Patios are subject to year-round exposure to the elements, which can take its toll more than you might realise. With six months of rain and frost, plus months' worth of bird droppings and decaying leaves, algae and general dirt leave your slabs looking a shadow of their best.
Choosing the right cleaner for the specific problem in front of you is what makes the difference, not just a general pressure washer and elbow grease. At Silverton Builders Merchants, we stock a wide range of patio cleaning products, making your patio look good as new.
Read on for more about the causes of patio staining and what we recommend as the best patio cleaning product.
What causes algae, moss and staining on patios?
The climate across East Anglia is particularly tough on patio surfaces. Because we face damp winters and low winter sun, the conditions are perfect for algae, moss and lichen. The same goes for Essex, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.
This means paving, decking and natural stone are at risk. When you add in the hard water areas that compound matters with limescale, plus organic matter and tannin from gardens, there’s no way to keep a patio fresh without a reliable patio cleaning product.
Which is the best patio cleaner brand?
Whether you’re a homeowner or landscaper in the UK, Azpects EASYCare is what we recommend the most. Their products are acid-free in most cases, making them suitable for plenty of surfaces. They even have concentrated versions which provide exceptional value if you have a large patio to clean.
Which patio cleaner should you use for different problems?
Here are our top picks, but always be sure to read the label carefully for manufacturer instructions and test products in small, discreet areas first:
Algae, moss and lichen: We supply the Azpects Easy Algae Remover, which is a professional-strength product to kill and control algae, mould and lichen. Results can last up to 12 months and all you need to do is apply it to get it working. There’s no extra scrubbing required if you’ve got light growth.
Heavy dirt and grime: In this scenario, Azpects Easy Patio & Deck Cleaner works quickly and effectively against the most stubborn dirt and grime on patios, decking and driveways. Featuring an active ingredient that remains on the paving, it reacts with the rain to keep your surface clean for up to 12 months.
Porcelain paving: The Azpects Porcelain Cleaner and Sanitiser Super Concentrate is a specialist product. It can remove old sealants and general grime, all without damaging your surfaces. Because it’s super concentrated, it can cover up to 300 square metres per litre if your patio uses porcelain tiles, pavers, marble, granite or terracotta.
Grout residue: This can be a common eyesore after you’ve finished installing porcelain. But with the Azpects Easy Grout Residue Remover, you can lift grout haze from both glazed and unglazed surfaces without scratching the finish.
Natural stone intensifier: Want something to enrich the colour of your paving and protect against future staining? Try the Azpects Natural Stone Intensifier for cleaning your sandstone, limestone or slate patio.
Deep cleaner with pressure washer: The Azpects Patio Snow Foam Cleaner gives you a thick layer of foam to break down dirt and remove moss and algae. It offers slow-drying, long-lasting action and can be used on any hard patio surface before careful pressure washing.
Read our comparison between porcelain and natural stone paving for patios if you’re planning to upgrade your space.
How do you get the best results when cleaning a patio?
The first thing you need to do is pick the right product. Once you have that, you can follow this as a rough sequence:
Sweep away loose debris
Apply your chosen cleaner (check the instructions for the right conditions)
Allow this to sit for the specified time on the label
If instructed, work the cleaner with a stiff brush
Finally, rinse away (unless using algae and moss treatments designed to be left to protect)
You can find the full Azpects range of cleaning products on our dedicated page. Available for free delivery across Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire when you spend over £20, order online today and keep your patio clean as a whistle, all without the hassle — alternatively, visit one of our branches to pick up everything you need.
