The short answer
Professional patio cleaning in the UK typically costs around £4–£8 per square metre, depending on the slab type and how dirty it is. By size that usually works out at roughly £60–£100 for a small patio (around 10–15m²), £80–£200 for a medium one (around 15–30m²), and £150–£400 for a large patio (around 30–50m²). The figure rises with heavy moss, algae, weeds or black spot, which may need pre-treatment, and with awkward access for the equipment. Optional extras include re-pointing or re-sanding the joints and sealing at roughly £3–£8 per square metre, both priced on top of the basic clean.
Patios are priced much like driveways — mostly by area, then by how stained the slabs are. The figures below are typical prices for guidance on cleaning an existing patio, not quotations.
Typical UK costs
- Jet-washing£4–£8 / m²
- Small patio~£60–£100
- Medium patio~£80–£200
- Large patio~£150–£400
- Sealing added£3–£8 / m²
What drives the price
- Surface area: as with a driveway, the square-metre count is the biggest factor.
- Slab type & condition: porous natural stone holds more algae and black spot than smooth porcelain, so it can take longer and need pre-treatment.
- Joints: sand-filled or mortar joints often need re-pointing or re-sanding after washing, which adds to the figure.
- Access: a patio reached only through the house or down side steps takes more time to set up and clear.
| Patio size | Typical area | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small | ~10–15m² | ~£60–£100 |
| Medium | ~15–30m² | ~£80–£200 |
| Large | ~30–50m² | ~£150–£400 |
| Per square metre | any size | £4–£8 / m² |
Indicative UK figures for guidance. Sources: trade cost guides and cleaning specialists.
When to add re-pointing or sealing
Washing a patio can wash out tired jointing, so where the pointing is already loose it is often worth re-pointing or re-sanding the joints at the same time. Sealing afterwards — roughly £3–£8 per square metre — helps slow down algae, weed and stain return and can make routine cleaning easier, though it is optional and depends on the slab. Because the patio is already clean and dry at that point, doing these together avoids paying twice for set-up.
Want a clear patio-cleaning quote?
We'll match you with a vetted driveway and patio cleaning specialist who measures your patio and quotes on a clear specification — area, slab type, joints and any sealing all set out.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to jet-wash a patio?
Professional patio cleaning in the UK typically costs around £4–£8 per square metre, which works out at roughly £60–£100 for a small patio, £80–£200 for a medium one and £150–£400 for a large patio.
Does the price include sealing the patio?
Not usually. A basic clean is priced per square metre, and sealing is an optional extra on top at roughly £3–£8 per square metre. Re-pointing or re-sanding loose joints is also priced separately.
What makes a patio more expensive to clean?
Heavy moss, algae, weeds or black spot that need pre-treatment, porous natural-stone slabs, loose joints that need re-pointing, and awkward access all add time and cost.
Sources & further reading
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific surface. They are guidance, not a quotation.