Patio Cleaning

In this guide to patio cleaning, we’ll walk you through what actually works, what doesn’t, and the kind of dodgy advice that’ll leave you scrubbing stains for weeks. Whether you’re using a pressure washer or baking soda, choosing the right method makes all the difference in your outdoor areas.

We’ve seen some patio shockers in our time. From slippery moss-ridden travertine to baking soda bomb sites, we’ve cleaned the lot.

A few shoots from our work process
Reviews
All About Patio Cleaning

Different patio surfaces react differently to cleaning products, stream of water intensity and good old scrubbing. Know what you’re standing on:

Concrete (Plain or Decorative)

  • Durable but porous — sucks in dirty water and grease stains like a sponge.
  • Use mild soap or concrete cleaners.
  • Avoid harsh caustic solutions unless you know what you’re doing.

Natural Stone (Sandstone, Bluestone, etc.)

  • Hates acid and abrasive patio cleaners.
  • Clean with a soft scrubbing brush and warm water.
  • Seal after drying.

Pavers (Clay or Concrete)

  • Joints are easy to blow out with pressure washing.
  • Good candidates for deep paver cleaning with soapy water and a nylon-bristle brush.

Tiled Patios

  • Watch out for cracked grout and missing sealant.
  • Can handle soft pressure and homemade patio cleaner mixes.

Timber or Composite Decking

  • Use a deck brush and cleaner made for timber.
  • Avoid pressure washers unless you want splinters and tears.

Depends on what kind of gunk you’re dealing with.

Basic Dirt & Dust

  • Sweep first to remove coarse dirt.
  • Rinse the entire surface with a garden hose and a bit of water.
  • Scrub with soapy water and a nylon-bristle brush.

Stubborn Stains (Grease, BBQ spills, algae)

  • Pre-treat with a cleaning solution (eco-friendly where possible).
  • Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
  • Rinse off with clean water.
  • Repeat for heavy stains using warm water — not hot water — to avoid damaging sealants.

Black Stains, Mould or Mildew

  • Use a diluted bleach solution (1:10 ratio) sparingly.
  • Wear protective gear and safety glasses.
  • Avoid contact with garden beds and sensitive surfaces.

Deep Clean & Maintenance

Pressure washing or power washing works for:

  • Concrete stains
  • Deep-set patio dirt
  1. Clear the area: Remove patio furniture, pots, BBQs.
  2. Dry sweep: Get rid of loose debris and coarse dirt.
  3. Pre-rinse: Use a garden hose to loosen stuck-on muck.
  4. Apply patio cleaner: Homemade or commercial — just don’t use cheap stuff full of nasty chemicals.
  5. Scrub like you mean it: Use a deck brush or scrubbing brush depending on the patio material.
  6. Pressure wash if needed: Set between 1,500–2,500 PSI max. Use the fan tip.
  7. Final rinse: Use clean water to wash away the dirty water and cleaner residue.
  8. Dry: Let the patio dry completely before resealing or replacing items.
  • Going full throttle with a pressure washer: Can gouge the grout or chip the surface.
  • Using hot water on sealed surfaces can break down the sealant.
  • Bleach near plants or unsealed surfaces: Can discolour.
  • Not wearing protective gear: It’s a dirty job. Wear gloves, eyewear and boots.
  • Forgetting about drainage: Always rinse water away from the house.

If you’re doing it yourself, the cost depends on what gear and cleaning products you have or need to buy:

  • Mild soap and water: Minimal, maybe $10–$15.
  • Dedicated patio cleaners or concrete cleaners: $20–$40 a bottle.
  • Bleach solution or degreaser: Around $10.
  • Pressure washer rental: $50–$100/day.

For pro cleaning services, custom estimates are usually based on:

  • Size of the entire patio
  • Type of patio material
  • Level of staining (especially heavy or black stains)
  • Access issues or slope

We offer fair pricing for quality work — and always quote upfront. Customer service and customer satisfaction are non-negotiable for us.

We cleaned an outdoor patio at a rental house in Geelong — hadn’t seen a broom in five years. Full of grease stains, black algae and spots where someone had tried to clean with a cheap product that left swirl marks. We used a neutral cleaner, scrubbed with a deck brush and then pressure washed the whole area at a safe distance. Came up cleaner than a roo’s whistle.

Another time a homeowner in Mornington blasted her bluestone with high heat and caustic solutions — she thought more was better. The result? Flaked stone and patchy colour. We don’t want you to learn the hard way.

We don’t just do patios — we clean windows, facades, paths and more. Window Cleaning Melbourne Crew cleans your house top to bottom. Whether it’s a quick tidy or a dirty job involving deep cleaning and caustic spill clean up, we have the tools, experience and cleaner patio know how.

Not sure what cleaning product to use, whether your surface can handle pressure washing or how to boost curb appeal without damaging your home — give us a call. No pressure (pun intended), just honest advice.

Cleaning a patio isn’t rocket science — but it’s easy to wreck if you go too hard with the wrong tools. Respect your surface, use clean water, go gentle when needed and always rinse well.

Got stubborn stains you can’t shift or questions about pressure washing? Give us a yell. We’re always happy to help and we don’t muck about when it comes to quality service and a cleaner patio you can enjoy all year round.

Why Choose Us
Customer-Centric Approach

Your satisfaction is our top priority. We tailor our services to meet your specific needs

Eco-Friendly Practices

We are committed to environmental responsibility. Our cleaning products are eco-friendly.

Competitive
Pricing

We offer competitive pricing without compromising on the quality of our services.

Local
Expertise

As a locally owned and operated company, we understand the unique needs of our community.

 FAQ

1 cup vinegar, two tablespoons mild soap, 1 gallon water. Works on concrete and pavers. Not stone.

Yes — warm water loosens grime and grease better. But not hot water on sealed or delicate surfaces.

No. Not on timber, old grout or fragile stone. Always test a patch first.

Yes. Patio sealants protect from future stains especially on porous surfaces.

Use a degreaser or concrete cleaner. Let it sit, scrub with a scrub brush, and rinse with clean water.

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