No matter how big your outdoor space is, buying the best patio cleaners will ensure it stays nice and clean. It can feel like a massive chore, especially if your patio has succumbed to dirt, algae, mould, stains and moss, but giving it that little extra care, whether you're using a pressure washer or scrubbing brush, will bring it back to its former glory.
The patio is our go-to space to catch up with friends, play with the kids, relax and even work during the warmer months. And for that reason, we want to keep it looking its best. The good news is that you can tackle the grime with easy-to-apply patio cleaners — most of which you just spray on and leave, simple as that! It takes minimal effort, a big yes in our books, and your patio will be looking good as new in no time. So, if you're looking for the best weed killer for block paving and more, read on.
Best patio cleaners at a glance:
• Best patio cleaner overall: Jarder Spray and Leave 4 x 5 Litre Concentrate Cleaner – View on Amazon UK
• Best heavy-duty patio cleaner: JCB Heavy Duty Patio Cleaner - View on B&Q
• Best organic patio cleaner: Algon Organic Path and Patio Cleaner Concentrate - View on Amazon UK
However, it's worth keeping in mind that the results won't be instant, so don't be too surprised if, at first, it looks the same. Typically, you'll have to wait for a few hours before you can notice any difference. We would recommend waiting a couple of days to truly see the full effects of your patio cleaner. Many patio cleaner solutions are concentrated, and you'll need to dilute them with water before being applied by hand from a bucket or watering can.
Alternatively, some patio cleaners are detergents that you can use with a sprayer or pressure washer - those with patio cleaner attachments are ideal for targeting patio grime. There are a number of different wire brush tools you can try too to remove weeds and grass from creeping in between the bricks or slabs. Each is designed to give you a beautiful-looking patio; you can find the best of each down below.
Best patio cleaner chemicals
Best patio cleaner overall
Amazon/JarderDescription
For use on patios, decking, fencing, brick, and more, Jarder Spray and Leave patio cleaner will make all your outdoor areas look brand new, easy breezy. There's no need to scrub or pressure wash, simply mix, spray on and leave for results that'll show in a matter of days and last for up to six months. It'll also prevent regrowth and is totally safe once dry around children and animals.
Customer review: "This product is incredible value for money. I have been using it for a few years and saved a lot of back-breaking work over that time. It also has a pleasant soapy consistency rather than a harsh chemical and the service is excellent. I highly recommend this."
Pros
- Pack of four
- No need to scrub or pressure wash
Cons
- It may be too much for small patios
Best heavy-duty patio cleaner
The Range/JCBwww.therange.co.uk
Description
Speaking of heavy-duty, this patio cleaner from JCB is a powerful lichen, algae, and mould remover that'll help to revive your patio and path and give them a fresh new lease of life. Ideal for non-sensitive flooring and surfaces such as concrete driveways, pavement slabs, and stone, it'll remove stubborn stains and inhibit regrowth - bonus!
Customer review: "Within a couple of days my mossy patio was totally clean. The heavy moss between the paving stones has died too and can be swept away. Didn't need to brush after applying, just sprayed with high-pressure spray and left."
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Good for eliminating stubborn stains
Cons
- Very frothy formula
Best organic patio cleaner
Amazon/AlgonDescription
Another great option if you're looking for a cleaner that's extra safe for children, pets, and wildlife, this organic patio cleaner from Algon is environmentally friendly and super easy to use. Simply apply and walk away with no need to rinse off later, with expected algae and mould-hampering effects lasting for up to a year.
Customer review: "I used two of these to clean my 45'x16' polytunnel. I sprayed it all over using a pump garden spray - it was much easier than I thought it would given the polytunnel size and height. At first, I thought it wasn't working but within four days the algae was gone, there was just a white residue in its place. This washed off easily with some washing up liquid and a hose brush attachment and now the tunnel looks great.
"Very pleased with this product - I bought four more which saved money. I have also cleaned the greenhouse with it and again it came up great and I have three over for next year. I highly recommend this product."
Pros
- Organic and environmentally friendly
- Easy to use and great results
Cons
- Very vinegary and acidic, so follow the safety instructions
Best patio cleaner for black spots
Amazon/Smart SealDescription
SmartSeal Patio Clean Xtreme is highly effective in helping to remove and kill black spot lichens which grow in damp conditions across the UK. This solution gets right in those paving slab cracks and can restore patios and pathways to their former glory, shifting those stubborn marks and algae.
Customer review: "Tried this to tackle stubborn lichen black spots on ageing paving slabs, after all other remedies have failed to dislodge them. Left it for a couple of (damp and murky) hours and then had a peep - astonishing results! Spots are pretty much all gone, patio gleaming (if patios can gleam) and best it's looked in living memory. The Holy Grail of patio cleaning - I've found it!"
Pros
- Highly effective in helping to remove black spots
- Powerful formula
Cons
- Might need some scrubbing in stubborn areas
Best weed killer for block paving
Amazon/Patio Magic!Description
Got a weed problem? We know that weeds growing through the cracks of your patio slabs in one of the most infuriating sights ever. Time to call on Patio Magic. This bestselling weed-killing detergent quickly removes weeds, mould, lichens, algae, and moss from patios, driveways, masonry, and more. It's biodegradable, long-lasting, antibacterial, and doesn't contain any bleach or acids. It'll get to work in a few days and last a few months.
Customer review: "I used this to clean green algae from the extensive teak decking of my sailing yacht. It is absolutely amazing stuff when used under the right conditions."
Pros
- Bestselling weed-killing
- It doesn't contain any bleach or acids
Cons
- Not as concentrated as some
Best pet-friendly patio cleaner
Amazon/DefendersDescription
This biodegradable, non-acidic cleaner is child, pet, and wildlife-friendly when dry and will remove a wide variety of stains, moulds, and algae from paths, patios, driveways, and walls. This cleaner from Defenders might not last as long as some of the other, more heavy-duty cleaners on our list, but it's worth it for the peace of mind.
Customer review: "My path has never been cleaner. Doesn't stay clean too long with awful British weather, but after using this stuff I found out my paving stones were a different colour."
Pros
- Biodegradable
- Safe to use around pets and children
Cons
- Not as long-lasting as other products
Best patio and driveway cleaner
Amazon/Pro-KleenDescription
If you're looking to hit two birds with one stone, the extremely powerful formula in Pro-Kleen will provide you with enough solution to have both the front and back of your house looking spick and span. For use on block paving, concrete flags, steps, paths, and more, you can oust the stubborn dirt, grime, and black stains from your patio and driveway in one fell swoop. You can apply this cleaner from either a watering can or a pump sprayer.
Customer review: "I used this yesterday to clean my block paved drive, which is on the large side, so I wanted a product that would do the job without a lot of effort. I am really impressed with the results; the drive looks like new."
Pros
- Good to use on block paving, concrete flags and more
- Good value
Cons
- It is a powerful product that requires a vapour face mask and eye protection
Best patio cleaning solution for mould and algae
Amazon/Wet & ForgetDescription
This best-selling mould remover from Wet and Forget patio cleaner requires little to no elbow grease in order to rid your patio, driveway, and paths of mould and algae. All you need to do is dilute it in water and throw it over the area you want to de-moss, and leave it be. They say it how it is - wet and forget!
Customer review: "Works a treat. Patio and driveway have come up really nice again this summer. Have used this product a number of times and it is much easier, more effective, kinder to driveway. Neighbours blast theirs with high pressure and tonnes of work whilst I just wet and forget, their drives have sand and colour removed whilst mine looks great and retains colour."
Pros
- Excellent mould remover
- Just dilute it in water and throw it over the area
Cons
- Be careful spraying around plants
Best universal patio cleaner
Amazon/KarcherDescription
Designed to be used with your pressure washer, this Karcher universal cleaner is tough on dirt and removes oil, grease, and mineral soiling. For use all around the house and garden, it'll be gentle on the materials, including your patio and the patio furniture. Don't have a pressure washer but think it could be what you're looking for. It can be alternatively mixed in a bucket with water and applied using a sponge.
Customer review: "I have purchased this as a follow on to using the foam product and it did provide a great finish. Not too thick but I suppose if most of the muck is removed by the foam it doesn't need to be, still a great product."
Pros
- Good all-rounder
- Can be used with a bucket and water or a pressure washer
Cons
- Need to rinse after application
Best patio cleaner for wooden decking
Amazon/Roxil100Description
Restore the appearance of your patio, decking, fencing, and paving with the Roxil 100 that'll kill and disperse mould, algae, lichens, and other biological growth. If you're a little nervous about using harsh chemical cleaners on your wooden patio flooring or decking, this is a great solution that is kind to wood, highly effective, and fast-acting in one to two days.
Customer review: "Really excellent for cleaning decking before re-oiling. I also used it on a wooden bench and it came up very nice. I needed far less than I thought I would, spraying it on with a spray bottle."
Pros
- Good for wood decking
- Biodegradable
Cons
- Needs jet washing afterwards
Best multipurpose patio cleaner
Amazon/JeyesDescription
This capable four-in-one solution from Jeyes is a ready-to-use chemical that can tackle dirt, stains, algae, and limescale on paths, patios, driveways, and decking areas. In fact, this disinfectant is capable of killing 99.9% of germs you'll find in your outdoor environment. This is pre-mixed solution and does not need diluting before use. This comes in a four litre bottle, so should be enough for a once-over on your average sized patio.
Customer review: "Use this outside to clean drains. Also where the dogs have weed on the concrete. Nice and strong I had green mould on my slabs, mixed some in a bucket of water and used yard brush to work into slabs brought them up really good."
Pros
- Kills 99% of germs
- Works on multiple surfaces
Cons
- Causes skin irritation
Best patio cleaner for green mould
Ultima Plus XP/AmazonDescription
Ultima-Plus XP is a max-strength patio cleaner that will not just get rid of green mould and algae but then forms a protective barrier that stops it from growing back. ULTIMA-PLUS XP claims once that barrier is in place it can keep hard surfaces clean for up to six months. You can use this on patios, paving, decking, tarmac, stonemasonry, bricks, wood, corrugated asbestos, greenhouse glass, and more. One bottle makes up to 25 litres covering up to 200 square metres.
Customer review: "I sprayed a solution of this product onto my porcelain stone patio using a hand pump sprayer. There was no initial change and I thought the product wasn’t going to work. However, some 4 hours later all the green algae had disappeared. I’m very impressed."
Pros
- Prevents green mould
- Covers 200 square metres
Cons
- Toxic to aquatic life
How we chose the best patio cleaners
All of these patio cleaner chemicals have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered features, quantity and value in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching patio cleaner chemicals to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.
Different patio cleaners in detail
Patio cleaner solution
Available as a ready-to-go formula or a concentrate that needs diluting, patio cleaner solutions are designed to target algae, mould, moss and more.
You can also clean your patio using soap or vinegar mix solution, though this will require much more effort to scrub the areas clean and bleach - not an eco-friendly option.
Pressure washer
With a pressure washer, you'll get more immediate results, as the water pressure will blast the dirt to oblivion, but if you don't already own a pressure washer, it makes for a more expensive upfront cost. Pressure washers are superb for delivering a quick (and satisfying) clean, and you can even find budget pressure washers that are under £100.
Wire brush tool
These tools are designed to remove various types of lichen, fungi, weeds and more from your patio. Designed much like a household vacuum, these electric tools sweep over your patio with a tough wire, steel or nylon brush rolling at high-speed to remove debris and dirt from the surface and crevices without the need for chemicals.
Patio cleaner chemicals buyers guide
Ingredients: If you have a pet, you'll want to be particularly wary of the ingredients in your patio cleaner, so they're non-toxic to your furry friend. Many contain ammonia which is toxic, whilst others contain bleach, which you'll need to keep pets away from until it's completely dry. If you can keep your pet away from the patio whilst you wait for it to dry, those labelled as pet-safe or organic are a good choice. Alternatively, consider a pressure washer or wire brush tool that doesn't require chemicals.
Budget: Fortunately, most patio cleaner solutions are reasonably budget-friendly, but they are single-use and won't work instantly. If you have the budget, investing in a pressure washer or wire brush tool could save you money in the long run. Plus, a pressure washer can be used on all sorts, not just the patio, making it a versatile and eco-friendly option.
Required equipment: Consider what else you'll need to get the job done. Some patio cleaners are super easy to apply - you can simply spray on and leave, whilst others may require you to do some scrubbing or require the aid of a pressure washer. Make sure you've got all the equipment you need to get your patio cleaned efficiently.
Type of dirt: There are three main types of dirt that need ousting; algae, moss, and dirt. For dirt or oil, consider a more powerful patio cleaner solution. Moss can be removed using a moss killer, whilst algae requires an algae remover. Most patio cleaner solutions will identify what they're best for cleaning, but for those more embedded areas of lichen and dirt, you'll likely need to use extra elbow grease.
Quantity: How big is your patio? Most patio cleaner solutions will come with a guide as to how big an area the solution will cover. Make sure you've got enough for the job.
Patio cleaner FAQs
Does biodegradable patio cleaner mean eco-friendly?
While the majority of patio cleaners are biodegradable, this doesn't necessarily mean they are eco-friendly, so you should avoid contact with live plants during the cleaning process.
Biodegradable just means that you don't need to apply anything extra to make the solution safe once dry.
How to clean your patio through the seasons?
If you're looking to keep your patio spick and span, but aren't sure how to keep it looking its best during the passing seasons, here's a short guide to staying on top of any mould or dirt throughout the year:
Winter: During the cold and slippery months, it is common to use salt to de-ice the patio, however, de-icing salt can cause discolouration on your patio. Look for brands that are non-staining and less corrosive than standard brown rock salt or grit.
Spring: After the wear and tear over the winter months, you should give your patio a thorough clean from all the dirt and grime. A literal spring clean! This is the prime time to check the joints between the slabs, as they might need repointing.
Summer: This is most likely the time you will be on the patio, so make sure to clean up any spillages or mess as they happen to minimise any long-term staining.
Autumn: Crunchy autumn leaves can stain your patio if left over the months, so it is good to keep up regular maintenance and sweep your patio frequently.
Alternative patio cleaning methods
Pressure washing and using a patio cleaner are the easiest ways to clean your patio, but if you'd prefer to use what you already have in the cupboards and don't mind getting on your hands and knees and putting in that extra effort, you can try using the soap, vinegar, or bleach method.
The soap method
Step 1: Get a bucket with hot water and mix in some soap or washing-up liquid
Step 2: Pour the soapy water over the area you want to clean
Step 3: Use a hard-bristled brush to scrub the area
Step 4: Rinse off the area with new clean water
Step 5: Leave it for 24 hours and repeat the process if necessary.
The vinegar method
Step 1: Clear the area from furniture, sweep the area, and remove any weeds
Step 2: Get a bucket and add a solution of half water and half vinegar
Step 3: Pour the bucket of solution over the patio and wait 20 minutes
Step 4: Use a hard-bristled brush to scrub the area
Step 5: Mop up the area with clean water.
The bleach method
Step 1: In either a bucket or a watering can (a watering-can works best as it gives you more control), mix the water with bleach. The best ratio is five parts water to one part bleach
Step 2: Pour the solution over the area you want to clean, and try to avoid pouring it over any plants and flowers
Step 3: Use a hard-bristled brush to scrub the area, white foam should start to build up
Step 4: Leave it for 15 minutes
Step 5: Rinse off the area with new clean water.
What to read next:
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Eleanor Weaver is the Deputy Homes & Garden Product Editor for Modern Gardens, specialising in outdoor furniture, décor, and tools. She's always looking out for inspiration online for stylish and affordable designs, and enjoys spending time in nature.