Step-by-step guide: How to clean your patio throughout the year!

Updated on2nd February 2022 at 9.58am

Over the year patios endure the strains from the seasons. However, cleaning your patio and returning it to a good condition can be very simple!

Our guide gives you all you need to know about cleaning your patio slabs!

From what you’ll need, what different methods there are with or without a pressure washer, how to preserve it over the seasons and some handy cleaning tips!

Follow our five-step guide on how to clean your patio here...

What you’ll need

A bucket or a watering can
A hard-bristled brush (the wider, the better)
Access to warm water
Soap, vinegar, bleach or a pressure washer

The different methods of cleaning your patio

With soapy water
With vinegar
With bleach (although not eco-friendly!)
By using a pressure washer

The soap method

Step 1: Get a bucket with hot water and mix in some soap or washing up liquid

Step 2: Pour the soapy water over the area you want to clean

Step 3: Using a hard-bristled brush to scrub the area

Step 4: Rinse off the area with new clean water.

Step 5: Leave it for 24 hours and repeat the process if necessary

The vinegar method

Step 1: Clear the area from furniture, sweep the area and remove any weeds

Step 2: Get a bucket and add a solution of half water and half vinegar

Step 3: Pour the bucket of solution over the patio and wait 20 minutes

Step 4: Using a hard-bristled brush scrub the area

Step 5: Then mop up the area with clean water

The pressure washer method

Step 1: Clear the area from furniture and sweep the area

Step 2: Connect your pressure washer hose to the water supply of your house

Step 3: Turn on the tap and hose down the patio from side to side

Step 4: Once done turn off the tap and disconnect from the hose

Step 5: Place your patio furniture back

The bleach method

Step 1: In either a bucket or watering can, (a watering-can works best as it gives you more control) mix the water with bleach. The best ratio is five parts water to one part bleach

Step 2: Pour the solution over the area you want to clean and try to avoid pouring it over any plants and flowers

Step 3: Using a hard-bristled brush scrub the area, white foam should start to build up

Step 4: Leave it for 15 minutes

Step 5: Rinse off the area with new clean water

Top tips

Try and scrub diagonally as this will be softer on the joining compound and will stay in better form during cleaning
Remember to brush your patio regularly in autumn. The dead crushed leaves will build up and cause discolouration stains over the months
Consider investing in a patio sealant as this will help keep the colour of the patio slabs and protect it

Cleaning your patio through the seasons

Winter: During the cold and slippery months it is common to use salt to de-ice the patio or surrounding areas. However, de-icing salt can cause discolouration. When looking to buy salt for de-icing, look for brands that are non-staining and less corrosive than standard brown rock salt or grit.

Spring: After the wear and tear over the winter months you should give your patio a thorough clean from all the dirt and grime. This is the prime time to check the joints between the slabs as they might need repointing.

Summer: This is most likely the time you will be on the patio, so make sure to clean up any spillages or mess as they happen to minimise any long-term staining.

Autumn: Crunchy autumn leaves can stain your patio if left over the months, so it is good to keep up regular maintenance and sweep your patio frequently over the season.