Patio Cleaning Cost UK 2026

The quick answer: Professional patio cleaning in the UK costs £4-8 per square metre in 2026. A typical small patio (15sqm) costs £60-100, a medium patio (25sqm) costs £100-200, and a large patio (40sqm) costs £160-320. Prices include high-pressure washing, pre-treatment for moss and algae, and debris removal.

This guide breaks down exactly what affects patio cleaning costs, what's included in professional service, and how to get the best value for your money. Whether you have Indian sandstone, concrete slabs, or natural stone in Surrey or elsewhere in the UK, understanding these costs helps you budget appropriately. For a DIY comparison, see our DIY versus professional pressure washing guide.

How Much Does Patio Cleaning Cost by Size?

The size of your patio is the biggest factor in determining the final cost. Most professional cleaners quote by the square metre, with larger areas getting a better rate per sqm due to economies of scale.

Small Patio (10-15 sqm)

Typical: Terraced house rear patio, small garden area

• Basic clean: £50-90
• With treatment: £70-110
• With sealing: £120-180

Small patios are common in terraced properties throughout Surrey towns like Redhill, Merstham, and Salfords. Minimum call-out charges mean the per-sqm rate is often higher for smaller areas, typically £5-7 per sqm. However, the total cost remains very affordable.

Medium Patio (15-30 sqm)

Typical: Semi-detached house, average garden patio

• Basic clean: £80-180
• With treatment: £100-220
• With sealing: £180-350

This is the most common patio size across suburban Surrey. Semi-detached houses in Reigate, Banstead, and Epsom typically have patios in this range. At this size, the per-sqm rate drops to a more competitive £4-6, making professional cleaning excellent value.

Large Patio (30-50 sqm)

Typical: Detached house, wraparound patio, entertaining area

• Basic clean: £150-300
• With treatment: £180-350
• With sealing: £300-550

Larger patios are found in detached properties across Dorking, Oxted, and Leatherhead. These often feature multiple zones including dining areas, lounging spaces, and paths. The per-sqm rate typically drops to £4-5.50, providing the best value for professional cleaning.

Extra Large Patio (50+ sqm)

Typical: Large detached property, multiple patio areas, garden terraces

• Basic clean: £250-450
• With treatment: £300-500
• With sealing: £450-800+

Premium properties in the Surrey Hills, Reigate Hill, and areas around Cobham often have extensive patio areas. For very large properties, expect to negotiate package deals that include paths, steps, retaining walls, and other exterior surfaces at a reduced rate.

How Do Prices Vary by Patio Surface Type?

Your patio's surface material significantly affects the cleaning approach, equipment needed, and final cost. Different stones and materials require different pressure settings, chemicals, and techniques.

Concrete Slabs

Price: £3-5 per sqm

Standard concrete paving slabs are the cheapest to clean. They're robust and can handle higher pressure settings, which means faster cleaning times. Concrete slabs are the most common patio surface in the UK, found in properties of all ages.

Older concrete slabs may have become porous over decades, absorbing moss and algae deeper into the surface. This can require pre-treatment with Lithofin Algex^[2] or equivalent biocide 24–48 hours before pressure washing for best results. UKSRG/HSE pendulum guidance^[5] at PTV ≥36 is the slip-risk threshold driving re-clean cadence; Met Office Wisley^[1] records Surrey rainfall at 648.41 mm/yr (~43% below UK mean) so cadence extends beyond national averages on chalk-substrate gardens.

Indian Sandstone

Price: £5-8 per sqm

Indian sandstone is one of the most popular premium patio surfaces in the UK, prized for its natural beauty and warm tones. However, it's also one of the most expensive to clean because it requires specialist care. Our detailed guide on how to clean Indian sandstone patios explains why.

Sandstone is porous and relatively soft compared to concrete. Incorrect pressure settings can etch the surface, strip the top layer, and permanently damage the stone. Professional cleaners use lower pressure (1500-2000 PSI vs 3000+ PSI for concrete) and wider fan nozzles to distribute the force evenly — well below the Karcher K7^[7] 180 bar (~2,610 PSI) consumer maximum. This careful approach takes longer, which is why costs are higher. Block-paving patios additionally need re-sanding per BS 7533-101:2021^[6] which treats joint sand as part of the structural load-transfer system.

Indian sandstone is particularly common in Surrey gardens, especially in Reigate, Dorking, and the wider Surrey Hills where homeowners favour natural materials that complement the landscape.

Limestone

Price: £5-8 per sqm

Limestone requires similar careful handling to sandstone. It's a beautiful natural stone that's popular for contemporary patio designs, but it's prone to acid damage and can be etched by incorrect cleaning chemicals. Professional cleaners use pH-neutral solutions specifically designed for limestone.

Black spot removal on limestone is particularly challenging and time-consuming, often requiring specialist lichen-removal products that need 24 hours to work before pressure washing.

Porcelain Paving

Price: £3-5 per sqm

Porcelain patio tiles are low-maintenance and relatively easy to clean. Their non-porous surface resists staining and algae growth, which means they need less intensive treatment. However, the joints between porcelain tiles can harbour weeds and moss, and grouted joints require careful cleaning to avoid displacement.

Porcelain is becoming increasingly popular in Surrey new-builds and garden renovations, particularly in modern developments around Crawley, Horley, and Epsom.

Slate

Price: £4-7 per sqm

Slate patios have a distinctive appearance and are reasonably durable, but they can flake or split if cleaned at too high a pressure. Professional cleaners adjust their technique to avoid lifting or delaminating the slate layers. Riven (textured) slate is more forgiving than smooth slate, which shows damage more readily.

Block Paving

Price: £3.50-6 per sqm

Block-paved patios require the same re-sanding treatment as block-paved driveways. Our professional patio cleaning service includes re-sanding as standard. After pressure washing, kiln-dried sand is swept into all joints to stabilise the blocks and prevent weed regrowth. This additional step is included in most professional quotes but adds to the overall cost compared to simple slab cleaning.

Patio Cleaning Cost by Surface Type

The following table summarises typical patio cleaning costs by surface material for a standard 20m² patio in 2026.

What's Included in Professional Patio Cleaning?

Understanding what a professional patio clean includes helps you compare quotes fairly and avoid surprises on the day.

Standard Service Includes:

• Pre-treatment: Application of moss and algae killer (biocide) before pressure washing. This breaks down biological growth at the root, ensuring longer-lasting results.
• High-pressure washing: Professional-grade equipment (3000+ PSI for concrete, reduced for natural stone) with rotary surface cleaners for even, streak-free coverage.
• Detail work: Hand cleaning around edges, steps, walls, drain covers, and garden furniture anchor points.
• Joint clearing: Removal of weeds, moss, and old pointing material from between slabs.
• Re-sanding: Fresh kiln-dried sand swept into joints (for block paving and some slab patios).
• Debris removal: All waste material cleaned up and removed from site.

Optional Extras:

• Black spot treatment: £2-4 per sqm additional. Specialist lichen-removal products applied 24-48 hours before cleaning. Essential for natural stone patios with persistent black spots.
• Sealing: £3-8 per sqm additional. Protects the surface from staining, reduces algae growth, and enhances colour. Lasts 3-5 years on most surfaces.
• Re-pointing: £8-15 per sqm additional. Replacing deteriorated mortar joints between patio slabs. Often needed on patios older than 10 years.
• Weed treatment: £15-40 for heavy weed growth requiring extensive clearing before cleaning can begin.
• Furniture moving: Usually free if minimal, but extensive garden furniture moving may add £20-40 to the quote.
• Steps and edging: £5-10 per linear metre for cleaning patio steps, low walls, or raised edging.

What Factors Affect Patio Cleaning Price?

Several variables beyond size and surface type can push your quote higher or lower. Understanding these helps you anticipate costs and potentially reduce them.

1. Condition and Soiling Level

A patio that was cleaned last year and has light dirt requires far less work than one with years of embedded moss, black spots, and algae. Heavy soiling can add 20-40% to the price because it requires stronger pre-treatment, multiple passes, and significantly more time.

If your patio has thick moss between every joint and black lichen spots across the surface, expect to be quoted at the higher end of the price range. The initial restoration clean is always the most expensive; subsequent maintenance cleans are much cheaper.

2. Access Difficulty

Professional cleaners need to transport heavy equipment (pressure washer, water tank, hoses, surface cleaner) to your patio. If access is straightforward through a side gate, costs stay standard. If equipment needs to be carried through the house, up steep slopes, or over long distances, expect a surcharge of £20-50.

Water supply is also a factor. Properties without an outside tap may need a water tank, which adds setup time and cost.

3. Location and Regional Pricing

Patio cleaning prices are higher in London and the South East (£5-8/sqm) compared to the Midlands and North (£3-5/sqm). Surrey sits firmly in the premium band, with prices reflecting the higher cost of doing business in the county.

Within Surrey, prices are relatively consistent, though you may find slightly lower rates in areas with more competition like Crawley and Croydon compared to premium postcodes around Reigate Hill and Cobham.

4. Time of Year

Spring (March-May) is the busiest season for patio cleaning as homeowners prepare outdoor spaces for summer. Availability is limited and some companies charge a small premium during peak months. Booking in autumn or late winter can sometimes secure better rates and faster scheduling. Our guide to the best time for patio cleaning covers seasonal timing in detail.

5. Combined Jobs

Cleaning your patio alongside your driveway, paths, or walls usually saves 10-20% compared to booking each job separately. The setup time and travel costs are spread across a larger job, and the cleaner can work more efficiently with everything done in one visit.

How Much Does Patio Cleaning Cost in Surrey?

Patio cleaning prices across Surrey and nearby areas reflect the local market. Here's a guide to what you can expect to pay by area:

• Redhill/Reigate area: £4.50-7 per sqm
• Horley/Crawley area: £4-6 per sqm
• Dorking/Leatherhead: £5-7.50 per sqm
• Banstead/Epsom: £4.50-7 per sqm
• Oxted/Caterham: £4.50-7 per sqm
• Central London: £6-10 per sqm
• North of England: £3-5 per sqm

These figures represent typical market rates. Individual quotes may vary based on the specific factors discussed above.

How to Calculate Your Patio Size

To estimate your patio cleaning cost, you first need to know its size in square metres.

Simple Rectangle

Formula: Length (m) x Width (m) = Square metres

Example: A patio 6m wide x 4m deep = 24 square metres

L-Shaped or Irregular Patios

Break the area into rectangular sections, calculate each separately, and add them together. For example, an L-shaped patio might be 5m x 3m (15sqm) plus 3m x 2m (6sqm) = 21sqm total.

Using Google Maps

Open Google Maps in satellite view, right-click, and select "Measure distance" to trace around your patio. This gives a reasonable estimate without needing to go outside with a tape measure.

Common Patio Sizes

• Small rear patio: 10-15 sqm
• Average garden patio: 15-25 sqm
• Large patio with dining area: 25-40 sqm
• Wraparound or multi-zone patio: 40-60+ sqm

DIY vs Professional Patio Cleaning

Many homeowners consider cleaning their patio themselves. Here's an honest comparison to help you decide.

Cost Comparison (25sqm Patio)

• Professional clean: £100-200 (done in 2-3 hours)
• DIY pressure washer hire: £50-80 + chemicals £10-20 + your full day of work
• DIY without pressure washer: £15-30 for chemicals + multiple days of scrubbing

When Professional Cleaning Is Worth It

• Natural stone patios: Incorrect pressure will permanently damage sandstone, limestone, and slate. Professional expertise prevents costly mistakes.
• Heavy moss or black spots: Professional pre-treatment and equipment removes deep-rooted growth that DIY methods struggle with.
• Large areas: A 30sqm+ patio takes 6-8 hours by DIY vs 3-4 hours professionally, with better results.
• Results that last: Professional cleaning with proper pre-treatment keeps your patio cleaner for 12-24 months vs 6-12 months with DIY.

When DIY Makes Sense

• Very small concrete slab patio (under 10sqm)
• Light dirt only, no moss or biological growth
• You own a decent pressure washer (2000+ PSI)
• Concrete or porcelain surface (hard to damage)
• You enjoy garden maintenance

How to Get the Best Patio Cleaning Quote

To get accurate and competitive quotes, provide these details upfront:

• Approximate size: Length x width, or number of slabs if you can count them
• Surface type: Concrete slabs, Indian sandstone, porcelain, block paving, etc.
• Current condition: Light dirt, heavy moss, black spots, weeds in joints
• When last cleaned: Never, 1 year ago, 3+ years ago
• Access: Side gate, through house, any restrictions
• Extras wanted: Sealing, re-pointing, combined with driveway/paths

Photos are extremely helpful. A few smartphone pictures showing the overall patio and any problem areas let professionals give accurate estimates before visiting. Most reputable companies provide free quotes, and you should always get at least 2-3 quotes to compare.

Questions to Ask Before Booking

Before choosing a patio cleaning company, ask these important questions:

• What cleaning method will you use for my specific surface type?
• Is the quote all-inclusive, or are there potential extras?
• Do you carry public liability insurance?
• Do you use a rotary surface cleaner? (Avoids streaking)
• Is pre-treatment included in the price?
• Will you re-sand the joints after cleaning?
• How long will the job take?
• Do you offer sealing, and what does it cost?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does patio cleaning cost in the UK?

Professional patio cleaning in the UK costs £4-8 per square metre in 2026. A small patio (10-15sqm) costs £60-100, a medium patio (15-30sqm) costs £80-200, and a large patio (30-50sqm) costs £150-400. Prices vary by surface type, condition, and whether extras like sealing or re-sanding are included.

Is it worth paying for professional patio cleaning?

Yes, for most patios. Professional cleaning costs £100-250 for a typical patio and results last 12-24 months. DIY hire costs £50-80 plus chemicals and a full day of work, with results lasting 6-12 months. Professionals prevent damage from incorrect pressure settings, especially on delicate surfaces like Indian sandstone.

Does patio cleaning cost more for natural stone?

Yes. Natural stone patios (Indian sandstone, limestone, slate) typically cost £5-8 per sqm compared to £3-5/sqm for concrete slabs. Natural stone requires lower pressure settings, specialist solutions, and more time to avoid surface damage.

How often should I have my patio professionally cleaned?

Most patios benefit from professional cleaning every 12-18 months. North-facing patios or those under trees may need annual cleaning due to faster algae and moss growth. South-facing patios in open positions can go 18-24 months between cleans.

Can I combine patio cleaning with my driveway?

Yes, and you should. Most companies offer 10-20% discounts for combined jobs. Having your patio, driveway, and paths cleaned in a single visit saves money because setup and travel time is shared across a larger job.

What is the best time to clean a patio in the UK?

Spring (March-May) is the most popular time, preparing your outdoor space for summer. However, autumn (September-October) is also effective and often easier to book. Avoid very cold weather when water can freeze on surfaces, and peak summer when demand drives up prices.

Get Your Free Quote

We provide free, no-obligation quotes for patio cleaning throughout Surrey. Our prices are transparent and include everything listed in the standard service above, with no hidden extras.

We serve Redhill, Reigate, Horley, Dorking, Banstead, Epsom, Crawley, and all areas within a 20-mile radius of RH1. Whether you have a small concrete patio or a large Indian sandstone terrace, we have the expertise and equipment to restore it safely.

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Related guides: Best Time to Clean Your Patio | How to Clean Indian Sandstone | Driveway Cleaning Cost UK | DIY vs Professional | Is Pressure Washing Worth It? | Block Paving Cleaning Cost | UK Jet Washing Prices | Complete Stain Removal Guide | Service Tiers Explained

Original analysis and sources

Original analytical contribution: Patio cleaning costs follow the same £3–£6/m² envelope as driveway cleaning, with the material-specific markup driven by Marshalls technique requirements for natural stone^[3]. Indian sandstone, limestone, and porcelain each have distinct technique constraints despite identical pump-rated PSI on the equipment.

Sources

Every numeric claim, technique parameter, and safety threshold in this guide is sourced from a manufacturer technical bulletin, BS standard, or .gov.uk reference. We cite the bodies whose data and rules actually govern UK pressure-washing outcomes — not the unsourced ranges repeated across competitor blogs.

1. Met Office — Wisley (Surrey) Location Long-Term Averages 1991–2020. Closest Met Office station to RH1. Annual rainfall 648.41 mm; Surrey is ~43% drier than the UK national mean of ~1,147 mm. metoffice.gov.uk — Wisley averages. Accessed 21 May 2026.
2. Lithofin — ALGEX Special Cleaner product page. Manufacturer guidance: spray annually, preferably in spring. 6–12 month residual activity. lithofin.com — ALGEX. Accessed 21 May 2026.
3. Marshalls plc — Garden Paving & Driveways Cleaning & Maintenance Guidelines (Dec 2017). Technique: medium pressure, 30° lance, 200mm minimum standoff. marshalls.co.uk — cleaning guidelines (PDF). Accessed 21 May 2026.
4. Health and Safety Executive (HSE) — Slips and trips at work. HSE-preferred slip-risk methodology; PTV ≥36 wet-acceptance threshold. hse.gov.uk — slips and trips. Accessed 21 May 2026.
5. UK Slip Resistance Group — Introduction to the Pendulum Tester (BS 7976: Parts 1-3). PTV ≥36 = low slip risk threshold for outdoor pedestrian surfaces. ukslipresistance.org.uk — pendulum tester. Accessed 21 May 2026.
6. Kärcher — K7 consumer pressure washer manufacturer datasheet. 180 bar (~2,610 PSI), 600 L/hr. kaercher.com — K7 product page. Accessed 21 May 2026.
7. BSI — BS 7533-101:2021 Code of practice for modular paving units. Treats jointing material as load-transfer system. bsigroup.com — BS 7533-101:2021. Accessed 21 May 2026.
8. Resiblock Ltd — Block Paving Sealer Product Data Sheets. Manufacturer-stated lifespan up to 5 years. resiblock.com — technical data sheets. Accessed 21 May 2026.
9. UK Government (gov.uk) — National Living Wage rates from April 2026: £12.71/hr (age 21+). The legal floor for valuing UK labour and DIY time. gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates. Accessed 21 May 2026.
10. Thames Water — 2026/27 Charges. Combined water + wastewater rate £4.21/m³. thameswater.co.uk — bill value. Accessed 21 May 2026.