Path & Patio Cleaning

Why patio surfaces age faster than driveways

Patios sit in more shade than driveways. They are typically closer to garden beds, garden hoses, and watering systems, so the surface stays damp longer. Outdoor furniture, BBQs, planters, and shade structures all introduce additional residues: fat from grilling, plant tannins from potted plants, sealant drips from outdoor furniture. The combination accelerates the same mould and algae cycle that affects driveways, but with more variable staining. A patio that has gone two years without cleaning often looks dramatically different from the driveway right next to it.

Concrete pavers, brick pavers, stamped concrete, natural stone

Concrete pavers handle pressure well, though the sand between joints can wash out, so we adjust technique to avoid dislodging it and re-sand joints after if requested. Brick pavers are slightly more porous and may retain a faint shadow on old organic stains. Stamped concrete responds well as long as the original colour sealant has not failed. Travertine pool surrounds need extra care because the natural pits hold algae but also hold cleaning solution; we work in small sections. Sandstone, bluestone, and other natural stone get the lowest pressure end and chemistry-led cleaning because high pressure can pit natural stone. We test on an inconspicuous corner first. Slate tile responds well to soft wash plus a gentle high-pressure rinse. Mixed-material patios are handled section by section with the appropriate technique for each.

Common patio stains we address

Mould and algae bands along the shaded edges of a patio are the most common Brisbane issue and lift in a single surface-cleaner pass. Grease and fat from BBQs need a degreaser pre-treatment. Wine, sauce, and food spills usually lift with the standard clean; older set-in food staining sometimes leaves a faint shadow. Rust streaks from outdoor furniture, hose brackets, or wrought iron lift with an oxalic acid pre-treatment. Plant tannin staining from fallen leaves (especially under figs, jacarandas, magnolias) responds to the same organic stain remover used for jacaranda staining on driveways. Black 'efflorescence' on pavers (the white mineral deposit that pushes up through pavers) needs an efflorescence-specific cleaner; we will let you know if this is relevant to your patio.

Our path and patio cleaning process

Step one: walk the area with you to identify materials, drainage points, and any specific staining to address. Step two: pre-wet adjacent plants and beds. Step three: pre-treat targeted stains with the appropriate chemistry, dwelling for 10-15 minutes. Step four: surface cleaner pass at the appropriate pressure for the material (lower for natural stone, higher for plain concrete). Step five: hand-wand detail on edges, around drains, and in tight corners. Step six: final rinse and joint re-sanding if requested. Step seven: walk the result and send photos.

Adjacent surfaces: what comes in the same quote

Most path and patio jobs naturally include adjacent hardscape that benefits from the same visit. Stepping stones, pool coping (the edge of the pool), garden edging strips, outdoor stairs, balcony tiles, and small courtyard zones are usually included in a path-and-patio quote rather than being separate line items. We discuss inclusions during the walk-through and confirm in the written quote so there is no ambiguity. Specifically excluded by default: pool surrounds (separate quote because of pool chemistry considerations), and timber decking (we do not pressure-wash timber decks because the technique risks lifting the timber finish, so we recommend a deck-specific contractor).

Pricing for paths, patios, and combined hardscape

Paths and patios run $5 to $9 per square metre depending on material, complexity, and stain load. Small jobs (just a back path, around 15-20m²) start at $200. Standard back patio (around 30-40m²) runs $250 to $400. Larger patios with multiple zones and feature surfaces run $400 to $700. Combined with a driveway clean, the per-square-metre rate drops because setup and travel time are shared. Most customers book paths and patios as part of a broader hardscape refresh, and house wash plus driveway plus patio is a popular Brisbane combination.

When to book a path and patio clean

Patios benefit from cleaning every 18 to 24 months in most Brisbane suburbs. Patios under heavy shade or near garden beds may want every 12 months. Booking just before a major event (a wedding, a Christmas gathering, a school holiday with extended family) is common and we accommodate event timing. Let us know the date in your enquiry and we will book around it. Patios are also a high-impact pre-sale clean because they are one of the first things prospective buyers see when walking out the back of a property.

What's included

• Surface cleaner attachment for even passes on flat areas
• Hand-wand detail on edges and around drains
• Material-appropriate pressure on concrete, pavers, and stone
• Pre-treatments for mould, grease, rust, and organic staining
• Joint re-sanding available after paver cleaning
• Adjacent hardscape (paths, steps, coping) included by default
• Before-and-after photos with every job

Frequently asked questions