Every one to three years, and the difference between those two numbers is almost entirely shade and drainage.
Most patios need washing every one to three years. An open, sunny, well-drained patio sits at the longer end. A shaded, north-facing patio under trees needs it annually or more.
If yours needs doing every year, the useful question is why — and it is nearly always shade, standing water, or leaf litter left over winter.
| Situation | Typical interval |
|---|---|
| Open, sunny, free-draining | Every two to three years |
| Partly shaded | Every two years |
| North-facing | Annually |
| Under trees | Annually, plus autumn sweeping |
| Poor drainage or standing water | Annually, and fix the drainage |
| Porous stone, unsealed | More often than sealed |
| Heavily used and swept regularly | Less often than you would expect |
Tell us what you need and we will arrange a free quotation.
There is such a thing. Repeated high-pressure washing wears soft surfaces, erodes pointing and joints, and on sandstone can gradually open up the surface so it soils faster each time — which is a slow trap. If a patio genuinely needs washing every year, address the shade or the drainage rather than simply washing it more.
Tell us about the work and we will arrange a free quotation.
Every one to three years for most. Open, sunny, well-drained patios sit at the longer end; shaded, north-facing patios under trees need it annually.
Almost always shade, poor drainage, overhanging trees or leaf litter left over winter. Algae needs damp, and those all keep the surface damp.
Spring, to clear the winter's growth before you use the patio, or early autumn after summer use and before leaf fall.
If it feels slippery underfoot when wet, do it now. Otherwise: green film, black spot, moss in joints, or clean rectangles under moved furniture.
Yes. Repeated high pressure erodes pointing and can open up the surface of soft stone so it soils faster each time.
Sweep autumn leaves off, cut back overhanging growth, clear gutters, fix standing water, and consider sealing porous stone.
No, but it slows re-soiling and makes each clean easier. It needs reapplying every few years.
Generally not. It will not dry properly, sealing is impossible, and frost on a wet surface is a hazard.
Need tree surgery, hedge maintenance, fencing, garden clearance, turfing or power washing? Complete the form and tell us what work you require.
