Patio Cleaning in Exeter: How to Restore Your Outdoor Space

A dirty patio isn't just an eyesore — it's a slip hazard. Across Exeter and Devon, patios take a battering from our wet climate, and what was once a smart outdoor space can quickly turn into a green, slippery mess. The good news? Professional patio cleaning can transform even the most neglected patio back to looking like it was laid yesterday.

Why Patios Get So Dirty in Devon

Devon's climate is tough on outdoor surfaces. Our high rainfall, mild winters and persistent humidity create perfect conditions for algae, moss, lichen and general grime to take hold. Unlike parts of the country that get hard frosts through winter — which naturally kill off biological growth — Devon's mild temperatures mean algae grows almost year-round.

Add in leaf fall from trees, mud splash from garden beds, and general foot traffic, and most Exeter patios start to look tired within a year or two of being laid. Shaded areas, north-facing patios and surfaces near overhanging trees deteriorate fastest.

Cleaning Different Patio Surfaces

Different patio materials need different approaches. What works perfectly on concrete slabs could damage natural stone. Here's how we handle the most common patio surfaces found across Exeter and Devon:

Concrete Paving Slabs

The most common patio surface in Exeter. Concrete slabs are robust and can handle pressure washing at higher settings. They respond brilliantly to cleaning — the transformation from green and grimy to clean and bright is dramatic. We use a rotary surface cleaner for even, streak-free results across the whole area, rather than a lance which leaves lines.

Natural Stone (Sandstone, Limestone, Slate)

Natural stone patios are beautiful but need careful handling. Indian sandstone — very popular in Exeter gardens — is softer than concrete and can be damaged by excessive pressure. We use lower pressure settings combined with specialist stone cleaning solutions. Limestone is particularly sensitive and needs even gentler treatment. The results are worth the extra care — natural stone cleans up beautifully.

Porcelain Paving

Increasingly popular on new builds and renovated gardens around Exeter. Porcelain is extremely hard-wearing and less porous than natural stone, so it resists staining better. However, the joints between slabs still attract moss and weed growth. Porcelain cleans very well and stays clean longer than other materials.

Block Paving

Block paving patios and paths are common across Exeter. The main challenge is weed growth and sand loss from the joints. Our cleaning process removes all weeds and moss, then we can re-sand the joints to stabilise the blocks and inhibit regrowth. We also offer sealing for block paving which locks the sand in and makes future maintenance much easier.

Our Patio Cleaning Process

A proper patio clean is more than just pointing a pressure washer at the ground. Here's what's involved when we clean a patio in Exeter:

Best Time to Clean Your Patio

We clean patios year-round in Exeter, but the ideal time depends on what you're after:

• ✓ Spring (March–May) — The most popular time. Gets your patio ready for summer entertaining and removes all the winter grime before you start using the space again.
• ✓ Autumn (September–October) — Smart move. Clears summer's algae build-up and the biocide treatment helps protect the patio through winter's worst months.
• ✓ Before selling your property — A clean patio makes a huge difference to kerb appeal and garden presentation. One of the best value-for-money improvements you can make when selling.

Patio Cleaning Costs in Exeter

Patio cleaning costs depend on the size of the area, the surface material and how dirty it is. Here's a guide for typical Exeter properties:

These are starting prices — we'll give you an exact quote after seeing the patio. We also offer discounts when combining patio cleaning with other services like driveway cleaning or render washing.

Keeping Your Patio Clean After Treatment

A professional clean gives you a fresh start. Here's how to make it last:

• 1. Sweep regularly — Leaves and debris left on the patio hold moisture and encourage algae growth. A quick sweep after leaf fall makes a real difference.
• 2. Keep joints maintained — Crumbling or missing pointing invites weed growth and water penetration. Top up joints with kiln-dried sand or repoint as needed.
• 3. Deal with spills quickly — BBQ grease, plant pot stains and other spills are easier to remove when fresh. A bucket of soapy water and a stiff brush does the job.
• 4. Consider sealing — For block paving and some natural stone, a sealant can dramatically reduce staining and make future cleaning easier. We offer sealing as an add-on service.
• 5. Annual maintenance clean — A light annual clean prevents build-up from getting out of hand and keeps your patio looking consistently good rather than cycling between neglected and freshly cleaned.