Patio Cleaning Cost UK: Jet Washing Prices Explained
What patio cleaning, jet washing and driveway cleaning typically cost in the UK, what is included, and how to avoid damaging paving or pointing.
A green, slippery patio can look beyond saving, yet a proper clean often transforms it in a few hours. Prices are usually per square metre or per job, and they depend on the paving type, the level of staining and whether sealing is included.
Typical prices
Costs vary by region and condition, but typical UK ranges are:
| Surface | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Patio cleaning, per square metre | around £3 to £8 |
| Average patio (15 to 25m2) | around £75 to £200 |
| Driveway cleaning, per square metre | around £3 to £8 |
| Decking cleaning (small to medium) | around £80 to £250 |
| Re-sanding joints or sealing, extra | often £2 to £6 per m2 |
Minimum call-out charges are common, so small areas often cost more per square metre.
What is included
A typical clean involves pre-treating algae and moss, jet washing with a rotary surface cleaner or lance, rinsing and removing debris. Always check whether the quote includes:
- Re-sanding or re-pointing joints, which jet washing often removes.
- A sealant or protective coating.
- Cleaning of steps, walls and furniture.
- Disposal of sediment or waste water, or its channelling to a suitable drain.
What changes the price
- Area and condition. Heavy algae, oil stains or rust take longer.
- Material. Natural sandstone, limestone and old slabs are softer than concrete block paving and need lower pressure.
- Water supply. If you have no outside tap, the contractor may need to bring water.
- Access. Parking close to the work helps reduce set-up time.
Choosing the right method
Different surfaces need different handling:
- Concrete and block paving: can usually handle jet washing but may need joints refilled.
- Natural stone: delicate; high pressure can etch or remove the surface, so lower pressure and softer cleaning are better.
- Decking: usually needs lower pressure along the grain, often with a wood cleaner, then drying and treating. See jet washing a patio or decking for how to do this safely.
- Resin and tarmac: can be damaged by high pressure and should be cleaned by someone who knows the product.
DIY or hire?
You can hire a pressure washer and do it yourself over a weekend, but the results depend on technique. Streaks are common if the lance is moved unevenly, and softer stone can be damaged. A professional with a surface cleaner tends to get an even finish more quickly. If you are comfortable and have a smaller area, DIY can save money.
Questions to ask
- Do you use a surface cleaner or a lance?
- What pressure will you use on my type of paving?
- Is re-sanding included?
- Will you treat for algae afterwards to slow regrowth?
- How do you manage run-off water?
When to book
Spring and early summer are busiest. Autumn is a good time to clean before slippery conditions in winter, and cleaning in dry spells helps surfaces dry quickly and makes sealing more effective.
Finding help
On Compito you can search by postcode, compare ID-verified local providers, send a request with photos and approximate dimensions, then accept an offer and pay online. Messaging the provider helps confirm water access and surface type. See how it works.
Worked example: a 20m2 sandstone patio
A homeowner asks for a clean of a 20m2 sandstone patio and a set of steps. The contractor tests a corner, treats algae, cleans with a surface cleaner on a low setting, rinses, re-sands the joints and applies an algae preventer. At around £4 to £7 per square metre plus a small steps and joint-sand allowance, a total of roughly £100 to £180 would not be unusual in many regions, with minimum charges and London prices higher. The quote lists what is and is not included, which makes it easy to compare with a lower figure that omits re-sanding.
Spotting a thin quote
| Missing item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Joint sand or pointing | Weeds return quickly |
| Algae treatment | Faster regrowth |
| Protection of plants | Chemical or spray damage |
| Waste water plan | Run-off to drains or neighbours |
| Access to water | Arrangements for supply |
Questions to settle on the day
- What will be done first on a small test area?
- How will you protect doors, vents and plants?
- Who is responsible if the surface is damaged?
- How long before it can be used?
Special cases
- Rentals. Ask the landlord before paying for patio cleaning or sealing.
- Flats and shared patios. The managing agent may arrange it for everyone.
- Old or fragile stone. Ask for a gentler method and test patch.
- Winter. Avoid cleaning in frost, which creates ice, and check forecasts.
For the DIY version, see jet washing a patio or decking.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a patio be cleaned?
Most patios need a proper clean about once a year, though shaded or north-facing areas may need it more often. Light sweeping and treating algae early reduces the work.
Will jet washing damage my paving?
It can if the pressure is too high or the stone is soft. A competent operator will test a small area first and adjust their technique.
Do I need to seal the patio afterwards?
Not always. Sealing can help reduce staining and regrowth on some surfaces, but it must be applied on a dry, clean surface, and the wrong sealant can cause discolouration.