The Patio Gets Dirty. Fast.
Doesn’t take long. One windy week, a couple rainy days, maybe some leaves that didn’t get swept — and now your patio’s looking rough. Slippery spots, dirt in the cracks, maybe even green stuff starting to show up.
Thing is, that buildup doesn’t just make it look bad. It makes it harder to walk on, and over time, it starts eating away at the surface.
That’s where patio cleaning comes in. Done right, it doesn’t take much, but it makes a big difference. And if you want help without the guesswork, you can always start here:
patio cleaning
What’s Actually on Your Patio?
You’d be surprised. Rainwater carries dust and dirt that settles into the surface. Leaves break down and leave stains. Mildew loves the shady spots. If you’ve got potted plants or a grill, you’ve probably got rust rings or grease marks too.
Stone, concrete, pavers — they all absorb more than you’d think. Especially if the surface isn’t sealed.
If you wait too long, that stuff becomes more than just a stain. It settles deep, and regular hosing won’t touch it.
How to Clean It (Without Damaging Anything)
Most people grab a hose, give it a rinse, and figure that’s enough. It’s not. At least not if you want it actually clean.
For stubborn grime, you’ll probably need a mix of water and cleaner — something that breaks down mold and algae without ruining your grass or nearby plants. A gentle scrub helps, especially for tight spots between pavers or textured concrete.
In some cases, higher pressure helps — like with older stains or heavy buildup. But be careful. Too much force can etch concrete or loosen grout between stones. So yeah, there’s a balance.
Some pros use a surface cleaner attachment instead of a standard spray nozzle. It spreads the pressure out evenly and keeps the mess from spraying all over the yard.
When to Clean It
Once a year is usually enough, but it depends on how you use the space. If your patio sits under trees or sees a lot of foot traffic, you might need to clean it twice a year.
Spring’s a good time — clear out what winter left behind. Early fall works too if you want to tidy up before colder weather rolls in.
And if it’s been raining a lot? Watch for that slick green film. It’s not just ugly. It’s slippery and gets worse fast if you leave it.
While You’re Out There
If your patio’s due for a scrub, chances are your deck, siding, or walkways are too. That green stuff shows up everywhere — not just one spot.
Deck cleaning helps prevent rot. Pressure washing can lift old stains from concrete. And exterior house cleaning can freshen up siding and trim in one go.
You don’t have to do it all at once, but knocking out a few areas at a time keeps it manageable.
Don’t Forget the Roof
It’s easy to overlook, but if the patio looks dirty, the roof probably does too. Black streaks, moss, buildup — all signs it needs a little attention. And no, you shouldn’t use high pressure up there. That’s where roof soft washing makes more sense.
Same with softwash roof cleaning on newer shingles or fragile materials. Just worth thinking about.
Final Thought
Patio cleaning doesn’t have to be a huge chore. A little effort once or twice a year keeps things safer, cleaner, and easier to enjoy. Whether you’re sipping coffee in the morning or firing up the grill on weekends, it just feels better when the space is taken care of.
