Porcelain Patio Cleaning Without Scratching

How porcelain is cleaned

Loose debris is cleared first. Slabs are washed with controlled pressure, using a rotary surface cleaner where the patio allows so the finish is even and streak free. A treatment for organic growth is applied to shaded areas and joints, given time to work and rinsed off. Abrasive pads and very high pressure aimed at an edge are avoided, because chipping the edge of a slab is far harder to fix than a dirty surface.

Textured anti-slip porcelain holds more grime in its surface than smooth slabs, so it may need a second pass or longer dwell time.

Joints are the weak point

Most porcelain patios are jointed with a resin or cementitious compound. These joints are more porous than the slabs, and they are where moss, algae and black spots usually start. Joints in poor condition can wash out under pressure, so they are checked before cleaning. Loose or missing jointing is pointed out so you can decide whether to have it renewed.

Black marks and stains on porcelain

Black stains on a porcelain patio are often organic growth in the joints spreading onto the slab edges, or tannin from leaves left lying in autumn. Metal furniture, plant pots and barbecues can also leave marks. Most organic staining responds to treatment. Some marks from rust or grease need their own approach. The black spots guide explains how to tell them apart.

• Black spots on patio guide
• Patio cleaning

Does a porcelain patio need sealing?

Usually not. Good quality porcelain absorbs so little water that a sealer has little to grip and can leave a film on the surface. The joints are a different matter, and some jointing compounds benefit from being kept in good condition. If you are unsure, check the slab manufacturer's care guidance, which takes priority over general advice.

What affects the price

Porcelain patio cleaning cost depends on the area, the slab texture, the state of the joints, the amount of growth and access to the garden. The patio cleaning cost guide explains these factors in more detail. Send photographs of the whole patio and close-ups of the joints, and you will receive a free quotation.

If the patio was laid recently, mention when, as new jointing compounds may need time to cure fully before any cleaning or treatment is applied to them.

• Patio cleaning cost guide