Patio cleaning is essential to keeping your outdoor space looking its best and functioning properly year-round. In the UK climate, patios are exposed to rain, frost, fallen leaves, algae, and general grime, meaning regular cleaning is key if you want your patio to stay safe, slip-free, and attractive. But how often should you clean your patio, and what steps should you take throughout the seasons?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how often to clean your patio, what to look out for season by season, and how professional cleaning services like those from Servos Exterior Cleaning can help you maintain your patio for the long term.
Why Regular Patio Cleaning Matters
Your patio is exposed to the elements every day. Over time, algae, moss, and organic debris build up, creating a slippery, unsightly surface. Regular patio cleaning isn’t just about appearance, it also helps protect your paving materials, reduce the risk of accidents, and extend the life of your outdoor space.
Ignoring maintenance can lead to permanent staining, weed growth, blocked drains, and even surface damage. Regular cleaning helps you stay on top of issues before they require costly repairs.
How Often Should You Clean Your Patio?
The frequency of patio cleaning depends on several factors: location, surrounding trees or plants, usage levels, and weather conditions. However, as a general rule:
- Light Cleaning – Monthly
- Thorough Cleaning – Every 3 to 4 months
- Deep Cleaning with Treatment – Twice a year (spring and autumn)
Let’s break it down by season.
Spring Patio Cleaning: The Seasonal Reset
After winter, patios often show signs of dirt build-up, algae growth, and leftover debris. Spring is the ideal time for a deep clean to prepare your patio for warmer months.
What to do in spring:
- Remove moss, algae, and lichen
- Clean out gaps between slabs
- Power wash or softwash surfaces
- Apply weed treatment
- Inspect and repoint any loose or cracked joints
Why it matters: A fresh spring clean not only improves your patio’s appearance but also gets it ready for outdoor gatherings, barbecues, or garden furniture setup.
Summer Maintenance: Light & Regular Cleaning
In summer, your patio gets more use, hosting barbecues, relaxing in the sun, or entertaining guests. While summer usually brings drier weather, dust, drink spills, food scraps, and muddy footprints can still build up quickly.
Tips for summer cleaning:
- Sweep the patio weekly to remove dust and loose dirt
- Rinse it down with water every few weeks
- Spot clean any stains or spillages as they happen
Professional tip: Consider applying a sealant after your spring clean to make summer cleaning easier and reduce staining.
Autumn Clean-Up: Tackling Leaves and Debris
Autumn brings falling leaves, damp weather, and a perfect environment for moss and algae to thrive. Leaving wet leaves on your patio can result in stubborn stains and slippery surfaces.
Key tasks for autumn patio care:
- Regularly sweep and remove fallen leaves
- Treat the surface for moss and algae
- Check for blocked drains or water pooling
- Apply a biocide if needed to prevent organic growth
Why it matters: Taking care of your patio in autumn means fewer problems to deal with in winter.
Winter Patio Cleaning: Preventing Slippery Surfaces
While you may not use your patio as often in winter, it still needs attention. Water, ice, and organic debris can all contribute to slip hazards and damage.
How to protect your patio in winter:
- Remove fallen leaves and debris promptly
- Keep surfaces clear of ice and snow using non-corrosive grit
- Avoid high-pressure washing in freezing temperatures, which can damage stone
Professional tip: Book a light clean and inspection during milder winter periods to catch early signs of wear or damage.
Signs Your Patio Needs Cleaning Sooner
Sometimes, you might need to clean your patio more frequently, depending on use or local conditions. Look out for:
- Green or black staining (moss and algae)
- Slippery or slimy patches
- Weed growth between slabs
- Build-up of mud or leaf litter
- Faded or discoloured stone
- Unpleasant odours
If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait for the next seasonal clean, act early to prevent long-term issues.
DIY vs Professional Patio Cleaning
While light sweeping and rinsing can be done yourself, deep cleaning is best left to the professionals, especially if your patio has staining, uneven joints or requires treatment.
At Servos Exterior Cleaning, we use low-pressure softwashing techniques that are safe for all types of patio surfaces, including concrete, natural stone, block paving, and Indian sandstone. We also include chemical treatments as standard to remove stubborn grime, algae, and black spot stains without damaging your patio.
Patio Cleaning for Homes, Businesses, and Public Spaces
Whether you’re a homeowner, facilities manager, or part of a local authority, keeping outdoor surfaces clean is essential. Servos Exterior Cleaning provides expert patio cleaning services across North Wales, Cheshire, Wirral, and the surrounding counties. We work on:
- Residential patios and garden spaces
- School and nursery playgrounds
- Paved commercial spaces
- Hospitality outdoor dining areas
- Local authority parks and walkways
Choose Servos Exterior Cleaning for Reliable Patio Cleaning
At Servos, we’ve spent over a decade helping customers maintain clean, safe, and attractive outdoor areas through expert patio cleaning and maintenance services. With professional-grade equipment, powerful cleaning products, and expert knowledge, we deliver outstanding results every time.
Call Servos Exterior Cleaning on 01745 289055 or email hello@servosuk.co.uk to book your professional patio clean today.
