What is the Best Patio Cleaner?
21/08/2025A clean, well-maintained patio not only creates the perfect setting for alfresco dining and outdoor entertaining, but it also helps maintain the appearance and longevity of your patio. Over time, patios are stained by moss, algae, organic matter, BBQ grease, spillages and general dirt and grime. This can create an unpleasant and unsafe patio surface.
Choosing the right patio cleaner can make all the difference. But it’s important to know which patio cleaner is best suited to your type of patio and the problem you’re solving. Whether you’re looking for the best outdoor porcelain tile cleaner or patio stone cleaner, this article guides you through the different products and why regular cleaning of your patio is a must.
The Purpose of Patio Cleaners
When you’ve invested time and money into your patio, you want to ensure it retains its appearance and condition. A patio’s location makes it vulnerable to general scuffs and stains, so regular cleaning helps to keep it looking as good as when you laid it.
The right patio cleaner can make this task much easier. Where sponges and soapy water can remove surface marks, patio cleaners work deeper to dissolve and remove tougher stains such as grease, oil, cement residue, rust and organic matter, without tarnishing the colour or pattern of your paving.
Read more about outdoor tiling, tile & grout cleaner, and patio cleaner:
Factors To Consider When Choosing the Best Patio Cleaner
Type of Patio Slabs – It’s important to note the material of paving, as there are specific cleaners for porcelain, natural stone, limestone, granite, etc.
Timeframe – Look at the application and curing time of your patio cleaner. They can vary from 5 hours to 10 minutes. Consider this when planning to clean your patio.
Size of Patio – Small patios may benefit from powder or spray cleaners for spot cleaning. Whereas liquid cleaners are easier to apply to larger patios.
Extent of Damage – General patio cleaners will remove surface stains. For complex issues such as cement residue or rust, look for cleaners designed to resolve these specific problems.
Different Types of Patio Cleaners
We offer a range of liquid and spray patio cleaners to suit various types of patio paving slabs, stains and requirements.
Product | Image | Type of Patio | Features | Application | Ideal for… |
All types of patio paving. | Approx. 25m2 per 5 litre coverage. Bleaching action. | Shake well and apply directly to the patio. | Mould spores, Black spots, Lichen, Fungus, Algae, Moss stains. | ||
Granite, Slate, Basalt, Brick, Terracotta, Porcelain. | Acid cleaner. Zero noxious fumes. Super concentrated. | Pour, brush or spray onto the wetted patio. | Rust stains, Grout haze, Mortar mess. | ||
Natural stone, Granite, Concrete, Quartzite. | Leaves no residues. Gel-like consistency. | Apply to a dry surface. | Epoxy grout materials & residues, Organic stains, Oil & grease, Paint. | ||
Porcelain, Terracotta, Natural stone. | Liquid acid cleaner. Zero fumes. Suitable for acid-resistant materials. | Can be applied diluted or undiluted. | Cement residue, Organic stains, Rust stains, Engobbio. | ||
Porcelain, Slate, Brick, Terracotta, Granite, Unpolished natural stone. | 5-30m2 coverage per 1 litre. Acid replacement technology. | Shake well and mix 1 part LTP with 4 parts water. Apply with a cloth and leave for 15 minutes. | Cement residue, Grout stains, Organic stains. | ||
Porcelain, Clay slabs, Bricks, Terracotta. | Minimal odour. Dissolves inorganic products. Approx. 20-30m2 coverage.
| Mix 1 part LTP with 4 parts water. Apply to a wet surface with a brush and leave for 10 minutes. | Cement & mortar residue, Rust. | ||
Natural stone, Concrete. | Fast acting. Approx. 5-10m2 coverage per litre. | Use a garden sprayer in undiluted form. | Organic stains, Moss, Algae, Rust. | ||
Natural stone, Concrete, Porcelain, Brick, Terracotta. | Mild alkaline cleaner. Water-soluble. Free of chlorine and acid. | Mix 1 part ALGEX with 2 parts water and apply with a watering can or sprayer. | Organic stains and residue, Moss, Algae. | ||
Porcelain, Terracotta, Natural stone. | Liquid cleaner. Can be used on acid-resistant materials. | Ready-to-use spray. No dilution required. | Cement and grout residue, Organic matter stains. |
How Often Should I Clean My Patio?
You should schedule light cleaning and maintenance of your patio every two to three months. This allows you to keep an eye on the condition of your patio and prevent any long-term staining. If you spot any marks, remove them sooner rather than later. We also recommend conducting a deep clean once or twice a year: in spring, ready for summer use, and in autumn, preparing your patio for winter.
Take a look at Our Guide To Dealing With Mouldy Grout.
Pro Tips for Patio Cleaning
No matter which cleaning product you use, always test a small area first.
Protect nearby plants and vegetation by wetting or covering them.
Always follow the manufacturer's application instructions.
Leave for the recommended period for optimum results.
Use a stiff broom or patio scrubber with appropriate safety clothing. The Faithfull hand scrubbing brush is ideal for removing stubborn marks on most surfaces.
Rinse your patio with water after cleaning.
Be proactive. Deal with stains and scuffs as soon as they occur.
What Is the Best Patio Cleaner?
As you can see, there isn’t one ultimate cleaner for your patio. It’s important to know what paving material you’re working with and the purpose of your cleaning to find the best patio cleaner for you. If you’re unsure, get in touch with the Pro Tiler Team, who are happy to help.