The best way to clean a patio is to use a specialist outdoor cleaning product that eliminates biological growth such as algae, lichen and mould. These stubborn growths are usually responsible for patio discolouration, and can threaten the longevity of your patio by accelerating deterioration processes. They can also pose a hazard to your health by making the surface slippery, especially when it rains.

Using a home remedy may provide temporary relief from contaminants, but will not prevent them from returning. Specialist products such as GK Path and Patio Cleaner kill biological growth at the source for more effective cleaning.

GK Path and Patio Cleaner: The Best Way to Clean a Patio

GK Path and Patio Cleaner is an effective disinfectant and cleaner that eliminates 99.9% of bacterial growth, providing relief and protection from mould, lichen, algae and fungi. The formula begins to work its magic within minutes of application and continues to break down biological contaminants over time with cycles of sun and rain.

Our expert formula is easy to use, providing best residual cleaning results by evaporating naturally. Simply dilute the formula according to the severity of growth and apply to the patio surface using a brush or garden sprayer.

The formula is free from harsh chemicals such as bleach, caustic and acidic chemicals, so it can be used on any hard substrate without causing any harm to the surface. It also has a virtually neutral pH of 6, meaning that children and pets are safe. Merely keep them away from treated areas until they are dry.

After the initial application, further maintenance cycles will be a much shorter process, making it easy to keep on top of your cleaning schedule.

What Makes GK Products the Best on the Market?

GK cleaning products are made with DDAC (Didecyldimethylammonium chloride) rather than BAC (Benzylammonium chloride), which most manufacturers use in their formulas.

While both are derived from soya beans and serve as biocides, their purity and performance in real-world applications set them worlds apart. We manufacture our products with the highest quality chemicals and ingredients to provide consistent results.

Find out more about DDAC in our blog.

How to Apply GK Path and Patio Cleaner

FOR HEAVY SOILING dilute 2:1 with water:formula.

FOR LIGHT-MEDIUM SOILING dilute 3:1 with water:formula.

No specialist equipment is required - a garden sprayer will do, alternatively the product can be brush applied.

Whilst applying appropriate PPE should be worn, we recommend protective gloves and eye protection/face protection as a minimum requirement.

Preparation: Use a mechanical scraper or broom to remove as much bulky growth as possible before application.

Test: Always test a small, hidden portion of the patio first to check compatibility and that the finished result is acceptable.

Application: Apply in dry conditions using a brush or garden sprayer, ensuring the surface is saturated.

Leave: Allow time for the product to work (ideally overnight). Allow more time in winter if temperatures drop below 10 degrees celsius.

Clean Tools: Wash your tools immediately after use with warm water.

Rinse: For the best results, rinse the patio after 7 days with a low-pressure washer.

Cleaning a Patio: Home Remedies

While home remedies are often the first thing people reach for because they are cheap and "natural," they can be surprisingly aggressive or completely ineffective against the biological biofilms (algae, lichen, and moss) that actually cause patio staining.

Here is a breakdown of common home remedies and why they might be more trouble than they're worth.

1. White Vinegar (Acetic Acid)

Vinegar is a popular "natural" weed and algae killer because the acid breaks down cell walls.

The Disadvantages:

Acid Damage: Vinegar is highly acidic. It can "etch" or dissolve the surface of sensitive natural stones like limestone and marble, leaving permanent dull spots or white marks.

Kills Plants: It is a non-selective herbicide; if it splashes onto your lawn or prize flowerbeds, it will kill them just as effectively as the algae.

Ineffective on Lichen: It rarely penetrates deep enough to kill "Black Spot" (lichen), which has a hard, protective crust.

2. Soda Crystals / Baking Soda

Baking soda increases the pH level to an alkaline state that algae dislike. It is often mixed into a paste for scrubbing.

The Disadvantages:

White Residue: Baking soda often leaves a persistent white, powdery film on the stone that can be very difficult to wash away once it dries.

Manual Labour: This isn't a "spray and leave" solution. It requires significant physical scrubbing to be even mildly effective.

Short-Lived: It offers zero residual protection. As soon as it rains, the pH balances out and the algae return almost immediately.

3. Household Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite)

Many people dilute standard thin bleach from the supermarket to "shock" the patio back to a white/clean state.

The Disadvantages:

Non-Stabilised: Household bleach is not designed for outdoor use. It breaks down rapidly in sunlight, meaning it stops working the moment you apply it.

Oxidisation: Bleach is a heavy oxidiser. It can rust metal garden furniture, damage lead flashing on adjacent walls, and perish the rubber seals on your doors and windows.

Harmful Vapours: In high concentrations, it releases fumes that are dangerous for pets and can cause respiratory irritation for the person applying it.

4. Pressure Washing (Water Only)

While technically a "home remedy" as it uses only water, high-pressure jet washing is the most common DIY cleaning method.

The Disadvantages:

Surface Erosion: High pressure blasts away the smooth surface of the stone, making it rougher and more porous. This creates more surface area for algae to grip onto next year.

Joint Damage: It frequently blasts the sand or mortar out from between the slabs, leading to loose stones and weed growth.

The "Vicious Cycle": Because water only removes the visible growth but doesn't kill the microscopic spores, the algae usually return twice as fast and twice as thick within a few months.

5. Washing Up Liquid & Boiling Water

Often used for grease stains or very light green algae.

The Disadvantages:

Slippery Residue: Most dish soaps contain "surfactants" that leave a film. If not rinsed perfectly, your patio can become a skating rink the next time it gets damp.

Phosphate Bloom: Some soaps contain phosphates which act as a fertiliser. You might kill the algae today, only to provide the perfect nutrients for a massive moss bloom tomorrow.

The "Professional" Difference

The reason professionals use biocides like GK Path and Patio Cleaner instead of these remedies is residual protection. While home remedies only deal with what you can see now, a professional biocide stays in the stone to prevent the spores from germinating, usually keeping the patio clean for 12–24 months rather than 12–24 days.

Why GK Path and Patio Cleaner is the Best Patio Cleaner

Kills 99.9% of Bacteria: Say goodbye to harmful contaminants! GK Path and Patio Cleaner effectively eliminates bacteria, mould, lichen, and algae, leaving your patio sparkling clean and hygienic.

Fast-Acting Results: Watch the magic happen! This powerful formula works quickly, destroying contaminants within minutes and continuing to break them down naturally over time.

Effortless Application: No need for special tools or complicated procedures. Simply spray or brush on GK Path and Patio Cleaner and leave it to work.

Safe for You and the Planet: Free from harsh chemicals like bleach, GK Path and Patio Cleaner is kind to the environment and poses no risk to children or pets.

Reduced Maintenance: After the initial cleaning, your patio will stay cleaner for longer, minimising the need for frequent scrubbing.

Versatile Power: GK Path and Patio Cleaner's powerful foaming action ensures thorough cleaning on almost any hard surface, from brick and stone to metal and plastic.

Safe for Your Surfaces: Worry less about damage! This gentle cleaner is safe for a wide range of surfaces, including delicate materials like lead and UPVC.

Summary

GK Path and Patio Cleaner provides the best way to clean a patio. Our effective formula eliminates 99.9% of bacterial growth and keeps your patio cleaner for longer, reducing maintenance cycles in the future. Free from bleach and harmful chemicals, GK Path and Patio Cleaner is safe for use on any hard surface.