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A patio can go from looking fresh to decidedly grubby surprisingly quickly. A winter of rain, fallen leaves and very little sunshine is often all it takes for paving slabs to develop dirt, green algae and patches of moss.

Cleaning them can make a huge difference, but it's worth checking what your paving is made from before reaching for the pressure washer or strongest cleaner in the shed. What works well on concrete could damage a more delicate natural stone.

This guide explains how to clean paving slabs by hand or with a pressure washer, tackle moss and algae, and look after the joints once you've finished.

Quick answer: What's the best way to clean paving slabs?

For everyday dirt, start with the gentlest method that will do the job:

• Sweep away leaves, dirt and loose debris

• Remove weeds and moss from the joints

• Use warm water and a suitable mild cleaning solution

• Scrub the slabs with a stiff-bristled brush

• Rinse thoroughly with clean water

• Allow the patio to dry and inspect the joints afterwards

For larger areas or heavier grime, a pressure washer can speed things up considerably, provided it's suitable for your paving.

Choosing the right method for your patio

There's no single best way to clean every patio. The right approach depends on the paving material, the size of the area and what you're trying to remove.

As a general guide:

• Smaller patios and more delicate paving: Start with warm water, a suitable cleaning product and a stiff brush

• Larger patios and hard-wearing surfaces: A pressure washer can make much lighter work of general grime

• Moss and algae: Use a treatment suitable for your particular paving rather than simply scrubbing the surface

• Grease, paint or cement stains: Treat the stain specifically rather than repeatedly cleaning the whole patio

If you're dealing with a particular mark, our guide to cleaning patio slabs covers paint splatters, BBQ grease, cement marks and other stubborn stains.

Method one: How to clean paving slabs by hand

For a relatively small patio, you can get surprisingly good results with a bucket and a decent scrubbing brush.

It's also the gentler option if you have paving that could be damaged by high-pressure washing.

What you'll need

• Garden broom

• Joint scraper

• Bucket

• Stiff-bristled scrubbing brush

• Warm water

• Mild cleaner suitable for your paving

Step-by-step

1. Clear the patio: Move pots, furniture and anything else that'll get in your way, then sweep away leaves, soil and loose debris

2. Clear weeds and moss: Use a joint scraper to remove weeds, moss and other growth between the slabs. Sweep everything up before you start washing

3. Prepare your cleaning solution: Mix warm water with a small amount of mild cleaner that's suitable for your paving

4. Scrub the slabs: Work across the patio in manageable sections, paying extra attention to dirtier or greener areas

5. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse away the cleaner and loosened dirt with fresh water, taking care not to wash debris into drains unnecessarily

6. Leave the patio to dry: Once dry, you'll get a much better idea of whether any areas need another clean and whether the joints need attention

What can you use to clean paving slabs?

The safest option for cleaning paving slabs depends on the material.

A mild, pH-neutral cleaner is a sensible starting point for many surfaces. Specialist patio cleaners are another option, provided they're designed for your particular paving.

You'll also see household remedies such as vinegar and bleach recommended online. Be cautious with these. Acidic cleaners such as vinegar can damage acid-sensitive stone, while bleach may affect some paving, sealants, pointing, surrounding plants or finishes.

Method two: How to clean paving slabs with a pressure washer

If you have a large patio that's covered in months or years of grime, pressure washing can be much quicker than scrubbing it by hand.

But more power isn't necessarily better.

Too much pressure, or holding the nozzle too close to the paving, can damage some surfaces and blast material out of the joints.

What you'll need

• Protective clothing, gloves, goggles and sturdy footwear

• Garden broom

• Joint scraper

• Pressure washer

• Suitable patio or pressure-washer cleaner, if required

Step-by-step

1. Clear and sweep the patio: Remove furniture, pots and loose debris before starting

2. Remove weeds and loose moss: Clear as much growth from the joints as you can first

3. Set up the pressure washer: Follow the manufacturer's instructions and start with a lower pressure setting where possible

4. Test a small area: Choose an inconspicuous spot and make sure the pressure isn't damaging the paving or pointing

5. Work across the patio a section at a time: Keep the nozzle moving rather than concentrating the jet in one place. Avoid directing high-pressure water straight into the joints

6. Allow the patio to dry and inspect it: Once everything's dry, check for missed areas and any pointing or jointing material that's been dislodged

How to remove moss and algae from paving slabs

Those green patches aren't just an eyesore. Moss and algae can make paving surprisingly slippery after rain.

To remove it, start by brushing or scraping away loose growth, then apply a moss or algae treatment that's suitable for your paving and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Don't rely on detergent alone if the moss and algae keep coming back. It may clean up the surface without properly treating the growth, so you could find those green patches returning before long.

Damp, shaded patios naturally tend to suffer more, so regular sweeping and keeping nearby vegetation trimmed can also help.

If you have block paving, see our dedicated guide to how to clean block paving for more specific advice.

What should you do with the joints after cleaning?

Cleaning your patio can remove sand or damaged jointing material from between paving, particularly if you've used a pressure washer.

Once the patio is completely dry:

• Check for gaps between the slabs

• Re-sand block paving where jointing sand has been lost

• Repair damaged mortar joints where necessary

• Deal with loose or unstable slabs rather than simply filling around them

Our guide to how to repoint a patio explains what to do if the joints need more attention.

Keen to spruce up the rest of your outdoor space? Check out our cost guides for garden clearance, driveway cleaning, and exterior painting.

Can you clean paving slabs yourself — and should you?

For a small or moderately dirty patio, cleaning paving slabs yourself is a very achievable DIY job if you're happy to put in the time.

It's usually manageable if:

• You know what type of paving you have

• The patio mainly has general dirt or light organic growth

• You can work safely with the equipment

• The paving and joints are in reasonable condition

Professional cleaning becomes more appealing if:

• You have a particularly large patio

• Moss and algae are extensive

• There are stubborn stains

• You have expensive or delicate paving

• You're worried about damaging the pointing

• The patio needs repairs or repointing as well as cleaning

There's something very satisfying about seeing the original colour of your paving emerge again. Less satisfying is spending a whole weekend on your hands and knees only to discover the stubborn patches haven't shifted.

Thinking about hiring a professional?

A patio cleaning specialist can identify the paving material, choose suitable cleaning products and equipment, and adjust the cleaning method to suit the condition of the surface.

That's particularly useful with natural stone or older paving, where going in too aggressively with a pressure washer can do more harm than good.

And if you're looking at a large patio that's going to take most of your weekend, there's also something to be said for having someone arrive with the right kit and getting it sorted properly.

Paving slab cleaning checklist

• Sweep away loose debris

• Identify your paving material

• Choose a suitable cleaning method

• Test cleaning products somewhere inconspicuous

• Remove weeds, moss and algae

• Use pressure carefully on delicate surfaces and joints

• Allow the patio to dry

• Inspect and repair the joints afterwards

Find checked and reviewed patio cleaning specialists near you

If your patio needs more than a quick scrub, or you'd simply rather spend your weekend enjoying it than cleaning it, a local patio cleaning specialist can help.

With Checkatrade, tradespeople are:

• Checked - Every Checkatrade member must pass up to 12 checks and commit to upholding the Checkatrade Standard

• Reviewed - Over 6.2 million reviews have been published on Checkatrade about real jobs, on everything from communication, tidiness, timekeeping, and quality of work

• Guaranteed - Jobs booked through Checkatrade are covered up to £1,000 (T&Cs apply)

Whether you're dealing with years of grime, slippery algae or paving that needs a little more care, search for checked and reviewed patio cleaning specialists near you and get your outdoor space looking its best again.

FAQs

What's the best homemade patio cleaner?

Warm water with a small amount of mild, pH-neutral cleaner is a sensible starting point for many paving materials. Be careful with homemade acidic or bleach-based solutions, as they can damage certain stones, finishes, pointing or surrounding plants.

Can I pressure wash my patio myself?

Yes, provided your paving is suitable for pressure washing. Start gently, test an inconspicuous area and avoid holding a high-pressure jet close to the paving or directly over the joints.

How do I stop my patio going green again so quickly?

Remove leaves and debris regularly, keep surrounding vegetation trimmed where possible and treat recurring moss or algae with a product suitable for your paving. Shaded and damp patios may need more frequent maintenance.

Is it safe to use bleach on paving slabs?

It depends on the paving material, finish and surrounding area. Rather than assuming bleach is safe, check the paving manufacturer's guidance and use a purpose-made patio cleaner where possible.

How often should I clean my patio?

A regular sweep helps prevent dirt and organic material building up. Many patios benefit from a more thorough clean once or twice a year, although damp, shaded areas may need attention more frequently.

Why shouldn't I use vinegar on all types of paving?

Vinegar is acidic and can etch or dull acid-sensitive paving, including limestone and some other natural stones. Check the manufacturer's care instructions before using it.

Do I need to re-sand my patio after every clean?

Not necessarily. Block paving only needs re-sanding if jointing sand has been lost. Slab paving with mortar or another jointing compound should instead be checked for damaged or missing material and repaired where necessary.

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