Best patio cleaners 2026

The best patio cleaners can remove the dirt, moss and black spots from your patio in minutes, whether you're using a pressure washer or scrubbing with a broom. 

To find the best patio cleaning solution, we pitted 'eco-friendly' formulas against sodium hypochlorite solutions from Karcher, Monty Miracle, Patio Magic!, Wet & Forget and more.

We also tried three patio cleaning hacks to see how they compared – scrubbing with Fairy Liquid, scouring with a broom and water, and using a pressure washer filled only with water. 

The best patio cleaning solutions can transform paving slabs in minutes; the worst take a week to work and leave slabs covered in lichen and black spots.

Two patio cleaners left our paving slabs looking pristine so they're both Which? Best Buys. 

The patio cleaners we tested

Only logged-in Which? members can view the patio cleaning solution test results.

Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations. 

All the patio cleaners we tested are listed in alphabetical order below.

Only logged-in Which? members can view the best patio cleaning solution from our tests.

Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations.

Algon Organic Path, Patio & Deck Cleaner Concentrate

Cleaning time 1 week

Pressure washer required? No

Sizes available 2.5L, 5L

Need to know Application: dilute one part solution with three parts water, apply with brush or spray, non-toxic, safe for animals (only when dry), 

Essentials Patio & Driveway Cleaner

Available from Screwfix (£13.99)

Cleaning time 15 minutes

Pressure washer required? Yes

Sizes available 5L

Need to know Application: dilute 50ml of solution with 1 litre of water, apply evenly to surface with pressure washer, leave for 15 minutes, rinse with pressure washer

Jennychem Sodium Hypochlorite

Cleaning time 20 minutes

Pressure washer required? No

Sizes available 5L, 20L, 210L, 1,000L

Need to know Application: dilute as recommended, spray on surface, rinse with water

Jeyes Fluid Outdoor Cleaner

Cleaning time 30 minutes

Pressure washer required? No

Sizes available 300ml, 1L, 2L, 5L

Need to know Application: dilute one part solution with 20 parts water, apply with watering can or brush, leave it then rinse with water, safe for animals (only when dry)

Karcher Patio & Deck Cleaner Concentrate

Cleaning time 15 minutes

Pressure washer required? Optional

Sizes available 500ml

Need to know Application: dilute 500ml of solution with 4.5 litres of water, apply evenly to surface with pressure washer

Monty Miracle Outdoor Cleaner

Cleaning time 6-10 minutes

Pressure washer required? No

Sizes available 750ml, 2L, 5L

Need to know Application: apply undiluted, agitate with a brush, leave it then rinse with water, 'eco-conscious', safe for animals (only when dry)

Looking to clean more than you patio? The best pressure washers will leave your car and driveway spotless

Patio Magic! Concentrate

Cleaning time 2-4 days

Pressure washer required? No

Sizes available 2.5L, 5L

Need to know Application: dilute one part solution with four parts water, leave it

Pro-Kleen Simply Spray & Walk Away Green Mould & Algae Killer

Cleaning time 3 days

Pressure washer required? No

Sizes available 5L

Need to know Application: dilute one part solution with four parts water, apply with low-pressure sprayer then leave it, biodegradable, safe for animals (only when dry)

Ronseal Garden Cleaner

Cleaning time 15 minutes

Pressure washer required? No

Sizes available 5L

Need to know Application: apply directly and undiluted, leave it, rinse thoroughly with hose or pressure washer

Scrubb Driveway & Patio Cleaner

Available from Screwfix (£15.19)

Cleaning time 20 minutes

Pressure washer required? Optional

Sizes available 5L

Need to know Application: dilute 50ml of solution with 1 litre of water, apply evenly, leave it, rinse thoroughly with water

Spear & Jackson Path, Patio & Decking Cleaner

Cleaning time 1 week

Pressure washer required? No

Sizes available 5L

Need to know Application: dilute 1 litre of solution with 4 litres of water, apply using low pressure or watering can, leave it

Wet & Forget Mould Lichen & Algae Remover

Cleaning time 2-4 days

Pressure washer required? No

Sizes available 2L, 4L, 5L

Need to know Application: dilute one part solution with four parts water, saturate surface then leave it, bleach-free and biodegradable 

How we test patio cleaners

We buy the bestselling patio cleaners and put them through our tough tests. We don't accept freebies from product manufacturers or retailers. 

We regularly revisit the patio cleaners on sale to see if there are any more popular models that need testing. When we find them, we do.

We test the patio cleaners on a heavily soiled, concrete patio that has not been cleaned in over a decade. Concrete’s high porosity makes it the most challenging type of patio to clean, as it allows organic matter and stains to become deeply embedded in the surface. 

• After dividing the patio into sections, we apply each solution according to the manufacturer's instructions and leave them for the minimum amount of time recommended.
• If rinsing is required, the solutions are then removed as directed. 
• Before and after photos are compared to determine a score. 

Despite bold claims, it's highly unlikely that patio cleaning solutions will leave your patio looking like new. You may have to apply the cleaner multiple times if your patio is particularly grimy. Even then, stubborn black spots – a resistant form of black lichen that thrives in moist conditions – may still remain.

In addition to this, we rate each patio cleaner for:

• Ease of use Do you need additional tools like a pressure washer? Is dilution required? Are the instructions clear? The simplest to use can be poured neat straight onto your patio; others require dilution and only work effectively if sprayed on with a pressure washer.
• Cleaning time We factor in how long each patio cleaning solution takes. The fastest take less than 15 minutes, the slowest take a week.

Why you can trust us: at Which? we're free from manufacturer and retailer influence. Find out more about our impartiality and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent

Do you need a pressure washer to clean a patio?

A pressure washer is an effective way to clean a patio, but there are several other methods:

• Manual labour: Pour the cleaner onto the patio and use a broom or soft-bristle brush to agitate the grime. 

• Low-pressure spray: Some formulas only require a low-pressure spray or watering can to saturate the surface. 

• No tools: With some cleaners, no tools are needed – simply pour the solution directly onto the patio and leave it.

Our tests found that using a patio cleaner in a pressure washer didn't always deliver better results. In fact, one of our top-scorers required nothing more than a brush. 

We also tested the effectiveness of using a pressure washer filled only with water and of scrubbing with a broom and water. Join Which? to see how these methods compare to the patio cleaning solutions we tested. 

Looking to clean more than you patio? The best pressure washers will leave your car and driveway spotless

Can I use Fairy Liquid to clean a patio?

We put this popular cleaning hack to the test to see if it actually works.

We squirted a generous amount of washing-up liquid into a bucket with warm water, poured it onto the patio and scrubbed with a broom before rinsing thoroughly. 

Join Which? to see if washing-up liquid left our paving slabs sparkling or whether it's better to leave it in the kitchen. 

Make those dirty dishes disappear with a Best Buy washing-up liquid

Are patio cleaners toxic?

Patio cleaners can contain harsh and corrosive chemicals that may be hazardous to humans and animals. 

Some cleaning brands claim that their products are 'eco-conscious' or 'natural'. However, Olivia Howes, senior sustainability writer at Which?, says:

'Claims by cleaning brands stating that their products are "natural" or "eco-conscious" shouldn't be taken at face value as they have no legal definition. Watch out for brands shouting about an aspect of sustainability, such as using recycled plastic for their packaging, while ignoring the overall impact. Claims should be backed up by evidence – the Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA) has a Green Claims Code which brands should adhere to. Look for independent, third-party certification on websites or product packaging such as B Corp, RSPO-certified palm oil, Cradle to Cradle certification or the Soil Association for organic certification.'

Follow these tips to mitigate health risks and environmental damage:

• Wear protective gear: Use gloves, goggles and clothing that covers your skin.
• Hazard zone: Ensure children and pets remain clear of the patio throughout the cleaning process.
• Rinse thoroughly: If required, ensure the cleaner has been totally washed off.
• Limit run-off: Avoid letting the solution enter waterways or run onto the lawn. 

What's the best eco-friendly patio cleaner?

We tested a range of patio cleaners, including biodegradable and 'eco-conscious' cleaning solutions.

However, some biodegradable and bleach-free products still contain corrosive and toxic chemicals so aren't neccessarily a sustainable alternative. 

That's why children and pets should be kept well away when you're using any patio cleaner. The run-off can also be toxic to wildlife, insects, pond life and plants. 

Join Which? to access our test results and find out how 'green' patio cleaners compare with the caustic alternatives.