After a wet British winter, most patios look tired. Green algae, black spots, moss in the joints and a slippery surface underfoot are all common. A good pressure wash can make a patio look almost new, but the result depends on how it’s done.
It’s tempting to hire a jet washer for the weekend and tackle it yourself. Sometimes that works fine. Often, though, it leaves streaks, damaged joints or a patio that turns green again within months. Here’s what you need to know before you decide.
Why patios get so dirty
Patios sit outside all year, so they collect everything the weather throws at them. Algae and moss thrive on damp, shaded stone. Lichen leaves stubborn black spots that ordinary washing won’t shift. Weeds take root in the joints, and dirt, leaves and garden debris work into the surface over time.
Beyond looking untidy, a dirty patio can become dangerously slippery, especially in autumn and winter. Left long enough, moss and weeds can also loosen joints and lift slabs.
The problem with DIY pressure washing
Domestic pressure washers are widely available, and for light jobs they can do the trick. But there are a few common pitfalls.
Damaged joints. Too much pressure, held too close, blasts out the sand or mortar between slabs and blocks. That leaves gaps for weeds to grow back even faster.
Damaged stone. Softer stones such as sandstone and some limestones can be marked or etched by high pressure, leaving permanent “tiger stripes”.
Uneven results. Without a rotary surface cleaner, it’s hard to avoid patchy, striped finishes, especially on large areas.
Mess. Dirty water and debris spray onto walls, windows, doors and furniture, adding to the clean-up.
Fast regrowth. Pressure washing removes surface growth, but spores often remain. Without the right treatment afterwards, the green can return within months.
Time. Cleaning a large patio properly with a domestic machine can easily take a full weekend, or longer.
What professional patio pressure washing involves
A professional clean is about more than a bigger machine. A good operator will typically follow these steps:
- Assess the surface. Natural stone, porcelain, concrete and block paving all need different treatment. Getting this right avoids damage.
- Pre-treat where needed. Stubborn algae, lichen and moss may need treating before the wash.
- Clean with the right equipment. Industrial-grade pressure washers and rotary surface cleaners give an even, streak-free finish in far less time.
- Rinse and tidy. The surrounding area should be rinsed down, with debris cleared away and furniture put back.
- Re-sand or re-point. Block paving often needs re-sanding after cleaning to stabilise the blocks and discourage weeds.
- Treat to slow regrowth. An appropriate treatment after cleaning can help keep algae and moss at bay for longer.
A careful operator will also adapt to your garden. That might mean avoiding chemicals near a pond or protecting delicate planting.
When DIY makes sense, and when to call a professional
DIY can work well for a small concrete area with light surface dirt, or for a quick touch-up between professional cleans.
It’s worth calling a professional if:
- Your patio is large or heavily soiled
- It’s natural stone, such as sandstone or limestone
- You have block paving that will need re-sanding
- There’s lichen, black spotting or deep-rooted moss
- You want a long-lasting result, not just a quick clean
- You’d rather spend your weekend enjoying the patio than cleaning it
How often should you pressure wash your patio?
For most homes, a professional clean once a year keeps a patio in good condition. Spring is a popular time, getting the space ready for summer. Shaded, north-facing or heavily used patios may benefit from more frequent attention.
Choosing a patio cleaning company
Not all pressure washing services are equal. Before you book, check that the company:
- Is fully insured
- Has genuine reviews, ideally with before and after photos
- Asks about your surface type before quoting
- Explains what’s included, such as re-sanding or post-clean treatment
- Gives a clear, written estimate
Professional patio cleaning from Made4Pressure
At Made4Pressure, our fully insured local operators use industrial-grade equipment and careful, surface-appropriate methods to bring patios, driveways and paths back to their best. With over 100 five-star reviews, our customers regularly tell us their patios look brand new.
We cover Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, North West London, Hampshire and Berkshire, with dedicated operators in each region.
Find out more about our pressure washing and jet washing service, check the areas we cover, or request a free estimate today.
