Jeyes vs. Bleach vs. GK - Which is the Best for Outdoor Cleaning 2025?
Cleaning your outdoor spaces requires you to tackle stubborn biological growth such as algae, lichen, mould and moss. These contaminants are responsible for green discolouration to patios, driveways, greenhouses, flowerpots and paths etc.
Finding a product that can accommodate these needs is important, but you must also think about the effects a product can have on you, your children and pets, and the environment.
To make the decision of which product is the best for the job, we will be comparing the popular household name Jeyes with bleach and our product, GK Multi-Surface Cleaner and Sanitiser. We will be focusing on 5 key considerations;
- Application
- Effectiveness
- Price
- Pet and environmental friendliness
- Safety
Product Application
Jeyes Fluid Multi-Use Outdoor Cleaner Application
Jeyes Fluid Multi-Use Outdoor Cleaner promises to deliver effective cleaning across patios, drains and pet areas. This powerful outdoor cleaner and disinfectant is ideal for cleaning patios, driveways, drains, greenhouses, garden furniture, animal housing and more.
Jeyes Fluid can be corrosive to metals, so precaution must be taken when applying the product to structures with metal components. Jeyes have admitted to changing their formula by removing brown dye as users reported that Jeyes could stain and discolour brick and paintwork.
However, users have reported that the product has still stained their block paving when left for slightly longer than advised.
Dilution rates vary depending on the use, but in most instances dilute Jeyes Fluid with a ratio of 1:19 Jeyes to water. The dwell time before rinsing will vary depending on the surface but is usually 30 mins. After 30 minutes, scrub with a stiff brush and rinse thoroughly with water.
Bleach Application
Bleach can be used to clean outdoor paths, patios, driveways, greenhouses, flowerpots and drains, etc. You must always take precautions when using bleach as an outdoor cleaner because bleach can discolour or fade surfaces such as bricks and stones over time. Bleach can also damage paintwork and wood, and is corrosive to metal fasteners and screws.
You will need to dilute bleach before use. A common ratio is 1 cup of bleach per gallon of water, but for tougher outdoor jobs you should dilute with a ratio of 1:5 bleach to water. The dwell time will vary depending on the surface but is typically 30 minutes. Apply with a brush, sprayer or mop.
After letting it sit, scrub the surface with a stiff brush to remove all dirt, grime and biological staining, then rinse the area thoroughly with a hose to remove all traces of the solution.
Avoid overuse as bleach can damage surfaces over time, causing discolouration and corrosion to more porous or delicate materials.
GK Multi-Surface Cleaner and Sanitiser Application
GK Multi-Surface Cleaner and Sanitiser can be used on any hard substrate such as tarmac, bricks, concrete, wood and paving, as well as roof tiles, render, solar panels, artificial grass, poly tunnels, caravans, conservatories and canvas tents.
It is appropriate to use on fibreglass, limestone, sandstone and marble, and will work on outdoor furniture, outdoor pots, pool surrounds, slate, non-grass tennis courts and yacht sails. GK Multi-Surface Cleaner and Sanitiser will clean painted surfaces without causing any damage to the paint, and will not impact lead works, UPVC windows and seals, fixtures or fittings.
You will need to dilute the GK Multi-Surface Cleaner and Sanitiser with a ratio of 1:2 product to water for heavy soiling, and 1:3 for light to medium soiling. The sit time before rinsing will vary depending on the surface but is usually 30 mins. You can apply this with a brush or sprayer.
This is a ‘wet and wait’ product - once you have applied the product you can walk away and let it continue to break down algae, fungi and moulds over time with cycles of sun and rain.
Product Effectiveness
Jeyes Fluid Multi-Use Outdoor Cleaner Effectiveness
Jeyes Fluid Multi-Use Outdoor Cleaner effectively kills 99.9% of bacteria, and will help remove moss and algae from hard outdoor surfaces like patios and decking when used regularly. This product also cuts through rust, limescale and grime, making it an effective drain cleaner.
Jeyes promises results within 1 - 3 days post application. Regular use on hard surfaces is required to prevent the return of algae and moss. Reappy the formula every 6-12 months as part of your garden maintenance schedule
Bleach Effectiveness
Bleach is an effective cleaner and disinfectant that kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, and will remove mould, lichen, algae and moss from driveways, paths and patios.
Bleach is not always an effective cleaner for wooden structures as it can cause discolouration and may even weaken the wood material over time.
Bleach promises results in as little as half an hour post-application, but it will not provide ongoing protection against the recurrence of algae and mould growth. You will need to reapply your bleach solution once regrowth occurs, but try to avoid overuse to protect surfaces.
GKMulti-Surface Cleaner and Sanitiser Effectiveness
GK Multi-Surface Cleaner and Sanitiser is an effective cleaner and disinfectant that kills 99.9% of bacterial growth and will remove mould, lichen, algae and fungus. It eliminates biological contaminants within minutes of application.
GK promises results within 2 days post-application, though this is dependent on the weather as it requires natural cycles of sun and rain to evaporate the formula. The long lasting results mean that reapplication every 9 - 12 months is all that’s required to keep your outdoor areas looking pristine.
Price Comparison
Jeyes Fluid Multi-Use Outdoor Cleaner Price
Jeyes Fluid Multi-Use Outdoor Cleaner 5L is available at Screwfix for £35.99, or you can buy it directly from Jeyes for £34.85.
Bleach Price
Bleach 5L is available from most supermarkets and large online retailers for as little as £3 - £4.
GK Multi-Surface Cleaner and Sanitiser Price
GK Multi-Surface Cleaner and Sanitiser 5L is available from the GK online store for £22.79.
Pet and Environmental Friendliness
Jeyes Fluid Multi-Use Outdoor Cleaner
Jeyes Fluid Multi-Use Outdoor Cleaner must be used away from all pets. When used to the recommended dilution, once the cleaned area has fully dried then pets will be safe to touch treated surfaces.
If the cleaner comes into contact with plants it is best to rinse them straight away to further dilute and avoid damage.
This product is harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects, so do not allow run-off to enter lakes, ponds and/or streams.
Bleach
Bleach is extremely harmful, or even fatal, if it is ingested. This means that pets and other animals who have no understanding of the dangers of bleach may ingest the bleach to very negative consequences.
The general ecosystem can be at risk if bleach is carried by rain into the water supply or onto plants and animals.
GK Multi-Surface Cleaner and Sanitiser
GK Multi-Surface Cleaner and Sanitiser has a pH of 6, meaning it is virtually neutral, so you do not have to worry about any long term effects on pets or animals. Simply keep them away from the cleaned area until it has dried.
Free from caustic acids and bleach, this product is more environmentally friendly than alternatives on the market. It is biodegradable and depleted naturally by the organic nature of the soil.
Rinse plants should they come in direct contact with the formula to prevent the leaves from scorching. The product should not be sprayed into freshwater ponds, as it may cause harm to aquatic life.
Product Safety
Jeyes Fluid Multi-Use Outdoor Cleaner Safety
Jeyes Fluid Multi-Use Outdoor Cleaner may cause irritation to skin and eyes. If contact occurs, rinse immediately with water. If ingested you should rinse your mouth with water and find a well ventilated area to breathe.
The product should not mix with acids, ammonia or metals.
Wear protective goggles or glasses and gloves as a minimum precaution.
Bleach Safety
Bleach is a hazardous chemical that can cause severe injury. Inhalation of fumes can cause damage to your lungs and nasal passages. Contact with skin and eyes can result in serious, painful burns. If contact happens, contact your local GP immediately and rinse thoroughly with water.
Bleach is highly reactive. Do not let bleach mix with ammonia, vinegar, dishwashing detergent, window cleaner and drain cleaner etc as they may react to create dangerous gases or otherwise become harmful.
Wear protective clothing, including a mask, gloves and protective goggles or glasses as a minimum requirement.
GK Multi-Surface Cleaner and Sanitiser Safety
GK Multi-Surface Cleaner and Sanitiser may cause irritation to skin and eyes. If contact occurs, rinse immediately with water. If ingested you should rinse your mouth with water and find a well ventilated area to breathe.
Wear protective goggles or glasses and gloves as a minimum precaution.
Summary
| Application | Effectiveness | Price | Environment | Safety | |
| Jeyes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Bleach | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| GK | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Jeyes Fluid, Bleach and GK Multi-Surface Cleaner and Sanitiser are all easy to use. Jeyes and GK are more effective at cleaning outdoor spaces as they are compatible with more surfaces and substrates. Jeyes is the most expensive product, with Bleach being the cheapest, and GK sitting in the middle. Jeyes Fluid and GK Multi-Surface Cleaner and Sanitiser are both much safer than bleach for animals, the environment and the user.
GK Multi-Surface Cleaner and Sanitiser is the best option for removing biological contaminants such as algae, mould and lichen from your outdoor spaces. The product is easy to apply, effective, good value for money, and safer for the environment and the user than alternative formulas. GK has the ideal solution for all your outdoor cleaning needs.
