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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Lifestyle
Georgie Darling

Best block paving cleaners for driveways, patios and garden paths

When it comes to keeping your block paving looking pristine, choosing the right cleaner is essential.

Block paving, whether it’s your driveway, patio or garden path, is an investment in your property’s appearance, and the last thing you want is for it to be overshadowed by unsightly dirt, moss or algae.

It may sound obvious, but it is important to secure a cleaner that’s specially formulated for block paving. The right cleaner should not only tackle surface dirt but also penetrate deep into the porous surface to remove ingrained grime.

One key ingredient to watch for is a biocide. This powerful component is excellent for eradicating and preventing the regrowth of moss, algae and lichens - common culprits that can make your paving slippery and unsightly.

Another feature to consider is whether the cleaner is non-acidic. Acid-based cleaners can be harsh, potentially damaging the paving or altering its colour. Instead, opt for a pH-neutral or alkaline-based cleaner that’s tough on dirt but gentle on your paving.

Ease of use is also crucial. Look for a cleaner that doesn’t require intense scrubbing or pressure washing - after all, who wants to spend their weekend battling with stubborn stains? A good block paving cleaner should work effectively with minimal effort, ideally being simply applied, left to work, and then rinsed away.

Lastly, consider the environmental impact. Many modern cleaners are biodegradable and eco-friendly, allowing you to maintain your paving without harming the surrounding plants or wildlife.

Shop the best block paving cleaners below

Bostik Cementone Brick & Patio Cleaner

For effective and efficient outdoor cleaning, the Cementone Brick & Patio Cleaner from Bostik ticks all the boxes. A hard-working cleaner that removes dirt and algae from outside areas such as patios, paths and driveways, it's also ideal for cleaning off light cement and mortar stains from brickwork.

It can be used on concrete, paving, bricks and some metal tools, and is also a good way to clean down scaffolding.

Buy now £14.87, Toolstation

Swarfega Driveway and Patio Cleaner

An outdoor cleaner that removes general grime from outdoor pathways and patios, the Swarfega Driveway and Patio Cleaner cleans, sanitises and reduces mould and algae growth. Called 'shampoo for your patio', it's a top choice for block paving that needs a light clean rather than anything too intensive.

Buy now £23.99, Screwfix

Kärcher Stone Cleaner

Ideal for heavy-duty cleaning, this 1L Stone Cleaner from Karcher is great for domestic cleaning on surfaces. Simply dispense under low pressure and let it work in for a short while, before rinsing thoroughly under high pressure leaving a professional finish, once dried. A powerful stone cleaner with a unique 3-in-1 formula for outstanding cleaning performance, it can be used on stone patios, walls and all around the home and garden.

Buy now £8.90, DIY

Stonecare 4U Essential Efflorescence and Salts Acid Remover

This Essential Efflorescence and Salts Acid Remover is an outdoor cleaner that dissolves and removes heavy calcium, limescale deposits and efflorescence from brick, masonry, granite and other natural stone surfaces.

Available in a range of sizes, it's ideal for block paving of all sizes, from individual front garden stones all the way through to commercial-size spaces.

Buy now £34.95, Stonecare 4U

PatioWonder 5L Patio & Driveway Cleaner

Palmsafe's Patio Cleaner not only eradicates existing moss and algae but also establishes a protective shield against future growth. As a result, you can say goodbye to recurring infestations and hello to a consistently pristine exterior. A multipurpose solution crafted for various surfaces, including wood, concrete, brick and synthetics, it's perfect for revitalising decks, patios, roofs and walkways.

Buy now £19.99, Amazon

Block Blitz Block Paving Eco Cleaner Treatment

This Block Blitz Block Paving Eco Cleaner Treatment comes in a range of smaller package sizes, making it ideal for mixing up exactly the amount that's needed without unnecessary waste. You can clean and protect up to 15 square metres of block paving paths and driveways per pouch with no jet washing or scrubbing required - simply mix with water, apply and leave.

Buy now £30.59, Amazon

Jeyes Fluid Outdoor Cleaner & Disinfectant for Paths

Jeyes Fluid Outdoor Cleaner and Disinfectant is a powerful outdoor cleaner that can help you tackle a wide range of outdoor cleaning jobs. Suitable for cleaning and disinfecting paths, patios, driveways, greenhouses, flower pots, gardening tools and more, it kills 99.9 per cent of germs whilst removing grease and dirt. While it’s not specifically a block paving cleaner, it certainly does the job for those specific requirements.

Buy now £38.45, Amazon

Patio Perfect Essential Block Paving Clean

Suitable for all outdoor stone and masonry surfaces, including pavers, pathways, driveway block paving, patios and natural and engineered stone, this Essential Block Paving Cleaner is a high-performance cleaner for cleaning all types of external block paving. It's also virtually effortless to use: just apply and leave for two hours and come back to freshly washed paving.

Buy now £34.95, Amazon

Barrettine Driveway, Decking & Patio Cleaner

Make your outdoor space gleam with this 4L bottle of Barrettine Driveway, Decking and Patio Cleaner. The formula safely and quickly removes dirt and grime from most hard surfaces including wood, stone and plaster. It's often used prior to painting and decorating.

This powerful patio and driveway cleaner contains a surface biocide, which means it kills and reduces future mould and algae growth. It comes in a ready-to-use formulation, which means you don't have to waste time mixing the formula yourself. It takes 24 hours between each application to get the full biocidal effect so you can be confident it's doing its job thoroughly.

Buy now £14.49, Toolstation

Patio Clean XTREME Powerful

PatioClean Xtreme is a fast-acting, high-performance patio cleaning product with four powerful active ingredients. It offers a simple way to keep any patio clean, often avoiding the need for pressure washing: simply dilute 1:1 and apply to a wet surface with a watering can or sprayer. The five litres of product will clean and treat approximately 40m² of flagstone, natural stone or block paved patios.

Buy now £36.95, Amazon

Verdict

The Bostik Cementone Brick & Patio Cleaner stands out as the best block paving cleaner due to its powerful formula that effortlessly removes stubborn dirt, moss and algae. Its non-acidic composition ensures it’s tough on grime but gentle on your paving, delivering professional results without damaging surfaces.

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