How to clean a patio without a pressure washer

You can clean a patio without a pressure washer using a stiff-bristled brush, warm soapy water and a patio cleaning solution for moss and algae. Sweep the area first, work the solution in with the brush, leave it to act, then rinse with a watering can or hose. It takes more effort than a pressure washer but is gentler on older or loose slabs and perfectly effective for routine cleaning.

What you will need

• A stiff outdoor broom and a long-handled stiff scrubbing brush.
• Warm water and washing-up liquid, or a dedicated patio cleaner.
• A bucket, plus a hose or watering can for rinsing.
• Gloves, and old clothes you do not mind splashing.

Step 1: Clear and sweep the patio

Move furniture, pots and the BBQ out of the way. Pull up any obvious weeds from between the slabs and sweep the whole area thoroughly to remove loose dirt, leaves and grit. Cleaning over loose debris just turns it to mud, so this step makes everything easier.

Step 2: Choose your cleaning solution

For general grime, warm water with a good squirt of washing-up liquid is enough. For green moss and algae, a dedicated patio and path cleaner works far better and keeps surfaces cleaner for longer. Avoid neat bleach: it can discolour slabs, harm nearby plants and wash into drains. If you do use any product, protect surrounding borders by wetting plants first or covering them.

Step 3: Scrub section by section

Apply the solution to a manageable area, then scrub firmly with the stiff brush, working in the direction of the slab joints. Let moss and algae cleaner sit for the time stated on the label so it can do the work for you. Re-wet the area if it dries out before you have finished scrubbing.

Step 4: Rinse and repeat

Rinse thoroughly with a hose or several watering cans of clean water, pushing the dirty water towards a drain or border. Stubborn patches may need a second pass. Let the patio dry fully to see the result, damp slabs always look cleaner than they are.

How to keep a patio cleaner for longer

Sweep regularly, deal with weeds early, and give the patio a quick wash before moss takes hold in autumn. Our guides on removing moss from a patio and block paving cleaning and re-sanding cover longer-term care.

When to call in the professionals

Hand-cleaning is fine for small or lightly soiled patios, but a large area, deep-set algae or years of ingrained dirt is hard, slow work by hand. Professional driveway and patio cleaning uses controlled pressure washing that lifts grime safely and finishes in a fraction of the time, with re-sanding available for block paving. If your patio is looking tired before a summer of entertaining, it is often worth getting it done properly once and maintaining it by hand after.