What this guide covers: How to clean patios made from natural stone, porcelain, concrete paving and brick or clay pavers — including how to deal with black spot lichen, which surfaces need sealing, and why detergent dwell time matters more than pressure alone.
A patio that's been left through summer and into autumn usually ends up with a combination of general soiling, green algae, black spot lichen, and moss in the joints. Left until spring, the lichen in particular can be difficult to shift — it bonds to the surface and resists pressure washing alone. Getting on top of it before winter, when the surface is still relatively clear and the growth hasn't had months of wet weather to bed in, is the more effective and less effortful approach.
What type of patio surface do you have?
Natural stone (sandstone, slate, limestone, granite) — soft porous stones like sandstone and limestone need lower pressure and a suitable stone cleaner rather than a general patio detergent; avoid acidic cleaners which etch the surface. Porcelain tiles — the most pressure-tolerant patio surface; non-porous, hard, resistant to staining; use a surface cleaner or keep the lance moving to avoid dislodging grout on older installations. Concrete paving — durable and pressure-tolerant but absorbs staining readily; dwell-time treatment makes a significant difference. Brick and clay pavers — same as block paving; surface cleaner rather than direct lance on joints, re-sand after washing.
What you need
- Pressure washer — V-TUF V3 for most patio surfaces, V-TUF V5 for larger patios or heavy lichen and black spot
- Surface cleaner attachment
- Patio cleaner with biocidal action — specialist black spot remover for lichen
- Stone sealer — for natural stone after cleaning
How to clean your patio
Apply patio cleaner to the dry surface; allow 15–20 minutes dwell time minimum. Use the surface cleaner for large flat areas; switch to the lance with a fan nozzle for edges and steps. On natural stone keep pressure lower than on concrete or porcelain. Don't clean in direct sunlight on a hot day — detergents dry too fast and leave streaks. Seal natural stone after cleaning.
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