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Patio Cleaning

Professional Patio Cleaning& Restoration

Specialist cleaning and restoration for natural stone, porcelain, sandstone and concrete patios across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Hertfordshire and Surrey.

  • Black-spot treatment
  • Colour restored
  • Surface-safe
Book a Free Site VisitCall 01628 232 450
Chiltern Surface Co technician pressure washing a natural stone patio, the wet flags in the foreground

Patio Cleaning

Bring Your Patio Back to Life.

Natural stone, porcelain, sandstone and concrete each need a different approach. We assess your patio at the site visit, clean it at the pressure that suits the material, treat black spot and algae, and re-sand the joints where they need it.

Close-up of black spot lichen growing in the pores of natural stone paving

The common one

Black Spot On Natural Stone

Black spot is not just a surface stain. It is a living organism that grows within the pores of natural stone, which is why a professional, multi-layered approach is required.

Our treatment works in two stages. First, we address the visible black spot through a carefully controlled combination of pressure and specialist treatment.

We then treat the live growth within the stone using Chiltern EverGuard™, which penetrates deep into the material and targets the organism at its source.

This second stage is particularly important because it kills the active growth within the stone and inhibits regrowth, typically for two to three years, depending on the surface and its environment.

  • Commonly found on sandstone, limestone and other porous natural stone
  • Treats both the visible staining and the live organism within the stone
  • Finished with Chiltern EverGuard™ for longer-term protection

Our approach

The lowest possible pressure, the least chemical necessary

Use the lowest possible pressure and the least amount of chemical necessary to achieve the right result. This may sometimes require additional applications or a more considered process, but we believe that is always preferable to taking the quickest or most aggressive approach. Our priority is to achieve the best possible result while protecting the surface and surrounding environment.

Stone by stone

Four surfaces, four different jobs

  • Indian sandstone paving restored to its natural colour

    Indian Sandstone

    Warm-toned and riven. Cleaned gently to keep the texture, then treated for black spot where it has taken hold.

  • Limestone paving cleaned with a gentle, surface-specific method

    Limestone

    Soft and pale, so it is cleaned slowly and at low pressure rather than forcefully.

  • Dark porcelain patio paving after specialist cleaning

    Porcelain

    Cleans up readily. The work is in the finish — an even result across large-format slabs and clean, consistent joints.

  • Cobbles and granite setts after professional cleaning

    Cobbles & Setts

    All joint and very little face. The cleaning has to reach down between the setts without washing out the jointing.

Chiltern Surface Co technician applying a specialist treatment to a natural stone patio with a low-pressure lance

What we do

Surface-Specific Patio Treatments

Natural stone, porcelain, sandstone and concrete all need different handling. We identify what you have at the site visit and set the method and the pressure to suit it.

The patio is cleaned at the pressure that suits the material, black spot is treated with a specialist application, and the joints are re-sanded where they need it. Chiltern EverGuard™ is applied once it is clean.

Surfaces we specialise in

  • Natural stone
  • Porcelain
  • Sandstone
  • Limestone
  • Concrete & paving

Our patio cleaning service

How we do it, step by step

Every property is different. We start with a free site visit, assess the surfaces, then choose the method and the pressure that suit them.

  1. 01

    Site visit & assessment

    We identify the stone or paving type and its condition, then choose a surface-safe method and set honest expectations for what will lift.

  2. 02

    Surface-specific cleaning

    Controlled cleaning at the pressure that suits the material lifts the dirt, the algae and the weathering.

  3. 03

    Black spot treatment

    Black spot is treated with a specialist application rather than with pressure.

  4. 04

    Joints re-sanded

    Where the jointing has washed out or broken down, we re-sand it so the patio is stable underfoot.

  5. 05

    Chiltern EverGuard™ & finishing

    Chiltern EverGuard™ is applied once the patio is clean. It inhibits regrowth, typically for two to three years, depending on the surface and its environment.

Why it matters

What you get from doing it properly

  • Removes Algae, Stains & Dirt

    Controlled cleaning lifts algae, weathering and grime.

  • Restores Colour & Finish

    The natural colour and character of the stone is brought back.

  • Chiltern EverGuard™ Included

    Applied once the patio is clean. It inhibits regrowth, typically for two to three years, depending on the surface and its environment.

  • Surface-Specific Methods

    Natural stone, porcelain and concrete each get their own approach.

Limestone patio covered in black spot and lichen before professional treatment

The issues

Common Patio Problems We Solve

They rarely arrive one at a time, and they are not all the same kind of problem. Black spot is a lichen and is treated with a specialist application; jointing that has washed out is re-sanded rather than cleaned. Which of them you have is what decides the method, and we tell you what we find at the site visit.

  • Black spot (lichen) on natural stone
  • Slippery algae and moss build-up
  • Surface weathering and discolouration
  • Jointing sand deterioration

What we do about black spot

How We Treat Black Spot

Those stubborn black marks are a living organism, not surface dirt — which is why pressure alone will not shift them. We treat them in two stages, explained in full below.

Find out more about Chiltern EverGuard™

Our promise to you

What you can count on, every time

Exterior cleaning is easy to get wrong. These are the standards we hold ourselves to on every property — in writing, not just in words.

  • Honest expectations set before any work begins
  • Clear, fixed quotes — no pressure, no obligation
  • The correct, surface-safe method every time
  • Plants, lawns, glass and paintwork protected
  • Fully insured, with the owner accountable on every job

Proof of work

Recent patio cleaning projects

View all projects
  • The main sandstone patio in Cholesbury, Buckinghamshire before cleaning, the slabs grey with black spot, lichen and algae and the joints failing
    The finished sandstone patio in Cholesbury, Buckinghamshire, cleaned and fully repointed, running past the garden room with the garden on the right

    Sandstone Patio Cleaning and Repointing in Cholesbury

    Sandstone patio cleaning and repointing in Cholesbury, Buckinghamshire: black spot treated, failed joints replaced, protected with Chiltern EverGuard™.

    Read More About This Project
  • The sandstone patio along the curved brick edging the day before the works — black with growth, algae and lichen
    The same view of the sandstone patio on completion — cleaned, treated and protected with Chiltern EverGuard™

    Sandstone Patio Cleaning and Repointing in Princes Risborough

    Indian sandstone patio cleaning in Princes Risborough: black spot and algae treated, back steps relaid and repointed, protected with Chiltern EverGuard™.

    Read More About This Project
  • The porcelain patio in Stratford-upon-Avon before restoration, filthy, with algae in the joints and across the tiles
    The rendered house and porcelain patio in Stratford-upon-Avon after soft washing and restoration, photographed from the same position as the cover

    Porcelain Patio Cleaning, Repointing and Render Soft Washing in Stratford-upon-Avon

    A full-house soft wash of the render, soffits and fascias, then a porcelain patio deep clean, joint grinding and complete repoint by Chiltern Surface Co.

    Read More About This Project
  • Sandstone patio in Oxford before cleaning, blackened by established black spot and organic growth
    The same view on completion, the sandstone patio cleaned and completely repointed

    Sandstone Patio Cleaning and Re-Jointing in Oxford

    Sandstone patio cleaning and repointing in Oxford: progressive black spot removal, loose slab repairs, Chiltern EverGuard™ and a complete resin repoint.

    Read More About This Project
  • Indian sandstone patio in Henley-on-Thames before cleaning, covered in black spot, algae and lichen
    The finished Indian sandstone terrace in Henley-on-Thames, cleaned, relaid and repointed

    Indian Sandstone Patio Cleaning and Repointing in Henley-on-Thames

    185m² Indian sandstone patio in Henley-on-Thames: black spot improved, loose slabs relaid and the patio fully repointed, with Chiltern EverGuard™ protection.

    Read More About This Project
  • Weathered natural stone patio in Marlow from above before cleaning, moss and algae in the joints
    The finished sandstone patio in Marlow after cleaning and Chiltern EverGuard™ protection

    Sandstone Patio Cleaning, Marlow

    Natural sandstone patio cleaning in Marlow — heavy moss, algae and early black spot removed, protected with Chiltern EverGuard™, plus a full gutter clean.

    Read More About This Project

Where we work

Patio Cleaning by county and town

Choose your county or town to see how we approach patio cleaning on the homes there.

What Clients Say

Trusted by homeowners across the Chilterns.

Thank you to every client who has trusted us with their home. Your reviews mean a great deal to us. We’re proud to be fully insured, certified professionals — delivering proven results with a customer-focused approach on every single project.

5-Star Rated On Google

  • “They did a great job cleaning my patio & front driveway in Marlow, very attentive to detail & prompt.”
    TMTom McGrath
  • “I recently had the chiltern surface co team round to my house in Marlow to clean our patio and driveway.. Really happy with the results! The driveway and back patio are looking brand new. Definitely recommended!”
    RKrobbie kneen
  • “A huge thank you to Jon and the team at Chiltern Surface Company for the outstanding job they've done.”
    NMNick Marr
  • “Chiltern Surface Co. did an outstanding job cleaning our patio.”
    NCNeylan Cankurtaran
  • “An excellent service from start to finish. The patio was in quite a state and now it looks as good as new.”
    JSJulie Simpson
  • “I didn't realise just how dirty my patios and driveway had become over the last 4 years.”
    JHJohn Holmes
  • “I couldn't be happier with the patio cleaning service. Years of dirt and stains were completely removed.”
    GSGill Slater
  • “We used Chiltern for patio cleaning and we were very impressed! Our patio which was looking extremely sorry for itself is like new! I would definitely recommend. The team were very friendly and efficient.”
    CLClaire Lee
  • “Incredible job thank you! My patio had become badly stained from over-cleaning and really needed resealing.”
    BBookTravelBetter
  • “Highly knowledgeable and kept us informed throughout the whole process.”
    DWDean WilliamsonMarlow
  • “Jon was very professional and knew exactly what was required.”
    DRDavid ReynoldsMarlow
  • “Incredibly, Jon managed to get it gleaming again. I'm thrilled with the results.”
    AWAnna WilliamsonMarlow
  • “I couldn't be happier with the service from Jon, this Marlow Company provided.”
    TDTina Devereux
  • “Jon Did a fantastic job of the driveway and walls.”
    TATim Anders
  • “I cannot recommend Chiltern surface co highly enough!”
    TGThe Gentry Marlow
  • “John spent a few hours cleaning and jet washing my drive, wow an amazing job.”
    SSStuart Singer
  • “Highly recommended! The quality of the work was excellent from start to finish.”
    SMSara Maio
  • “Absolutely brilliant! Jon was absolutely fantastic in communication.”
    RURuby Uppal
  • “Highly please with the result of the roof clean”
    RDRobert Daly
  • “Fantasitc company, fantastic job, couldn't recommend more.”
    RHRichard Hobbs
  • “Chiltern Surface Co. were amazing. The men worked really hard in extreme heat and were very respectful of our property”
    ODOlwyn Davison-Oakley
  • “Absolutely brilliant service received from this company.”
    NCNigel Crow
  • “Highly recommend Jon and the Chiltern Surface Co team. They did a fantastic job cleaning, treating and re-sanding.”
    NPNicola Padbury
  • “My roof had been an issue for years with the build up of moss.”
    NNicola
  • “Jon did a wonderful job cleaning and treating our roof which had been in a terrible state. He was meticulous and professional throughout, we absolutely cannot fault the service. Would highly recommend.”
    LSLouise Scully
  • “Jon and his team were professional, tidy and did a great job. We had the gutter cleaning service”
    KCKate CT
  • “Excellent and professional work from start to finish. Both our patio and roof now look fantastic. Highly recommended!”
    JPJames Phillips
  • “Solid work on our guttering and cleaning patio stones. Jon and his team worked hard during the day with some really good results to show.”
    GGordon
  • “I recently had my 110m² block paved driveway at my home in Maidenhead professionally cleaned, re-sanded and sealed.”
    FCFrancesco Carco
  • “Top notch service. Turned up on time, quick, efficient and my drive has never been so clean! Will definitely use Jon again.”
    DHDaniel Harrison
  • “Jon and the team at Chiltern Surface Co were professionalism exemplified.”
    CWConnor Walton
  • “Jon and his team recently cleared all of our very mossy roofing tiles.”
    CColin
  • “Meticulous, professional, paid attention to detail - our driveway and patios look brand new.”
    LHLinda HopkinsonMarlow
  • “Professional, knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommend.”
    DODavid OsborneMarlow
  • “It's rare to find someone who is both highly skilled and genuinely nice to deal with.”
    TWThe Williamson TravelsMarlow

Questions

Patio Cleaning FAQs

Do you remove black spots from patios?

Yes. Black spot is a lichen, and we treat it with a specialist application rather than with pressure. On heavily marked stone it can take a second visit, and we'll say so at the site visit.

Can you clean a porcelain patio?

Yes. Porcelain responds well to a gentle clean, and most of the work is in getting an even finish across the slabs and clean, consistent joints.

What pressure do you use on a patio?

The lowest pressure that will achieve the right result on that material, decided once we have looked at the stone and its condition.

Will my patio look perfect after cleaning?

We restore the surface as far as it can realistically go. Deep, long-term staining or existing damage may remain — we'll set honest expectations before any work starts.

Why has my patio gone slippery?

Usually algae. We remove it and treat what is left behind, which is what makes the surface safer underfoot.

Should my patio be sealed after cleaning?

Sometimes. Sealing suits some stone and not others, and it changes the appearance. We'll tell you honestly whether yours is a candidate.

Advice

Patio cleaning advice

View all articles

  • Patios & Natural Stone

    Black Spot on Sandstone

    Black spot looks like dirt, which is precisely why it is so often treated like dirt. The trouble is that established lichen on porous sandstone is a biological problem, not simply a dirty surface.

  • Patios

    Black Spot on Patio: What It Is & How to Remove It

    Black spot on a patio is lichen, not dirt. It looks like small dark stains scattered across the slabs, and it resists almost every cleaning method…

  • Patios

    How to Clean Porcelain Patio

    If you want to know how to clean porcelain patio tiles properly, this guide gives you the clear answer. You’ll learn how to remove dirt, algae, moss,…

More from us

Explore our services

  • Sandstone entrance steps after cleaning, the stone pale and even from the path to the door
    Winter service

    Slippery Paths, Steps and Patios

    Winter cleaning that removes slippery algae and moss from paths, steps and patios, planned around the forecast.

    • Slippery growth removed
    • Planned around frost
    • Chiltern EverGuard™ where suitable
    Learn Moreabout Slippery Paths, Steps and Patios

Looking after a commercial building, a managed site or a portfolio? Commercial pressure washing is handled by our commercial team, surveyed and priced as a specified job.

Chiltern Surface Co

Book Your Patio Clean Today.

We’ll come to your property, inspect the surfaces, recommend the correct approach, and provide a clear quote. No pressure, no obligation — just information.

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  • Surface-specific recommendations

    We assess your surfaces and recommend the right approach for the best, long-lasting results.

  • Clear, fixed quotation

    You'll receive a detailed, transparent quote with no hidden extras.

  • No pressure or obligation

    We'll provide honest advice so you can decide what's right for you.

  • Directly with the owner

    Speak directly with the owner and get expert advice you can trust.