Patios are a great addition to any home, providing a useful outdoor space for relaxing in the sunshine or entertaining friends and family.
Unfortunately, patios can soon become covered with grime, dirt, algae and moss, making them unsightly and even dangerous. Because of this, it's wise to clean your patio regularly to keep it in good shape and safe to use!
In this London Power Washing Team blog, we're looking at how much patio cleaning services cost for those in the London region.
One of the 'fun' facts about living in London is that you generally pay more for goods and services than consumers living elsewhere!
There are several reasons why this is, and it's not going to change any time soon. So, Londoners have learned to deal with it and move on, however unfair it might seem.
However, it does make 'shopping around' more worthwhile, as there's plenty of competition. While you might be paying more for your patio cleaning than a homeowner in Norfolk, say, you can still save money by choosing your patio cleaning service wisely!
We'll begin by breaking down the various issues that might influence the cost of cleaning your patio:
No surprises here; the larger the surface area, the more it will cost to clean - generally speaking!
That's because the cleaning process will take longer, raising the labour and material costs. Cleaning companies typically estimate their costs by the square meter (or square feet).
Make sure you measure precisely and use the correct units!
It's also worth knowing that many patio cleaning services set a minimum charge, usually based on a patio size of roughly 30 square metres.
However, some companies offer a discount for larger areas, so a medium sized patio of around 40 square metres might get a discount of around 20%, for example.
Depending on where your contractors are travelling from, they may add extra to the overall price to account for fuel costs. If the journey takes upwards of one hour, they can include this in the daily rate for their labour costs.
This accounts for up to 40% of the total cost and will vary depending on the company's rates. It's usually included in the total rather than applied separately, but you're within your rights to ask what that rate might be. Most companies provide an overall estimate including labour, based on how long they think the project will take and how many contractors will be required.
A patio with ingrained dirt, heavy stains and moss growth will require more work and (potentially) special cleaning agents. The dirtier the patio slabs, the more involved the cleaning process will be, resulting in a higher cost.
Conversely, if you only need a light clean, then you can expect the cost to be lower.
For stubborn stains, organic growth and stubborn grease, the contractor may have to apply powerful cleaning solutions and biocides.
A reputable company won't use these unless they're absolutely necessary, so be sure to choose wisely. Also, they may recommend an alternative cleaning method to get perfect results (see below).
Professional patio cleaners understand that certain materials require special handling, as there's a risk of damage if the wrong method is used.
This mini-guide to patio materials illustrates the point perfectly:
These look very smart - as long as they're clean! Block paving dramatically improves the appearance of any property, but it needs careful handling. Using a pressure washer risks blasting the sand from the joints between the pavers, so this will need to be replenished (using kiln-dried sand).
Whether you have concrete slabs or a single block, this is a pretty sturdy patio material. However, it can be damaged by pressure washers, so a low-pressure setting is required, as with some of the other materials.
Slate, granite, limestone and sandstone are all popular choices (Indian sandstone is especially popular these days!), and all require careful handling.
A cheaper option to block pavers, bricks make an attractive patio material provided they are laid properly and maintained regularly. They can be prone to efflorescence (mineral salts leeching from the brick) and will require frequent cleaning to keep them looking fresh.
Technically, this is called decking, but it often serves the same purpose as a patio and it needs cleaning from time to time. Organic growth can be a problem, so regular cleaning is a must.
Professional-grade pressure washers can achieve up to 4,000 PSI, so the contractor will need to make the necessary adjustments and use a special nozzle to avoid damaging the patio material. Timber decking, for example, needs a setting of around 5-600 PSI.
While some companies offer pressure washing only, others may have specialist equipment that produces better results. For example, steam cleaning is highly effective but may be more expensive.
Let's look at a few of these options in more detail:
A pressure washer (or jet washer) uses cold water to blast away dirt. While the pressure can be adjusted (on good-quality machines), it relies on a high-pressure stream of water to get the job done. It's effective, but not suitable for all surfaces.
Check this out "How much does pressure washing cost in London".
Like the pressure washer, a power washer uses hot rather than cold water, making it a little more effective at shifting grime.
Again, power washing is great for some jobs, but can damage more delicate surfaces.
This method uses a machine that delivers a jet of steam (about 140ºC) that strips away dirt and organic matter. It doesn't require special cleaning agents or biocides, as the steam kills bacteria, organic growth and spores, making this an eco-friendly option.
Soft washing is a low-pressure cleaning technique combined with a biodegradable chemical solution to remove stains, algae, mould, and mildew safely.
It's great for patios but is generally more expensive than a jet wash or power wash session.
On the whole, patio pressure washing is more commonly used, although the other methods are available if or when necessary.
Any extra services will be added to your final bill. This could include sealing your patio with a protective coating, re-sanding block paving (if not included in the price) and cleaning other exterior surfaces.
It might be more economical to ask whether your chosen contractor handles other outdoor surfaces, such as gutter, wall, fence, pool, and driveway cleaning, so it's worth asking about this.
Have a look at our post "How much does driveway cleaning cost in London".
Now we've explored what affects the cost, it's time to look at some examples of average prices:
As a rough guide, expect to pay around £5 or £6 per square metre.
Definitely! You could go down the DIY route, but this rarely achieves the same results. There's also a risk of damaging the patio surface if you pressure wash your patio using the wrong nozzle or on a high-pressure setting.
Also, it can be a thankless, messy and lengthy task, especially if you don't have any experience using a pressure washer or you don't have the right tools for the job.
Finally, when you want a reliable pressure washing service in the London area, contact the London Power Washing Team.
