Best patio cleaners for stone paving and decking

A sparkly clean, weed-free patio is quite the satisfying sight, particularly in the warmer months when garden parties and BBQs are in full flow. While natural garden growths such as algae, moss and lichens are unharmful, encourage biodiversity and often add a charming, Secret Garden vibe, they can cause slippery and untidy looking patios. Luckily, there's a range of patio cleaner solutions available, so keeping your decking and stone paving in tiptop condition is not too tricky or laborious a task.

You can opt for a specialised solution that's designed for specific surfaces such as stone, or wood. There are also multi-purpose solutions available if you'd rather clean your greenhouse, stone slabs and garden wall all at once.

It's worth thinking about the patio cleaner's eco credentials, and whether they're safe to use around little ones and furry friends! In our roundup, you'll find a range of organic and child/pet friendly options, so you can crack on with the job, whatever your household setup.

Best patio cleaners for 2023

Algon Organic Path and Patio Cleaner Concentrate, 2.5L

This organic patio cleaner is pet, wildlife and child safe, so it's great for a thriving garden and busy household! It's a concentrated formula, so just dilute the solution with water, and apply to your dry outdoor surface. It can be used on virtually any outdoor surface, so you can tackle your paths and driveways.

A garden sprayer would work well, or even just a paintbrush or soft broom. You don't need to worry about fancy equipment. Once applied, you can just let the solution work its magic as it doesn't require any scrubbing or rinsing. It's a quick and easy option that doesn't waste too much water.

If you're after a low-maintenance patio, the results should last for roughly a year.

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Wet & Forget, 5L

This is a versatile cleaner that works on tarmac, roofs, paths and paving as well as patios. It's designed to remove mould, lichen and algae, so you can keep your patio in pristine condition. Algae can often become slippery, so removing such growths can make your path safer as well as more aesthetically pleasing. You can also use it to bring your slimy green stone ornaments back to life.

It works best with a sprayer, and as the name suggests, there's no need to rinse. While it's biodegradable and bleach-free, it's only safe for animals and children once dry, so you'll need a free garden.

Kärcher Stone and Facade Cleane, 1L

This patio cleaner is specifically designed for cleaning stone. It removes dirt and offers weather protection, so it's an ideal choice if you're fed up of stormy winds and hail damaging your stone features. It also tackles fungi and algae.

You'll need a compatible Kärcher pressure washer, so it's a bit more of an investment. There are loads of washers to choose from, and once you've got the kit, it should make for a seamless - and satisfying - cleaning experience. You can use the same pressure washer for different Kärcher detergents, including car cleaner, so it could be a versatile and useful garden gadget.

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Delphis Eco Patio and Stone Cleaner, 5L

This patio cleaner from Delphis is plant-based and biodegradable, so it's a green pick. Just apply to stone with a spray, or brush, and rinse off with clean water. When rinsing, it's worth checking drainage options to prevent damp from occurring.

The eco-friendly cleaner removes moss, algae, limescale and rust from your patio, and it's pet safe. It's suitable for stone floors, porcelain and granite too, so you can also use it indoors.

Ronseal Decking Cleaner and Reviver, 5L

Wooden decking is perfect for creating a relaxed and stylish outdoor area, so it's worth keeping your wooden surface in good nick.

Specifically designed for wooden decking, this Ronseal cleaner is ideal for giving tired and weathered wood a quick lift. It aims to brighten your decking whilst removing algae and mould. You'll need to roll your sleeves up for this one as it requires scrubbing.

You can also apply this solution to your decking before painting with an oil or stain, as it'll help them adhere to the wood. It's an easy trick to help achieve a longer-lasting finish.

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RHS Path, Patio and Decking Cleaner, 2.5L

If you're looking for a less labour intensive solution, this concentrate patio cleaner from RHS requires little effort. You don't need to worry about buckets and backaches, as you can just spray and leave. It's suitable for use around plants, pets and ponds. It's an organic formula, and should cover 80 square metres.

• £16.99

Buy the RHS Path, Patio and Decking Cleaner now from Dobies

Safe to Clean

This is a handy bottle to have in the shed, as it's a multi-purpose cleaner so it's a bit of an all-rounder. According to RHS, it's especially safe to use near planted areas. The probiotic solution works on decking, patio flags, glass conservatories, painted walls, wood fencing, stone walls and statues. Your whole outdoor space can receive a shiny makeover.

It even works on garden furniture and canopies, so it's sure to come in useful when you're prepping your garden for social gatherings.

• £13.02

Buy Safe to Clean now from Dobies

For more decking inspiration, take a look at our decking design ideas.