Hey you! Fancy seeing you here — whether you’re a regular with a trusty broom or just landed here mid-patio panic, welcome! Go on, grab a cuppa (or something stronger if your patio’s a bit of a disaster), and let’s chat about some of the most common mistakes people make when cleaning their patios — and how to avoid them.
You might think patios are tough-as-nails — and they are to a point. But believe it or not, with the wrong products or tools, even the sturdiest of slabs can suffer. We’ve all made a few cleaning blunders (yes, me too!), so don’t worry — this isn’t about judgement, it’s about helping you get it right next time.
Mistake 1: Overdoing it with the pressure washer
Ah, yes, the go-to patio weapon. Don’t get me wrong — a pressure washer is a great tool for blasting away grime, especially after a long winter. But using it too often, or at too high a pressure, can wear down your paving, cause surface damage, and even loosen joints.
💡 Top tip: Use it sparingly and always start on a lower setting. If you’re unsure what pressure’s safe for your stone, give us a shout — we’re always happy to help.
Mistake 2: Using the wrong patio cleaner
This one’s a biggie. Not all cleaners are patio-safe — and definitely not slab-friendly.
Some stone types (like sandstone or limestone) really don’t get on with acidic or bleach-based cleaners. You might think a quick bleach blast will kill the moss, but it can also bleach the colour right out of your slabs and damage the surrounding garden.
💡 Top tip: Always read the label and test on a small area first. Better still, ask your friendly local patio cleaning experts (that’s us!) before using anything new.
Mistake 3: Skipping spot treatment for stains
Got a barbecue sauce splash, an oil spill or a muddy paw print parade? You’re not alone.
But jumping straight into a full clean without treating those stubborn spots first is a common mistake. Some stains need a bit more attention — and just hosing them down won’t cut it.
💡 Top tip: Treat stains first with the right solution and a soft brush. If it’s been there a while or just won’t budge, give us a call. Joao or Robbie can come and take a look and let you know your options — no pressure (pun intended).
Mistake 4: Forgetting to rinse off the cleaner
This one’s surprisingly common! You’ve sprayed, scrubbed, and stood back proudly… but forgot to rinse. Oops!
Leaving cleaning products to dry on the surface can cause discolouration and leave your patio looking dull or streaky — not quite the ‘showstopper garden’ you were going for.
💡 Top tip: Always finish with a thorough rinse using clean water. Rinse until the water runs clear, and if it’s sunny, don’t leave it too long or you’ll get drying marks.
Mistake 5: Not sealing after cleaning
Honestly, this step is the secret sauce. You’ve cleaned your patio, made it sparkle — and then… nothing. No sealant. 😬
Without a sealant, all that work won’t last. Dirt will come back quicker, weeds will pop through faster, and stains can cling to the surface.
💡 Top tip: Use a sealant that suits your patio stone and reapply every few years. It protects the surface, makes future cleaning easier, and keeps your patio looking fab for longer.
Need help? That’s what we’re here for!
Whether you’re dealing with patio cleaning problems or just want advice on doing it the right way, our team is always happy to help.
Nicola and Christine are just a phone call away and ready to answer your questions — with a smile, of course!
And if you’d like us to take a look, we’ll send out Joao, our brilliant Operations Manager, or Robbie, one of our trained technicians, to give you a free quote and personalised advice.
You’re never just a number with us — we care about your patio as much as you do!
Until next time, happy scrubbing — and remember, the right clean makes all the difference! ☕🧽🌞
If you’d like to find a patio cleaning company that gets the job done with care, click here:
If you would like to see reviews to make sure you have the best fit for you, have a read of this:
To check out how much it may cost, this article is for you:
For further advice or information on our Carpet and Soft Furnishing care, please do not hesitate to contact the Art of Clean team on 01223 901551 in Cambridge. Our services include Carpet Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning, oriental and area Rug Cleaning, Curtain Cleaning, Patio, and Driveway Pressure washing, Leather Cleaning, Stone and Tile Floor Cleaning, and Wood Floor Sanding and Restoration. We also supply new flooring and carpets through our sister company Art of Flooring. Our Dry-Cleaning service is provided by Farthings Cambridge
So that’s everything; I hope you enjoyed reading, have a fantastic day.
Written by Tracey Gilbey, Marketing and Admin Coordinator at Art of Clean.