The best patio cleaner can restore your patio to its original state, clearing algae and stains and revealing the natural color of your slabs – which may be rather surprising depending on when it was last cleaned.
We have all spent more time in our gardens over the last year, and with the return of warm weather. A few basic updates will ensure your outdoor space is ready to enjoy when the sun shines. The extent to which dirt has become embedded in your patio – and whether it is in direct sunlight or shade – can all affect how much work your patio cleaner will need to do. However, do not be alarmed; the best patio cleaners are up to the challenge!
Numerous the best patio cleansers can be applied and then left to dissolve the debris as you sit back and relax, which implies no more cleaning on your hands and knees. Keep reading to learn the best patio cleaners for summer, and if you’re looking for some ideas for outfitting your patio, be sure to check out our guide to the best patio cleaner for 2021 so you can relax outdoors in style this summer.
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What can I use to clean my outdoor patio?
There are a variety of different options available, based on the tools at hand. Numerous patio cleaner solutions are concentrated, which indicates they must be diluted with water before being applied manually from a bucket or watering can.
However, it’s worth noting that the changes will not be immediate, so don’t be startled if it first appears the same! Generally, you’ll need to wait a few hours to notice the effect. We recommend waiting a few days to fully appreciate the benefits of your patio cleaning.
Additionally, you can use a pressure washer and some patio cleansers are detergents. Simply follow the instructions, and it’s worth checking to see if the manufacturer suggests a particular type or brand of detergent. You’ll get faster results with a pressure washer, as the water pressure blasts the dirt away, but you’ll pay a higher upfront fee if you don’t already own one.
You may also clean your patio with a soap or vinegar solution, though this will need significantly more effort to scrub the areas clean and will require bleach – not an eco-friendly alternative.
Karcher T550 – Best Patio Cleaner for Wide Area 
Pros
- Two rotating flat jet nozzles provide superior cleaning of your outdoor surface.
- The pressure is easy to adjust. You can use the cleaner for all outdoor surfaces.
- Designed to hover over the pavement for easy cleaning.
- A selection of accessories includes two extension tubes, a rotor arm and an assortment of high-pressure nozzles.
- Ideal with a wide range of pressure washers.
Cons
- It’s not possible to control or stop the flow of the cleaning fluid dispenser.
This is more than a patio cleaner. This innovative product, which is made to work on both horizontal and vertical surfaces, is easy to use and will swiftly and effortlessly clean your outdoor paving, garage door, and perhaps even your home’s exterior walls.
The efficient design with a twin-jet rotational arm helps clean surfaces in half the time it takes with a spray lance, whereas the hood of the head avoids splashing but also keeps you and your surroundings dry.
The most advantageous feature is the continuous pressure adjustment, which enables the machine to be used on a variety of outdoor surfaces, like wood decks, stone, and concrete paving, even galvanized garage doors. The ergonomically designed features two grips on the unit’s head for convenient maneuvering in vertical areas, as well as two extension tubes that connect to the bayonet connection for a no-frills cleaning of pavements.
Although the kit does not include a pressure washer, the cleaner is compatible with all Kärcher K2 to K7 models.
Karcher K2 Washer – Best Patio Cleaner for Cleaning Decking, Patios, and Block paving. (Multi-purpose)
Pros
- An ergonomic design comprising a telescopic handle and wheels makes the pressure washer easy to move.
- Iconography guide helps you select the right pressure setting for the job.
- Ideal for cleaning your patio, driveway, decking, garden furniture and accessories, tools and more.
- A suction tube allows applying detergent directly from the machine.
- This pressure washer comes with a water filter designed to protect the pump against dirt.
Cons
- The patio attachment is less effective than the T350 surface cleaner.
- This pressure washer is loud. We recommend using earplugs or muffs to prevent hearing damage.
This is one of those tools that you absolutely must-have in your collection. This machine, which is compatible with the T350 surface cleaner discussed previously, is meant to quickly clean outdoor surfaces and furniture. It’s ideal for much more than dust removal and comes with a variety of accessories, including a splash-free patio cleaner similar to the T350, a lance with four preset settings, and a dirt blaster.
A high-pressure trigger pistol offers the required strength necessary to remove tough stains, mold, algae, or moss, while the lance, as well as dirt blaster, are perfect for cleaning vehicles, garden tools, and bicycles, among other things.
The washer is also easy to maneuver, thanks to the telescoping handle and onboard storage for all supplies, including the high-pressure hose and cable. Additionally, the accompanying home kit includes the patio cleaner and a detergent for thoroughly cleaning any very dirty surfaces.
Nilfisk core 140-6 – Best Patio Cleaner for Portability
Key Features
- Maximum pressure: 140 BAR
- Maximum flow rate: 474 liters per hour
- Size: 88.2 x 37.1 x 30 cm
- Hose length: 6m
- Weight: 8.7kg
- Motor power: 1800W
This Nilfisk 140-6 home pressure washer adds a splash of cherry royal blue to the pressure washer world, but it’s more than just an attractive face. It’s a massively powerful piece of kit that’s a delight to use, owing to its inventive design and superb usability. Numerous features are ones we wish were more prevalent. Instead of a safety catch on the trigger, for example, there is just an on/off switch adjacent to it — flick it on to allow the trigger to move freely while flicking it off locks it in place.
We also like the fact that we didn’t always have to replace the entire wand – just the shot glass-size nozzles, which are all properly labeled with symbols indicating their intended usage and stored neatly in designated slots at the top of the pressure washer when not in use. What about our other favorite feature? The inbuilt hose reel eliminated hose-related trip dangers – any surplus hose lengths can simply be reeled in.
Stihl RE 130 – Best Patio Cleaner for Versatility
Key Features
- Max pressure: 150 BAR
- Minimum flow rate: 500 liters per hour
- Hose length: 9m
- Cord length: 5m
- Weight: 21.2kg
- Motor power: 2300W
This is another amazingly compact pressure washer with smart features that help it take up the least amount of room possible. Numerous pressure washers feature large detergent tanks, despite the fact that detergent is not always necessary. Not so with the 130 plus — one of its nozzles includes a detergent container that can be set aside when no detergent is required. Additionally, it features a smooth extendable handle and the next best thing to an inside hose reel – an exterior hose reel with a metal framework that makes it simple to extract only the length of hose required.
It’s another pressure washer that does not provide separate wands, but rather individual nozzles that attach to the land’s end — another genius space saver. The fact that the electric cable did not have to be wrapped around an external reel but could be stored in its own enclosed compartment.
Bosch EasyAquatak 100 long lance – Best Patio Cleaner for Smaller Spacers
Key Features
- Pressure: 100 BAR
- Flow rate: 300 liters per hour
- Size: 20 x 40 x 31.5 cm
- Hose length: 5m
- Cord length: 5m
- Weight: 4kg
- Motor power: 1200W
This Bosch EasyAquatak 100 long lance is one of the finest bargains we’ve seen for under £100, and it’s remarkably simple to assemble – the majority of the pieces simply slot into place. While the cord is on the short side, the extra-long lance compensates for this. It’s an excellent choice for individuals with small gardens, in part because of its compact, unique design.
Features include the space at the bottom of the pressure washer for tucking the hose and the wand’s three-part construction, which simplifies and expedites storage. Additionally, we enjoyed the chunky trigger, which made it easy to operate even with wet and filthy hands,
Powerbase 2000W – Best Patio Cleaner for Ease of Use
Key Features
- Maximum pressure: 145 BAR
- Maximum flow rate: 450 liters per hour
- Hose length: 7m
- Cord length: 7m
- Motor power: 2000W
These were the small details in this pressure washer that we admired, such as the way the wand bolted onto the hose rather than clipping on – a simple feature that resulted in a far more secure connection. Its hefty 145 BAR also enabled it to fire one of the longest jets of water we’ve ever seen, which instantly spruced up our severely deteriorated patio tiles.
This is one of the most versatile pressure washers available – a variety of brushes are included, including a triangle brush that makes applying extra cleaning power to tight corners and small places a breeze. It’s also extremely compact, thanks to a folding handle on the hose reel, side holsters for the various attachments, and a built-in detergent tank for stubborn stains.
Worx Hydroshot Cordless – Best Patio Cleaner for Hassle-Free
The battery-powered WORX Hydroshot WG629 is unique among the electric pressure washers we evaluated in that nearly every feature maximizes portability. Rather than relying on a large body unit, this cordless pressure washer takes water from any source, making it an absolute dream for on-the-go applications.
Though not the most powerful on the list, the Hydroshot delivers three to four times the pressure of a garden hose and nozzle and includes adjustable pressure settings. While it will not remove an oil stain from a driveway, it will quickly remove dirt and grime.
How Infested is Your Patio?
Before deciding on a product, consider its efficiency in terms of both quality and volume. The more extensive the infestation, the more solutions you may need to use. In most circumstances, purchasing a very concentrated patio cleaner would suffice. If the staining on your patio is severe, choose a product that is formulated specifically for badly affected patios and garden walks. Concentrates typically give outstanding outcomes due to their ability to be diluted without losing efficiency.
How Effective Is This Best Patio Cleaner?
Certain types are far more successful than others. The strength of a patio cleaner is what affects how well it cleans your patio’s surface. Whereas the majority of patio cleaners are effective, some of the best concentrate on a particular type of patio filth. The majority of black mold algae patio cleansers are proprietary, making them quite effective in treating such.
Other top patio cleaners are extremely effective at removing lichen from the patio. If you’re focusing your efforts on a single or two types of infestation, choose a product that has been carefully developed for that purpose. Because not all ‘all-purpose’ patio cleaners are genuinely all-purpose, it’s usually best to select a product that addresses the major issue directly.
How Does The Best Patio Cleaner Work?
Patio cleaners come in a variety of formats, and which one you choose is dependent on a number of things. If you’re searching for a low-maintenance solution, you may consider purchasing a ‘Spray and Leave’ product. These best patio cleaners demand only that you apply to the damaged areas and wait a specified amount of time. While some guarantee results in a matter of hours, others may take days, you would finally be completely self-sufficient.
Other varieties may require light scrubbing to stir the outcome; You can choose those if this is not a concern. Additionally, some require additional work—light rinsing or, in some cases, a jet wash. If you seek our guidance, we propose that you make your selection based on the amount of time and effort you are willing to put in treating the patio.
Can you damage concrete with a power washer?
This will undoubtedly cause damage to concrete. As with any material, it is susceptible to general wear and tear and should be maintained accordingly.
The majority of damage occurs as a result of holding the nozzle too close to the surface and concentrating it in one spot. To measure the power of the washer, it’s ideal to stand about ten feet away from the area you’re cleaning and move closer if necessary. While washing, move the nozzle around to ensure that the pressure is evenly distributed and apply less intense pressure on any areas of damaged concrete.
If your concrete was recently laid, defer power washing for the time being. The majority of concrete requires a year to properly settle, and excessive pressure might disturb the bonding process. Following that, you should be safe to proceed in the way advised.
Best Patio Cleaners Machines and Patio Chemicals
Is it a perfect combination? The truth is that the days of utilizing a patio cleaner necessitating the use of a power washer are over. The majority of current patio cleaners may be applied and left to work, with the following rain taking care of the rest. The only circumstance in which a pressure washer is necessary is if the patio cleaner is particularly strong and you dislike the residual odor. Sometimes, there is even so much algae accumulation that two applications of the cleanser are required to observe results. Apart from that, a little application with a brush or stiff broom is sufficient for the majority of patios.
Patio Chemicals: Biodegradable VS Eco-friendly
Patio cleaners are frequently made of added chemicals, so it’s critical to understand what you’re using in your garden. The majority of patio cleaners on the market now are biodegradable, which means they are completely safe once dried. It is critical to understand that this does not mean they are environmentally friendly: the majority are toxic to aquatic life and should be avoided in contact with live plants.
Reasons Why Your Patio Benefits from Pressure Washing
Maintaining your home’s external walls and entrances clean not only improves its beauty but also helps avoid additional damage to the home’s outer structure. The exterior of the house does not just refer to the walls and the entrance; it also refers to any outdoor places, such as the deck and patios. The terrace serves as a family gathering spot where parents can congregate while their children play. This is why it is critical to keep it clean in order to maintain it and to prevent children and pets from mold and mildew hazards.
Why risk injuring your back and knees when you can pressure wash your patio in no time? You can either purchase or rent a pressure washer unit from a well-known shop. Additionally, remove all movable furnishings and decors from the patio prior to performing this work to ensure that you can pressure wash the regions without difficulty.
Pressure washing requires substantially less time and work than scouring and washing the entire patio by hand. And, as the area that creates the first impression of your home, it’s only natural to make every effort to ensure that your patio is not just attractive but also remarkable and entertaining.
How To Clean Your Patio?
A well-maintained patio is an ideal location for an outdoor social area. Thorough maintenance is crucial to maintaining the appearance of your patio, but sweeping dirt and leaves is not always adequate. Moss, lichens, green or black mold, and algae have all been observed growing in shadier regions of a yard or garden.
However, there are various methods for cleaning them and keeping your outdoor surfaces looking new. In the spring, we suggest cleaning your patio and outdoor pavement with a pressure washer, a liquid cleaner, or a combination of the two, depending on the condition of your surface.
Using a pressure washer
A pressure washer is the fastest way to remove all unattractive stains from your paving. All you need to do is connect the machine to a water source and follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions for cleaning the machine with a powerful stream nozzle.
Avoid directing the stream in the same direction for an extended period of time to avoid causing surface damage. Additionally, you must understand that pressure washing roughens the surface, providing an ideal condition for moss and algae to develop. As an outcome, it is advised that the water be mixed with a fungicidal detergent developed to combat algae.
Once the area is clean, allow it to dry completely before applying a waterproof sealer. This step is frequently forgotten but critical since it minimizes erosion and increases the surface’s resilience to stains and grime, keeping it looking new for longer.
Prior to taking action, determine whether your surface can be cleaned using a pressure washer. Certain types of natural and cast stone paving can be damaged by the stream’s high pressure and require special cleaning with a brush and a standard hose. A liquid cleanser may be a more appropriate solution for such surfaces.
Using a liquid cleaner
There are numerous patio cleaners available that contain biocides and were developed expressly to fight mold. They are simple to apply using a low-pressure garden sprayer or watering can, and the majority of products require no additional activity on your part.
The most effective liquid cleansers eliminate stains in a matter of days and their effect can endure up to six months or more. If you prefer not to use a liquid cleaning, there are a few do-it-yourself alternatives.
Maintaining your patio’s cleanliness throughout the seasons
If you want to keep your patio in tip-top shape but aren’t sure how to do so as the seasons change, here’s a quick guide to staying on top of any mold or dirt throughout the year:
Winter – During the cold and wet months, it is customary to use salt to de-ice the patio; nevertheless, de-icing salt can stain the surface of your patio. Consider products that are less corrosive and stain-resistant than conventional brown rock salt or grit.
Spring – Following the wear and tear of the winter months, you should thoroughly clean your patio of all dirt and filth. This is an excellent moment to inspect the joints between the slabs, which may require repointing.
Summer – Since this is the most certain time you will be on the patio, clean up any spills or messes immediately to avoid long-term stains.
Fall – Crunchy autumn leaves left on your patio for months will stain it, therefore it’s important to maintain regular upkeep and wash your patio periodically.
Another way for cleaning your patio
Among the most frequently used products for removing unsightly stains and maintaining the appearance of the patio is bleach. Create a cleaning solution by combining bleach and water in a 1:4 ratio. Stir in 30 milliliters of dishwashing detergent and pour the solution into a garden sprayer.
Allow the bleach solution to sit for approximately five minutes before scrubbing the paving with a stiff nylon brush. Rinse thoroughly with a hose to eliminate any remaining residue. While this procedure is successful, the bleach may have a negative effect on your plants. If your patio has flowerbeds, you can clean them with an eco-friendly solution made of vinegar and liquid soap. Combine equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle, add 30 ml dishwasher detergent, and spray the solution on the surface.
Allow it to sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing the surface with a stiff nylon brush and then rinsing with a hose. Allow the clean surface to dry completely before applying a waterproof sealant in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions. This will keep your patio looking brand new over an extended period of time.
Get One Now for Cleaning Your Patio
Above, we’ve reviewed the best-selling patio cleaners, ensuring that you get the best deal possible. However, there are numerous additional types of patio cleaners available. You might even be considering hiring a patio cleaner. Whether you hire a contractor to clean your patio for you or purchase a machine such as a pressure washer, the choice is yours.
Each patio cleaning product comes with a unique set of directions on how to apply it to your paving. Before you purchase, be sure to read the guide to what the patio cleaner will clean. This way, you’ll get the perfect product for the cleaning job at hand.
Also, the best patio cleaner is determined by the chemical you wish to remove from your paving. If you want to remove moss, weed, algae, and dirt from your patio, the above-mentioned patio cleaners are ideal. However, if you wish to remove cement stains, deeply embedded weeds, ant nests, or oil stains, you will require a different type of cleaning product.
You may discover that your patio has very complicated and bad stains. If this is the case, an acid-based cleaner will be required. They are solely for the purpose of eliminating dirt and eradicating moss and algae. Keep in mind that following cleaning, you may need to refill any jointing sand that was removed during the cleaning process. This is frequently the case after cleaning block paving.
