick spruce up which will really have lasting results without causing damage to the stones.

Look for a Safe Patio Cleaner

Patio cleaners contain a range of chemicals, some of which are more damaging than others.

In particular, it’s not unusual for patio cleaner to contain chlorine bleach. Naturally, this is very effective for cleaning the patio, but it needs to be used very carefully. Product run off from such harsh chemical cleaners can have serious effects on aquatic life and wildlife. Plus, contact with the cleaner could have serious health implications.

When choosing the best patio cleaner, it’s advisable to look for an option that isn’t unnecessarily abrasive. There are plenty of eco friendly/organic options out there which don’t contain bleach. Also, look for a pet friendly patio cleaner if you have either pets or children around the house. Overall, there’s no need to use chemicals that are harsher than necessary to get the job done!

Whichever cleaner you choose, you should still wear protective clothing, avoid getting it on your skin, and allow the patio to dry before allowing your kids or pets back outside.

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Ease of Use and Versatility

Patio cleaning solution is generally very easy to use. Different brands require different levels of dilution, but it’s not difficult to measure out the formula into a separate container.

Patio cleaners can also be very versatile, with some solutions not only able to clean patios but other hard surfaces which also green mould and algae, such as caravans and window frames. The Pro-Kleen Patio Cleaner, for example, can be used to clean roofs, fending, uPVC windows and motor homes! Having a versatile product can make it even better value for money, as well as make your life easier by not requiring you to buy separate cleaning products.

Lastly, there are products which don’t need rinsing. These can really save time and are so simple to use. After applying the solution, you simply wait for it to dry, and that’s it! No need to return to wash it off. This can be a great help if you’ve got other jobs to get on with.

Cleaners with Long-Lasting Results

Patio cleaners can vary in terms of how long they keep delivering results for.

Most products are long lasting, with some able to keep green mould and algae at bay for up to 12 months after the initial application.

As seen in the product reviews on this page, some patio cleaners ‘reactivate’ when it rains. These tend to be the products with the longest-lasting effects because there’s no need to re-apply manually, they’ll just get back to work when there’s precipitation.

You’ll also find that there are some cleaners which are better suited to giving longer-lasting results when treating different types of mould. If you’re having a particular problem with black spot mould, for example, the Smartseal Patio Clean Xtreme states it can be used neat to specifically target this type of issue, keeping it effectively at bay.

Size of the Bottle and Dilution

As mentioned, patio cleaners generally require dilution. It’s good practise to check the dilution of the patio cleaner you’re looking at – some smaller bottles may be better value for money than larger bottles if they are more concentrated.

If you have a very large patio, look for a patio cleaner that covers a wider area. Most bottles of patio cleaner will list the coverage area in square metres, so you can check how suitable the product is for the size of your outdoor space.

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Patio Cleaner FAQs

Routine brushing will keep patio surfaces free from leaves and debris, but removing stubborn stains on dirty patios will require the help of a patio cleaner. You can use either a pressure washer or patio cleaning product; however, be mindful that pressure washers can easily damage patio grout.

Using a pressure washer: Make sure your patio is swept clear, and always start with a low setting on the pressure washer. Increase the pressure carefully and gradually (although using pressure washers at high pressure might be effective, it can easily damage the surface of your patio). Work from a shallow angle and from a good distance to prevent putting exerting too much pressure on your paving slabs.

Using chemical cleaner: Ensure your patio is swept clear. Remove any plants or garden furniture. Create your cleaning mix (most patio cleaners will need diluting). Use a watering can to distribute the cleaner evenly all over your patio. Alternatively, having a separate knapsack sprayer for applying patio cleaner can be useful. Leave to soak according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Rinse if necessary.

  1. Apply patio cleaner on a day when rain is not expected.
  2. Check the directions on your patio cleaner to see if it needs diluting and what ratio of water to add.
  3. Keep children and pets from the area until the product is dry.
  4. Apply your patio cleaner with a low-pressure garden sprayer if possible (eg. the type of pump sprayer used for fertiliser). Alternatively, you can use a bucket and outdoor broom, or watering can.
  5. Leave the product to get to work. Bear in mind that the active ingredients in patio cleaners can take a few days to work. On very badly affected patios it may even take a few weeks before all the stains are completely removed.

Use a patio cleaner regularly on hard surfaces to remove green algae/mould as these can make your paths and patios slippery and unsafe.

Black spots that grow on your patio are spores from black lichen. They are carried by the wind onto your patio, and they can be frustratingly difficult to get rid of – unfortunately, no amount of elbow grease alone will be enough to remove them.

You’ll need to use a patio cleaner that specifically targets this type of mould. If it’s a concentrated product, you may have to use it neat to see results. Using a suitable patio cleaning fluid should also stop the mould from returning.

Using a pressure washer is not recommended – it will simply spread the spores around your patio.

Be aware that patio cleaners designed to remove black spot are often very chemically strong and must be handled with caution.

If you are using a pressure washer on your patio, keep this to once a year – maximum! It can be damaging to the patio surface and grouting. You should still regularly sweep your patio to keep it looking good.

If you are using a simple patio cleaner, you can generally use it up to 4 times a year – but check the instructions on the specific product.

Green algae and mould grow in shady and wet areas. They thrive on shaded patios as these areas often have minimal drainage and hardly any sunlight. Sunshine will evaporate water, preventing the growth of algae better than in shaded areas.

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