Patio Cleaning Exeter
Professional patio cleaning and restoration from £45
Indian stone, flagstone, block paving and concrete specialists. 47 five-star reviews.
Why Devon Patios Need Regular Professional Cleaning
Looking for professional patio cleaning in Exeter? Devon's climate creates the perfect conditions for rapid patio deterioration. With rainfall 30% above the national average and mild winters that rarely get cold enough to kill organic growth, moss, algae and lichen thrive on outdoor surfaces year-round. If you live in Exeter or anywhere across Devon, you've probably noticed how quickly a clean patio turns green.
Devon's famous red soil makes things worse. After rain, red clay particles splash onto patio surfaces and work their way into the pores of natural stone and concrete. Over time, this creates a stubborn reddish-brown staining that household cleaning products can't shift. Professional patio cleaning removes this deep-set discolouration and restores your patio's original appearance.
Left uncleaned, a patio doesn't just look bad - it becomes a safety hazard. Wet algae on stone or concrete is extremely slippery, particularly for children and older residents. Regular cleaning keeps your outdoor space safe, attractive and ready to use whenever the Devon sun appears.
Deep Clean
Remove years of moss, algae, red soil staining and weathering
Safe Methods
Correct pressure settings for every surface type - no damage
Like New
Restore your patio's original colour and make it safe to walk on
Every Type of Patio, Cleaned Properly
Different patio materials need different cleaning approaches. We tailor our method to your surface for the best results without risk of damage.
Indian Sandstone
The most popular patio choice in Exeter and Devon. Indian sandstone comes in varieties like Raj Green, Autumn Brown and Kandla Grey. Each has different porosity levels that affect how it absorbs stains and moisture. We use reduced pressure (1,500 PSI max) with a fan tip to clean without damaging the softer stone surface.
Recommended: Annual clean + sealing
Flagstone & Slate
Traditional flagstone and slate patios are common in older Devon properties. These materials are generally harder-wearing than Indian stone but develop a characteristic dark patina over time. We can clean to full restoration or leave a natural aged look - your choice. Slate requires particular care around flaking edges.
Recommended: Clean every 1-2 years
Block Paving
Block paved patios need special attention to the joints. We use a rotary surface cleaner for an even clean, then re-sand the joints with kiln-dried sand to prevent weed regrowth and ant damage. Optional sealing locks everything in for long-term protection. See our dedicated block paving page.
Recommended: Annual clean + re-sanding
Concrete & Stamped Concrete
Concrete patios handle higher pressure well, making them easier to clean thoroughly. Stamped concrete needs more care around the pattern edges. We can also treat oil stains that have soaked into porous concrete using specialist degreasers applied before the main pressure wash.
Recommended: Annual clean
Porcelain Paving
Increasingly popular in modern Devon gardens, porcelain paving is non-porous and stain-resistant. It still develops algae growth on the surface and joints. We clean porcelain at moderate pressure - the smooth surface responds well and comes up looking brand new with minimal effort.
Recommended: Clean every 1-2 years
Wooden & Composite Decking
Wooden decking in Devon's wet climate quickly becomes dangerously slippery with algae. We use soft washing techniques at very low pressure to clean wood without raising the grain or causing splintering. Composite decking handles moderate pressure but still benefits from our careful approach.
Recommended: Annual clean (spring)
Our Patio Cleaning Process
A thorough, methodical approach that delivers consistent results on every job
Survey & Assessment
We inspect your patio to identify the surface material, condition of pointing/joints, level of soiling, and any areas needing special attention. This determines which cleaning method and pressure settings we'll use.
Pre-Treatment
For patios with heavy moss, algae or lichen growth, we apply a professional biocide solution to kill organic growth before cleaning. This breaks down the root systems so the pressure wash removes everything completely, not just the surface layer.
Pressure Washing
Using professional equipment with a rotary surface cleaner, we systematically clean every square metre. The surface cleaner gives an even finish without the striping that handheld lances can cause. We adjust pressure between 1,000-3,000 PSI depending on your surface material.
Edge & Detail Work
We hand-clean edges, borders, steps and hard-to-reach areas. This includes cleaning between wall-patio junctions, around plant pots, and along garden bed edges where the surface cleaner can't reach.
Joint Treatment
For block paving, we re-sand joints with kiln-dried sand. For pointed patios, we check the pointing condition and advise if any re-pointing is needed. Healthy joints are essential for preventing weed regrowth and maintaining structural integrity.
Optional Sealing
We offer patio sealing as an add-on service. Sealant protects against staining, reduces algae regrowth, and enhances the natural colour of your stone. Available in matte (natural look) or wet-look (colour-enhancing) finishes. Applied 24-48 hours after cleaning once the surface is fully dry.
Common Patio Problems We Fix
Professional solutions for every patio cleaning challenge in Exeter
Green Moss & Algae
Slippery, unsightly growth that thrives in Devon's wet climate. Makes patios dangerous and unattractive.
Deep cleaned and treated with biocide to prevent regrowth
Black Spot Lichen
Stubborn black circular marks that eat into natural stone. Particularly common on Indian sandstone and limestone patios in Devon.
Specialist treatment to dissolve and remove without scrubbing
Red Soil Staining
Devon's distinctive red clay soil splashes onto patios during rain and works deep into porous stone over time.
High-pressure cleaning removes deep-set red clay deposits
Weeds in Joints
Weeds growing between patio slabs and block paving, forcing joints apart and causing uneven surfaces.
Complete removal and re-sanding of joints
Oil & Grease Stains
BBQ grease, cooking oil, and automotive fluid spills that soak into porous surfaces.
Specialist degreasing treatment before pressure washing
White Efflorescence
White chalky mineral deposits that appear on stone and concrete surfaces, especially on newer patios.
Safe acid wash to dissolve deposits without surface damage
Patio Cleaning Prices in Exeter
Transparent pricing with no hidden extras. Every quote includes a full survey so you know exactly what you're paying for.
Small Patio
Up to 10m²
From £45
Ideal for courtyard patios
Standard Patio
10-25m²
From £80
Typical rear garden patio
Large Patio
25-50m²
From £130
Extended patio areas
Extra Large
50m²+
From £200
Full outdoor living areas
Optional Add-Ons
Prices are guide figures - every patio is different. We'll give you an exact quote after a free survey.
Get Your Free QuoteWhen to Clean Your Patio in Devon
Timing your patio clean right maximises the results and the value you get
Spring (March-May)
Best time to clean
Clear winter's buildup before BBQ season. Ideal weather for sealing afterwards. Book early - spring is our busiest season.
Summer (June-Aug)
Great for sealing
Dry conditions perfect for sealant application. Your patio will be clean and protected for the rest of summer entertaining.
Autumn (Sept-Nov)
Prevent winter damage
Remove fallen leaves before they stain. Clean and treat to protect through winter. Prevents algae establishing during the wet months.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Safety focused
Remove slippery algae for safety. We can clean in winter but sealing must wait for dry weather. Quieter period - faster booking availability.
Patio Cleaning FAQs
How much does patio cleaning cost in Exeter?
Patio cleaning in Exeter starts from £45 for a small patio (up to 10m²). A standard patio (10-25m²) costs from £80, while larger patios (25-50m²) start from £130. Prices depend on the surface type, level of soiling, and whether you need additional treatments like sealing. We provide free, no-obligation quotes for all patio cleaning jobs in the Exeter area.
How often should I clean my patio in Devon?
In Devon's wet climate, we recommend professional patio cleaning once a year, ideally in spring before the summer BBQ season. Devon receives around 30% more rainfall than the UK average, which means moss and algae grow faster here. Annual cleaning keeps your patio safe, attractive and prevents organic growth from causing permanent staining or surface damage.
Will pressure washing damage my Indian stone patio?
When done correctly, pressure washing won't damage Indian stone. However, Indian sandstone is softer than concrete, so we use a lower pressure setting (around 1,500 PSI) with a wide fan tip and keep the lance at the correct distance. For heavily soiled Indian stone, we may use a soft wash pre-treatment to loosen organic growth before gentle pressure washing. Our experience with hundreds of Indian stone patios across Exeter means we know exactly the right approach.
Can you clean my patio without damaging the pointing?
Yes. We adjust our pressure and technique based on your pointing type. Cement-based pointing is robust and handles standard pressure washing well. For sand-filled joints (common with block paving), we use careful technique and re-sand the joints after cleaning. If your pointing is already loose or failing, we'll let you know before we start so you can decide whether to proceed or get the pointing repaired first.
How long does patio cleaning take?
A standard patio (around 20m²) typically takes 2-3 hours for a thorough clean. Larger patios or heavily soiled surfaces may take 4-5 hours. If we're applying a biocide pre-treatment, we may need to return the following day to rinse. We always give you a time estimate when we quote so you know what to expect.
Do you offer patio sealing after cleaning?
Yes, we offer patio sealing as an add-on service. Sealing protects your patio from staining, reduces moss and algae regrowth, and can enhance the natural colour of the stone. We recommend sealing for Indian stone and natural stone patios in particular. The sealant needs to be applied to a clean, dry surface, so we typically seal 24-48 hours after cleaning, weather permitting.
What's the best time of year to clean a patio in Exeter?
Spring (March-May) is the ideal time for patio cleaning in Exeter. You'll remove the winter's buildup of moss and algae just in time for summer use. However, we clean patios year-round - autumn cleaning prevents leaf stains from setting in over winter, and even winter cleans can be worthwhile to remove slip hazards. We need dry weather for sealing, so spring and summer are best if you want sealing included.
Patio Cleaning Across Exeter & Devon
Based in Exeter, we provide patio cleaning services throughout Devon with no travel charges
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Learn more →Block Paving Cleaning
Specialist block paving cleaning with re-sanding and optional sealing.
Learn more →Pressure Washing
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Learn more →Soft Washing
Gentle cleaning for delicate surfaces including decking and natural stone.
Learn more →Ready to Transform Your Patio?
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47 five-star Google reviews. Fully insured. No hidden extras.
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Ready to transform your exterior? Contact Paul for professional cleaning services across Exeter.
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01392 321611Email Us
hello@owensexteriorcleaning.co.ukService Area
Exeter & Surrounding Areas
Why choose Paul?
Free, no-obligation quotes
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High-quality equipment & results
Competitive pricing