The easier way to book quality trades

Download app

A patio can go from being a lovely place to sit to slippery, green and grim surprisingly quickly. Rain, shade, fallen leaves, food spills, plant pots and garden furniture all leave their mark.

Professional patio cleaning can brighten up tired paving, remove moss and algae, and make the space feel much more inviting again. It’s especially useful before spring and summer, when you’re more likely to get out into the garden.

This guide explains patio cleaning prices in the UK, jet washing costs per m², what affects the price, and what to check before booking a patio cleaning company.

How much does patio cleaning cost?

Patio cleaning services usually cost around £3–£4.50 per m², depending on the surface material and condition of your patio.

For a straightforward patio clean, the final price usually comes down to the size of the area, how dirty the surface is, and whether it needs any extra stain treatment or sealing.

There will likely be a minimum call-out cost, normally based on a minimum 30m² charge. Expect to pay a little more overall if oil stains need tackling.

Get a quote for patio cleaning near you

For an accurate patio cleaning price, it’s worth getting quotes from a few checked local patio cleaning services.

A written quote should explain the cleaning method, the area being cleaned, whether sealing is included, and whether oil stains or black spots will cost extra.

Patio cleaning costs at a glance

• Patio slabs cleaning: around £3 per m²

• Block paving cleaning: around £3.50 per m²

• Concrete cleaning: around £3 per m²

• Tarmac cleaning: around £3 per m²

• Timber decking cleaning: around £4.50 per m²

• Patio slabs cleaning and sealing: around £6.50 per m²

• Block paving cleaning and sealing: around £7 per m²

• Labour cost: around £250–£350 per day

Patio cleaning prices by surface type

Different patio materials need slightly different cleaning approaches. A patio cleaning contractor should use the right pressure, method and products for the surface.

Patio slab cleaning cost

Patio slab cleaning usually costs around £2–£4.50 per m², with an average cost of £3 per m².

Slabs can become stained with algae, soil, plant pot marks and general garden dirt. Professional cleaning can make a big difference, especially if the paving has become slippery.

Block paving patio cleaning cost

Block paving cleaning typically costs around £2.50–£5.25 per m², with an average cost of £3.50 per m².

Block paving may need more care because weeds and moss can grow between the joints. If the joints are disturbed during cleaning, the area may need additional attention afterwards.

Concrete and tarmac cleaning cost

Concrete and tarmac patio cleaning usually costs around £2–£4.50 per m², with an average cost of £3 per m².

These surfaces are often practical and hard-wearing, but they can still stain, discolour or become slippery if algae builds up.

Timber decking cleaning cost

Timber decking cleaning costs around £3–£6 per m², with an average cost of £4.50 per m².

Decking can become slippery when mould, algae or grime builds up. It also needs careful cleaning so the timber isn’t damaged.

Patio cleaning and sealing costs

Cleaning and sealing costs more than cleaning alone, but it's often worthwhile as it can help protect the surface and keep it looking fresher for longer.

Typical cleaning and sealing costs include:

• Patio slabs: £2–£4.50 per m²

• Block paving: £2.50–£5.25 per m²

• Concrete: £2–£4.50 per m²

Average patio cleaning and sealing costs:

• Patio slabs: £6.50 per m²

• Block paving: £7 per m²

• Concrete: £6.50 per m²

Watch a patio jet wash transformation

It’s one thing to read about patio cleaning prices, but it’s often the before-and-after result that helps decide whether it’s worth doing.

Watch this patio jet wash transformation from one of our Checkatrade members to see how much of a difference professional cleaning can make to tired paving.

What affects patio cleaning costs?

Patio cleaning prices can vary because every patio is a little different.

The main cost factors to be aware of are:

• Patio size: Larger patios take longer to clean and may trigger a higher minimum charge

• Surface material: Natural stone, block paving, concrete, tarmac and timber decking may all need different cleaning methods

• Condition: Heavy algae, moss, black spots, oil stains or ingrained dirt can increase the cost

• Cleaning method: Jet washing, steam cleaning, chemical treatment and sealing can all affect the final price

• Access: Awkward access, steps, long hose runs or limited water access can make the job slower

• Location: Labour and call-out costs can vary across the UK

On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.

Additional costs to budget for

The basic patio cleaning cost may not include every extra.

You may need to budget for:

• Oil stain treatment

• Black spot or algae treatment

• Patio sealing

• Furniture moving

• Minimum call-out charges

• Cleaning nearby paths, steps or decking

• Extra time for badly stained areas

• Water supply arrangements if there’s no outdoor tap

Not every patio will need these, but it’s always sensible to check before work starts to avoid surprises later.

We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.

What should be included in a patio cleaning quote?

A clear patio cleaning quote should explain the scope of the work and what might cost extra, so you have a clear idea of what you're paying for.

Check whether your quote includes:

• Area size being cleaned

• Cleaning method

• Labour

• Use of professional machinery

• Cleaning products

• Stain treatment, if needed

• Sealing, if requested

• Minimum call-out charge

• Water access requirements

• Total cost, including VAT if applicable

What does patio cleaning involve?

Most patio cleaning services use pressure washing or jet washing to remove dirt, moss, algae and surface stains. This uses high-pressure water to clean the patio more thoroughly than a brush and soapy water alone, particularly where grime has built up over time. Depending on the type and condition of your patio, the cleaning company may also offer:

• Steam cleaning for more delicate surfaces such as natural stone

• Treatment for black spot lichen or algae

• Weed or moss removal before cleaning

• Sealing after cleaning to help protect the surface

Some patios need a gentler approach than others, so it’s always worth checking that your patio cleaner has experience with your specific surface material before work starts.

How long does patio cleaning take?

Professional patio cleaning normally takes a few hours, depending on the size and condition of the area.

A small, lightly marked patio may be finished relatively quickly. A larger patio with algae, weeds, black spots or oil stains will take longer to clean.

If sealing is included, drying time may also affect when you can walk on the surface again. Check with your contractor before booking the work so you can plan accordingly.

Patio cleaning cost calculator

Use our patio cleaning cost calculator to get a rough idea of the likely price before asking local contractors for quotes.

You’ll need to think about patio size, surface material, condition, whether you have stains that need treating, whether sealing is required, access to water, and your location.

Job Estimate Calculator

Get Started

Step 0/3

This calculator provides a guide price only, not a quote. For an accurate cost for your project, ask a selection of local patio cleaning companies to assess the job and provide a written quote.

Can you clean a patio yourself?

You can clean a patio yourself, especially if it only needs a light tidy. For mild dirt, a broom, warm soapy water and a hard brush may be all that's needed. For tougher grime, algae or stains, you may need to hire a pressure washer.

The main risk is damaging the surface. Too much pressure can mark paving, loosen joints or damage softer materials. Natural stone and timber decking may need a gentler approach.

And it's worth bearing in mind, pressure washing a patio is a messy job, so you'll need protective clothing and safety goggles.

If your patio is large, slippery, heavily stained or made from a delicate material, professional cleaning is usually the safer option.

Patio cleaning cost checklist

• Confirm your patio material and its approximate size in m²

• Say whether the patio is slippery or stained (particularly tough stains like oil)

• Ask whether sealing is included

• Confirm whether access to an outdoor tap is needed

• Check whether furniture needs moving

• Enquire whether there’s a minimum call-out charge

• Ask how long the job is expected to take

When should you speak to a patio cleaning service?

It’s worth contacting a patio cleaning company if the surface has become slippery, stained, green with algae, or difficult to clean with a brush and soapy water.

A good patio cleaning contractor can explain the best method for your paving or decking, whether sealing is worthwhile, and what the work is likely to cost.

Find patio cleaning services near you

Comparing quotes from a selection of local patio cleaning services is the best way to understand what a fair price looks like in your area.

A reputable firm will be happy to explain what method they’ll use, how long the job will take, and whether any stain treatment or sealing is recommended.

FAQs

How much do patio cleaning services cost?

Patio cleaning services usually cost around £3–£4.50 per m², depending on the surface material and condition.

How much does patio cleaning cost per m²?

Patio slabs and concrete cleaning average around £3 per m², block paving averages around £3.50 per m², and timber decking averages around £4.50 per m².

How much does patio cleaning and sealing cost?

Patio slabs cleaning and sealing average around £6.50 per m², while block paving cleaning and sealing averages around £7 per m².

What time of year should I clean my patio?

Spring is a good time to clean your patio because it gets the space ready for warmer weather and avoids the risk of water freezing on the surface.

Do patio cleaners use customers’ water?

Most patio cleaners will use your outdoor tap for pressure washing. Some may bring their own water supply, but this can cost extra.

How long does it take to clean a patio?

Professional patio cleaning usually takes a few hours, depending on the patio size, its condition and the cleaning method.

Can I clean my patio myself?

Yes, you can clean a patio yourself if the dirt is light. For algae, oil stains, black spots or delicate paving, a professional patio cleaner may get better results with less risk of damage.

Is jet washing safe for patios?

Jet washing is safe for many patios when done correctly. The right pressure and method matter, especially for natural stone, older paving or timber decking.

Checkatrade

Follow us

More Driveway Cleaning / Patio Cleaning Articles

Block paving cost guide

Chewing gum removal cost guide

How much does driveway cleaning cost in the UK in 2026?

View all