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How to clean paving slabs for best results

If your patio looks a bit grotty, or stained, you're probably wondering how to clean paving slabs for the best results. We outline the various ways you can transform your paving slabs with a selection of tried and tested cleaning methods.

Our guide to how to clean paving slabs will help you tackle this arduous job efficiently and effectively.

Cleaning the patio is one of those jobs that is immensely satisfying once finished, but it can require a good dose of self-motivation to get started.

If you’re struggling to find the time or enthusiasm to clean your paving slabs yourself, don’t hesitate to tap into our directory of approved professionals to get the job done.

Check out our patio cleaning cost guide. Or simply enter your postcode into the search box below to see who comes highly rated in your area.

See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job

How to clean paving slabs for best results

There are various ways to clean paving slabs (or patios), bringing them up like new.

But how you get the job done depends on the amount of time, effort, and money you’re able to dedicate to this task.

It also depends on the reason you’re cleaning your patio: is it because it’s weathered, or are there specific stains, such as paint splatters, BBQ grease, or cement, that you want to remove?

  • To spruce up a smaller patio, or those made of softer natural stone, you might be inclined to use a cleaning solution, water, and a scrubbing brush
  • However, for a larger area, or tougher stains, the most efficient method is likely to involve a combination of a specialist surface cleaner and either an electric patio cleaner or a pressure washer

We’ll outline how to clean slabs using both these methods, below.

Method one: cleaning solution and scrubbing brush

Cleaning paving slabs by hand is more suited to smaller patios or those made of softer natural stone.

cleaning paving slabs with a scrubbing brush

What you’ll need

  • A garden broom
  • A joint scraper
  • A bucket and hard-bristled scrubbing brush
  • PH-neutral washing up liquid and warm water

Step-by-step

  1. Ensure the patio is free of loose debris by sweeping it with a broom
  2. Then use a joint scraper to loosen any greenery, weeds, or moss growing in between the paving slabs. Brush away the loose debris
  3. In a bucket, mix some washing-up liquid with hot water and splash it onto the patio
  4. Scrub the paving slabs using your hard-bristled scrubbing brush to remove the dirt
  5. When you’re satisfied with how your patio looks, rinse it with clean water, encouraging standing water towards a drainage point, and leave it to dry for 24 hours

Alternative solutions to clean your paving slabs

Bleach mixed with water can be used to clean some types of paving slabs. A water:bleach mix should be a 5:1 ratio and only be used on natural paving such as stone. Never use this mixture on porcelain or other man-made materials.

White vinegar can be applied directly to some paving slabs as a cleaning agent or in a 1:1 ratio with water. This should never be used on limestone pavers, as it will cause permanent damage.

Bicarbonate soda mixed with water (1-5 tbsp in 10 litres of water) is another alternative used by some homeowners as it has an abrasive quality and is non-toxic.

Specialist patio cleaners can also be purchased. These might be ready to use or need diluting.

Before using any cleaning solution on your paving slabs, it’s recommended to test in a small, inconspicuous area first.

If in any doubt, contact a professional for your patio cleaning. Add your postcode to the search box below to find trusted experts in your area.

See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job

Method two: cleaning your patio with a jet-washer

Jet-washing the patio is by far a more efficient way to bring a larger patio back to its best.

Pressure washing a patio made of hard stone is fine. However, if you have a softer, natural stone, a surface cleaner in combination with a lower-pressure wash is more suited to cleaning this type of patio.

Cleaning paving slabs with a pressure washer

Safety first: Take great care when jet-washing a patio. Wear protective overalls, gloves, goggles, and boots. This will not only protect you from possible injury, but it will protect you and your clothing from flying debris and splashback.

What you’ll need

  • Protective overalls, gloves, goggles, and suitable boots
  • A garden broom
  • A joint scraper
  • A pressure washer (also known as a jet washer)
  • Pressure washer detergent or ph-neutral washing up liquid

Step-by-step

  1. Sweep the patio with a broom to remove any loose debris
  2. Use a joint scraper to loosen any weeds or moss growing between the paving slabs and remove
  3. If your pressure washer has a detergent chamber, add diluted detergent to the chamber as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Otherwise, dilute your cleaning solution in a bucket and apply to the patio directly
  4. Wearing protective outerwear and goggles, hold the pressure washer at a 30-degree angle and spray diagonally across your patio to remove the dirt. Standing water should be directed to a drain

Tip: Whichever method you use to clean your patio, check the joints between your paving slabs afterward. Any gaps should be filled with a jointing compound.

Related content: Want to know how to clean paving blocks? Check out our complete guide to how to clean block paving, including using block paving cleaner and how to clean block paving without a pressure washer.

Find a professional patio cleaning company in your area

There’s no doubt that paving slab cleaning can be an onerous task, albeit well worth the effort. Prefer to call in the professionals? We don’t blame you. Enter your postcode below to find trusted and reliable patio cleaning experts near you.

See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job

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