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The best patio cleaners for blitzing dirt, stains and algae, tested on a range of mucky surfaces
Your sparkling patio will be the envy of your neighbours, thanks to these brilliant detergents
Tested by Blossom BoothroydHomes Testing Manager
Once grime builds up on your patio, sweeping will only get you so far. To really shift stubborn stains, you need a dedicated detergent. The best patio cleaners can banish all kinds of dirt, moss, mould and algae.
Using the right cleaning product just a couple of times a year is the most effective way to keep your outdoor space looking its best. To help you give yours a proper overhaul before winter, the Good Housekeeping Institute experts have been busy testing a range of the market-leading outdoor detergents to find the very best.
Best patio cleaners to buy in 2025
We tried each patio cleaner on natural stone, concrete and porcelain tiles. We rated their effectiveness on a variety of stains, and scored how easy they were to use. To see how they fared in a range of gardens, we also sent them out to our at-home panel of patio owners to try, before giving us detailed feedback. You'll find more detail on how we test patio cleaners below our full reviews.
Kärcher Patio and Deck Cleaner
Pros
- Effectively lifts stains with no scrubbing
- Economical – 500 ml makes five litres of diluted solution
Cons
- Some users found it less effective on bird droppings and algae
Score: 80/100
Karcher's patio cleaner impressed both our experts and panellists with its ability to blast through grime, grease and mould on concrete, porcelain and, in particular, natural stone. This brand is well-known for making pressure washers (several Karchers have made it into our best pressure washers roundup), and the detergent is designed to work with them – but low-tech removal methods like a spray bottle are also fine.
The product was “excellent at removing stains”, according to one at-home tester, while another told us their “particularly grimy” patio was left significantly cleaner. Testers also appreciated the thorough instructions, as well as the highly concentrated liquid (you just need to mix one part detergent with nine parts water), which means the bottle is smaller and much easier to store than many more bulky alternatives.
Key specifications
| Suitable surfaces | Wood, stone and other common patio materials |
|---|---|
| Application instructions | Dilute and dispense manually or with a high-pressure cleaner |
| Dilution | 1 part detergent to 9 parts water |
| Sizes available | 500 ml, 5 L, 10 L |
SmartSeal Patio Cleaner Xtreme
Pros
- Particularly effective for lifting algae and dirt
- Clear instructions
Cons
- More expensive than our winner
Score: 78/100
This is a strong all-rounder, effectively tackling everyday dirt, stains and algae across a variety of surfaces. It works with minimal scrubbing too – all you have to do is leave it for 60 minutes to work its magic. “The instructions were very clear and I found it simple to use,” said one tester.
We recommend this detergent for those with concrete or porcelain patios, as it worked particularly well on these materials. It’s not the best de-greaser, so BBQ cooking stains might need more than one application to shift. However, it’s very effective on algae (which our winner struggled with), so if you have a green patio, it may be worth paying that little bit extra.
Key specifications
| Suitable surfaces | Flagstones, natural stone, block paving, concrete slabs, imprinted concrete |
|---|---|
| Application instructions | Sweep and wet the surface, apply diluted solution and leave for 60 minutes |
| Dilution | 1 part detergent to 1 part water |
| Sizes available | 5 L |
Pros
- Easy to use and dispense
- Great results on concrete in particular
Cons
- You can't see much is left because of the opaque bottle
Score: 78/100
For effective cleaning with a lower price tag, this patio detergent is a brilliant option. It was a hit with our experts who liked the clear, helpful instructions and the smaller bottle, which was much easier to dispense from than bulkier options.
It did a great job of lifting dirt, algae, grease and bird droppings from patio surfaces, and was particularly effective on concrete. Our panellists found that everyday grime lifted well, although results were a little mixed with older, tougher stains. The application also involves scrubbing, so it’s not a hands-off option.
Note, once diluted, our 'best value’ patio cleaner (by Kilrock, below) is the most economical – but this product requires slightly less upfront investment!
Key specifications
| Suitable surfaces | Flagstones, concrete, terrace tiles, bricks, gravel, paving stones |
|---|---|
| Application instructions | Wet the surface, apply diluted formula while scrubbing, leave to work for a few minutes and rinse |
| Dilution | 1 part detergent to 4 parts water |
| Sizes available | 1 L |
Kilrock PRO Patio Driveway and Masonry Cleaner
Pros
- Highly concentrated – very economical
- Great results on porcelain in particular
Cons
- A little difficult to dispense
Score: 78/100
Once diluted, this five litre bottle of patio detergent can make 50 litres of solution at least, making it a very economical choice – great if you’ve got a large patio or you have to clean yours often. It tackled dirt, tough stains and bird droppings with ease, and our porcelain surfaces were left spotless.
It was less consistent on rust, pet stains and mould, and we found the heavy bottle a little difficult to pour. But overall, the cleaning results were strong, with one at-home tester saying their patio “looked brighter as soon as it dried”. Another noted that it worked brilliantly for removing oil stains left from a car engine mishap.
Key specifications
| Suitable surfaces | All exterior hard surfaces – patio, driveway and masonry |
|---|---|
| Application instructions | Sweep the surface, apply diluted product and then rinse area |
| Dilution | 250-500 ml detergent per 5 litres water, depending on level of staining. 30 ml per litre for pressure washers |
| Sizes available | 5 L |
Pros
- Offers peace of mind for those with children and pets
- Carries on working for months afterwards
Cons
- Not very effective on rust or grease
Score: 78/100
If you’re worried about releasing harmful chemicals into your garden or waterways, this organic detergent is a good option. It uses non-toxic acetic acid to clean up your patio, making it a safer choice – especially for those with children, pets or a fishpond. It’s straightforward to use too, requiring no scrubbing or rinsing off. Just apply and dry.
As for its cleaning power, it was a strong performer on everyday dirt, mould and algae. Although the instructions say you need to wait a week for grime to clear, our panellists saw instant results – “I like how easy to use it is and how immediately effective it is,” said one.
Key specifications
| Suitable surfaces | Brick, stone, concrete, flags, tarmac, wood, roof tiles, fabric awnings, glass, plastic, garden furniture, artificial grass and more |
|---|---|
| Application instructions | Apply evenly with a garden sprayer, soft broom or paintbrush, spreading approximately 6m² per litre. Wait around a week to see results |
| Dilution | 1 part detergent to 3 parts water |
| Sizes available | 2.5 L |
Pros
- No need to dilute
- Grime rinses off very easily
Cons
- Smells quite strong
Score: 74/100
This patio cleaner is ready-to-use, saving you the extra step of measuring it out and mixing with water. If you prefer, you can also buy the concentrated formula – it will just cost more (about £35 for five litres). We found the instructions clear, although our panellists weren't entirely sure about which surfaces it could be used on (you'll find this in the specs below for clarity).
It was a good performer in our lab tests, shifting most stains from concrete, stone and porcelain. Our panellists thought it was excellent for cleaning mould, algae and bird droppings too, which other patio cleaners sometimes struggle with – but it was less reliable for shifting set in, tough stains.
Key specifications
| Suitable surfaces | Decking and fences, patios and paths, greenhouses, pots and tools, garden furniture, stables, kennels, pigeon lofts and chicken coops, outdoor drains |
|---|---|
| Application instructions | Apply undiluted, leave for 30 minutes, scrub with a hard bristle brush, rinse and let dry |
| Dilution | Not required |
| Sizes available | 1 L, 4 L, 5 L |
Pros
- Comes with a power spray applicator
- Ready to use, no dilution required
Cons
- Can’t see how much liquid is left in the bottle
- We noted slight discolouration on natural stone
Score: 74/100
This may be the priciest patio cleaner in our lineup, but it comes with a trigger-operated power sprayer (battery included!), which could save you from buying a garden sprayer or power washer for the job. It’s simple to use, with no scrubbing or mixing required – just spray it on and leave.
As for the performance, our panellists said their patios were much cleaner after one to five days, with general dirt, stains, moss and bird droppings effectively shifted. In our lab tests, it needed an extra application and some scrubbing to shift grime from concrete, although it did a great job on porcelain. The majority of our panel liked the power sprayer too, noting the “user-friendly” design. We did spot some slight discolouration on natural stone, so we'd avoid this one for that surface.
Key specifications
| Suitable surfaces | Brick paving, patios, glass, perspex, walls, garden furniture, paved areas and driveways |
|---|---|
| Application instructions | Sweep area and apply product when dry. Spray for 12-29 seconds per m² depending on level of growth |
| Dilution | Not required |
| Sizes available | 5 L |
Pros
- Biodegradable, safe for children and pets once dry
- Clear instructions
Cons
- Difficult to dispense from big bottle
- Inconsistent results for stains beyond algae and mould
Score: 70/100
This patio cleaner was a hit with our panel when it came to mould and algae removal, with one tester saying it “worked extremely fast” after just a small amount was applied. The instructions were clear and helpful, and we appreciated the child-proof cap.
For our dirt and grease stains in the lab, however, the results were less consistent – perhaps unsurprising given it’s a mould and algae killer. So if your patio has heavy stains as well as green areas, you may want to opt for something stronger. But for an easy-to-use, biodegradable formula that shifts algae fast, it's a great option.
Key specifications
| Suitable surfaces | Patios, fences, decking and more. Use on all exterior hard surfaces |
|---|---|
| Application instructions | Spray on with a low-pressure garden sprayer or watering can. Walk away and see results in a few days |
| Dilution | 1 part detergent to 4 parts water |
| Sizes available | 5 L |
Pros
- No scrubbing or rinsing required
- Very effective at cleaning porcelain tiles
Cons
- We saw some discolouration on concrete and stone
- Less effective on old, tough stains
Score: 70/100
This is another easy-to-use patio cleaner that you can simply apply to a dry surface and walk away from. Our testers appreciated the fact that no scrubbing or hosing down was required – though you need to hold off on using it until there’s no rain forecast for 12 hours. Always tricky with our weather!
It was an effective cleaner in our lab tests, particularly when it came to porcelain, with dirt and grease stains coming away easily. However, our at-home testers agreed that most tougher stains needed something stronger. Overall, this is a good hands-off option for lightly soiled patios.
Key specifications
| Suitable surfaces | Tiles, paving, brick, cladding, lay equipment, timber decking (may require brushing), coated aluminium (check for colour change) |
|---|---|
| Application instructions | Thoroughly saturate dry surface and then keep away from it until dry. For lichen, apply again after 20 minutes |
| Dilution | 1 part detergent to 5 parts water |
| Sizes available | 2 L, 4 L, 5 L, 10 L |
How we test patio cleaners
To review these patio cleaning detergents, the Good Housekeeping Institute experts use a combination of controlled in-house tests and panel feedback. For our lab tests, we apply three different stains (wet loam soil, wet clay soil and heated vegetable oil) to concrete, natural stone, and porcelain patio tiles.
We apply the stains with a Wellington boot and leave them to dry for five days. Each detergent is then applied with a spray bottle and the stains treated according to the manufacturer's instructions. Our experts rate the cleaning performance, ease of use and instructions.
The detergents are also sent out to patio owners who had surfaces in need of a good clean, to get a better idea of real-world performance (including on things like algae and bird droppings, which we can’t replicate in the lab). They used the product for at least two weeks on their patio, before providing detailed feedback on cleaning power, ease of use and whether they would recommend it to others.
Why should you trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?
When you clean patios, you can be facing years of grime build-up, and a host of different stains – soil, algae, bird droppings, grease – that are rarely consistent. This makes performing controlled tests particularly tricky, and is why we’ve used a combination of lab tests and real-life feedback for this roundup.
This rigorous, well-rounded testing approach is why our readers trust us. Our reviews are overseen by Blossom Boothroyd, the GHI's homes testing manager, who has years of experience in designing protocols that reflect real-life usage. The results are written up by our homes writer Jasmine Vorley, who has a background in product testing.
The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing products for over 100 years. We’re experts in cleaning, and have found the best washing up liquid, the best toilet cleaner and the best laundry detergent, to name a few. Only the best-in-test products earn our seal of approval.
More Tried & Tested garden essentials
- Best pressure washers for more patio cleaning oomph
- Best hedge trimmers for tidying up your greenery
- Best garden planters to brighten up any outdoor space
Need more advice? Read our household advice editor's tips on how to clean the patio
Common patio cleaning mistakes
Before you clean your patio, always make sure you’re buying a compatible product. “The biggest mistake is not knowing your surface,” says Alex Essex, outdoor surface specialist and managing director at Patio Black Spot Removal Company.
“Sandstone, limestone and concrete paving slabs all have unique vulnerabilities, so what’s safe for one could damage another,” he warns. “Homeowners also often assume that if a product is natural or safe indoors, it’s safe outdoors, but on patios this is not aways the case.”
Alex also cautions against using pressure washers too intensively. “Constant pressure washing allows organic staining to grow quicker and will remove the finish from man-made paving slabs,” he says.
Do you need a pressure washer to clean the patio?
"You don’t need a pressure washer to clean a patio,” says Alex. “However, light pressure used in conjunction with the right patio cleaner will provide the best results.” So if you don’t fancy getting on your hands and knees with a stiff brush, the best pressure washers could make the job faster.
However, never use high pressure unless you’re sure your patio material can handle it. “Using one that’s too powerful or too close can cause erosion, cracking, and even strip away protective sealant,” says Alex. “While it may seem like a quick solution, pressure washing alone can actually shorten the lifespan of your patio.”
These patio cleaning detergents all work effectively without needing a pressure washer. The chemicals in the detergents will shift dirt and organic matter, which can then be rinsed or scrubbed away – or left for the rain to do its work.
Are patio cleaners safe?
Many patio cleaners contain chemicals that can harm plants, pets and aquatic life. To ensure you're using a patio cleaner safely, always read the product label and shield your eyes and face. We recommend protecting nearby plants with sheeting, soaking the surrounding soil with water and avoiding use on windy days.
If you’re concerned about the chemicals in patio cleaners, choose one labelled ‘non-toxic’ or ‘biodegradable’ – the Algon Organic Path and Patio Cleaner and Pro-Kleen MY16 Patio Cleaner in this roundup are excellent options. Even when using these products, keep children and pets away until the product is dry.
What time of year should you clean your patio?
Ideally, you should wash or deep clean your patio at least twice a year. “Spring is the ideal time,” says Alex, “as winter leaves behind dirt, moss, algae and staining. A thorough spring clean makes the patio safe and ready for summer use.”
Repeating the process again in the autumn will get rid of accumulated dirt and leaves before the colder months. Regular weekly sweeping will reduce the need for deep cleaning.
The verdict: which patio cleaner is the best?
Our best-in-test patio cleaner is the Karcher Patio and Deck Cleaner, which impressed us with its supreme cleaning power and super-concentrated formula.
While the Karcher isn’t pricey, we tested more affordable options – our best budget patio cleaner is the HG Patio-Tile Cleaner, while our best value cleaner – the Kilrock PRO Patio Driveway and Masonry Cleaner – makes a very generous amount of detergent once diluted.
If you have children or pets, or are simply concerned about spraying chemicals in your garden, our best non-toxic patio cleaner is the Algon Organic Path and Patio Cleaner.
Jasmine is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s homes writer. With a background in design, she is committed to sorting the good products from the great –and helping Good Housekeeping readers do the same.
Throughout her career, Jasmine has written extensively about product quality, craftsmanship and sustainability, and is passionate about consumer rights. She previously worked as a writer and researcher at the product longevity platform Buy Me Once.
If she isn’t reviewing the latest gadgets for your home, you can probably find Jasmine cooking elaborate meals or crafting something weird and wonderful!
Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.
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