The 6 best patio cleaners to transform your outdoor space for summer

Investing in one of the best patio cleaners means you don't have to splurge on a professional to remove mold and mildew on your paved outdoor area. We've tested all six of these concrete cleaners on our patios. But for anyone who has been putting off this task, you'll be pleasantly surprised to see how dramatic the results can be. 

While sweeping can remove sand and dirt, a liquid patio cleaner often contains herbicides or fungicides that will clear moss, lichen, and algae — aka all the stuff that makes your patio turn green. It can also be used for decking which can become a slip hazard if left slimy in wet weather.

You won't have to worry about buying the best pressure washer — or think about where you're going to store it. Because, while some solutions work with this outdoor appliance, many do the job without it. Some spray on, and others might require a watering can to distribute. 

The quick list

The best patio cleaners for your garden or courtyard

Note: Some of these patio cleaners work instantly, and you'll see results once dry. However others take a few weeks — or sometimes even a month — to do their magic, so it's worth buying now in preparation for warmer weather. FYI, the clue is in the name of no-rinse solutions, so don't be tempted to wash the product away using your best garden hose. For best results, check your local weather report, and use your patio cleaner when there is no rain forecast over 24 hours.

This brilliant patio cleaner makes cleaning your outside space easy. Simply just pour it onto your patio, walk away, and marvel at the results once dry. It will work over a few days, so if you don't see results on day one then don't panic. In testing, I noticed that my patio looked brighter (and less green) within four days. We would suggest scrubbing any problem areas, though, and reapplication might be necessary if your patio is really bad. Luckily, it dilutes so you should have plenty of it to use, and you don't even have to rinse it off.

The clue is in the name of this one, as it really only works on mold and algae, but it does its job so well and results last for months. I used this formula on my green patio, and I was just about to give up when one day I noticed the difference. Results won't be instant but they will wow you, and the formula sticks to your patio for quite some time so it will prevent regrowth. It's a once-a-year job at best — but in some parts of my patio, it has cleared mold and algae for good. All you need to do is dilute it with water and apply it to your patio. Leave it to dry and be patient. So easy, so affordable, and a job to do ahead of summertime.

If you want a patio cleaner that will provide instant results, then this one from Jeyes is brilliant. It works to remove grime, germs algae, mildew, and general dirt, fast. It changed the look of my patio within hours, removing a layer of green stuff without even scrubbing. There's no need to scrub, but you can in problem areas. Simply just pour it on and leave it to work. After a few hours, rinse your patio with water and wait for it to dry for results you won't believe. It's best for smaller patios though as it doesn't need diluting, so you'd need to buy a lot of solution for larger patios.

Patience is a virtue and a clean patio is a must-have, and the best part about this wet it and forget it solution is that it will remove mould and lichen from your space. In testing, results were visible within one week and afterwards, it managed to keep mould and lichen at bay for a good while. It made the space look brighter, albeit slowly, but it's undeniably simple to apply. All you need to do is dilute it 1:5, pour it over your patio, and leave it to work. You will get better results if you're willing to scrub, but it's not necessary.

This 2-in-1 solution is your best bet if you're suffering from a smelly patio because of a pet. I've repurchased it time and time again to deodorise and rid our patio of bacteria from dog urine. PSA: The lemon scent is my favourite. For deodorising, you can dilute it 1:99, while for bacterial purposes it's 1:4. I think it works best diluted 1:5 for both, and I also use it on artificial grass. Do note that it won't do anything to mould, algae, and the rest as it's purely for getting rid of smells.

If you're eco-conscious but want to clean your patio, then this formula from Patio Magic! is biodegradable and the bottle is made from recyclable plastic. It also works wonders at cleaning mold and grime. We tested it and saw results in two weeks, as it had banished moss and most of the lichen on our patio. Green algae will disappear in just a few days. A slow burner for sure, but it definitely works.

Things to consider when choosing a patio cleaner

1. Think about safety — and when you're going to apply it
   If you have kids and or pets, it goes without saying that you will need a non-toxic patio cleaner. Check the product information to see what the guidance is on using the product you've chosen near animals and people. Most are safe for use after several hours, but it can be easier said than done to keep pets away — especially if you have outdoor cats — so do check. Also, see how long it takes to work or dry.
2. How versatile is its solution?
   Some patio cleaners are not just for stone but can also be used to clean your favorite small patio furniture, be it wood, plastic, or metal. For your best wooden outdoor furniture, you will want something that kills algae which is very prone to settling on damp wood. Metals will need to be treated with a non-corrosive liquid. It's handy to buy an all-in-one solution as if it needs diluting — or if you have a smaller outdoor space — you might not be able to use it all and storage of a bottle of this size might be a big no.
3. How does it need to be applied?
   There are lots of ways to clean a patio and the one you choose will depend on how big your outdoor space is — and how hands-on you are prepared to be. Patio cleaners have different levels of involvement, some you can pour over and leave to act (these are the easiest kind for sure). Others need to be used with a pressure washer or sometimes a scrub with a broom for the best results.
4. How much comes in a bottle? Check the capacity, and compare it with the price to see if you're getting good value. In some cases, where you needn't dilute the solution, you might need to buy more than one bottle. Solutions you need to dilute will be able to cover more space than those you pour on straight.

FAQs

Why do I need a patio cleaner?

"Not only is a build-up of algae or moss on your decking unsightly, but it can also make it slippery and dangerous," warns Sophie Herrmann, brand manager at Jeyes Fluid. "Debris such as leaves, dirt, pollen, and rainy weather can further add to the issue due to the moisture they can hold. Reduce the chances of your decking design getting slippery by sweeping the floor regularly. Don’t forget to get into the cracks and crevices."

Do I need a pressure washer to use a concrete cleaner?

The only situation where you might need a pressure washer is if the solution is strong and you don't like the smell lingering (or the idea of your pets walking over it). Otherwise, if there's a lot of algae build up it might be quicker to initially remove this with a pressure washer before using a solution. You can always do two applications of the cleaner for better results. Otherwise, using a stiff broom (like this one from Amazon) is enough for most situations.

How we test patio cleaners

All of the patio cleaners listed have been tested by two of our in-house team, one is a pet owner, and the other isn't. Both applied the solutions as per the bottle instructions and recorded their results. Only the patio cleaners found to have made a difference were featured.

Shop The Home Depot backyard and patio cleaning supplies we're stocking up on before the warm weather this year.