Tired of Your Patio Looking Grimy?

Yeah, same. Patios take a beating—rain, pollen, dirt, and everything in between. If it’s been a while since you gave yours a good scrub, no worries. This guide’s all about patio cleaning in a chill, no-pressure kind of way.

Whether you're looking to clean it yourself or figuring out when to call for power washing, we’ve got you.

First Things First: What’s On Your Patio?

Before you jump into any cleaning, take a quick look around.
Are we talking brick, concrete, stone, or wood? Each surface plays a little differently with water and cleaning products.

• Concrete: Pretty tough. You can usually hit it with pressure washing and call it a day.

• Brick or stone: Porous. Needs a bit more care, especially with moss or mold.

• Wood decks: Don’t go blasting them with high pressure. You’ll damage the surface.

So yeah—step one: know what you’re working with.

Tools You’ll Need (Probably)

You don’t need anything fancy. Here's a quick list to keep it easy:

• A stiff outdoor broom

• Hose with spray nozzle

• Bucket with warm water

• Mild detergent or patio cleaner

• Optional: a rented pressure washing machine

• Gloves (grime is gross)

Cleaning Without a Pressure Washer

No machine? No problem. This works better than you think:

1. Sweep the area—get rid of leaves, dirt, little rocks.

2. Mix warm water with a bit of dish soap or store-bought patio cleaner.

3. Scrub the surface with a broom or deck brush.

4. Rinse it off using the hose.

Let it dry. Step back. That might be all it needed.

When It’s Time to Break Out the Pressure Washer

If scrubbing by hand isn’t cutting it, or you’re dealing with stains and built-up grime, power washing might be your best bet.

Here’s what to know:

• Use a lower setting for wood or older concrete.

• Go in smooth, even strokes—don’t hover in one spot.

• Start with water only. If that doesn’t work, add a cleaner made for patios.

Pressure washing is kind of satisfying once you get the hang of it. Just be careful—it’s not gentle. Don't use it near fragile stuff or plants you care about.

Dealing With Mold, Algae, or Weird Green Stuff

Those slick green patches? Super common. You see them a lot in shady spots or after lots of rain.

Try this:

• Mix one part vinegar with three parts water

• Scrub it in and let it sit for 10–15 minutes

• Rinse it off

If it's still stubborn, you might need a mold remover or mild bleach solution (just be careful with surrounding grass and plants).

This stuff shows up on siding and roofs too. That’s where softwash roof cleaning or regular roof cleaning comes in. Same deal: gentle treatment, low pressure, no damage.

How Often Should You Clean a Patio?

Honestly? Depends. But here’s a ballpark:

• Light sweeping: Weekly

• Hose down: Every couple of weeks

• Deep clean or power washing: Once or twice a year

If you live somewhere rainy or with lots of trees, bump that up. Mold and leaves love shady, damp patios.

What About Decks, Roofs, and the Rest?

Good question. Patio grime usually means other stuff's dirty too.

• Deck cleaning: Treat your deck with care. Use a gentle cleaner. No blasting it with pressure.

• Roof cleaning: If you see dark streaks or moss, it’s time. Roof soft washing is the safest route—low pressure, more like a rinse.

• Exterior house cleaning: Siding picks up dust, spider webs, and mildew just like patios do. If you’re cleaning one thing, you might as well hit the whole area.

Pro Tips if You’re Thinking About Hiring Help

Some jobs are just... too much. If your patio hasn’t been touched in years, or you’re seeing heavy staining, calling in a crew might be worth it.

Here’s what to look for:

• They mention softwash roof cleaning or low-pressure options

• They know how to clean different surfaces

• They don’t try to upsell you weird stuff

Ask questions. Get a feel. It’s your house, after all.

Quick Fixes to Keep It Clean Longer

Once your patio’s clean, you’ll want to keep it that way (without making it a chore). A few things help:

• Lay down a doormat to catch dirt

• Trim back plants that drop leaves or trap moisture

• Use outdoor covers for furniture when you’re not using it

• Sweep or rinse regularly, even if it doesn’t look dirty

These little things cut down on buildup, and suddenly cleaning once a year feels way easier.

Wrap Up: Keep It Low-Key

Patio cleaning doesn’t need to be a whole event. Sometimes it’s just about knowing what tools to use and staying a bit ahead of the grime.

You don’t need to be perfect—just consistent.

And if you ever want to go all-in, there’s always pressure washing, deck cleaning, or even full-on exterior house cleaning. Just don’t forget the roof. Roof soft washing keeps things looking good from the top down.

No need to overthink it. Grab a hose, scrub a little, enjoy your space.