Patio Cleaning in Marston Moretaine

Marston Moretaine sits on low, heavy ground in the Marston Vale, and clay soils like these drain slowly. Patios here often stay wet for long stretches, particularly beside the house where the sun does not reach. That dampness is the root of most of the cleaning problems we see in the village.

Moss and green film thrive on wet stone. Slabs that rarely dry carry a thick green layer that becomes slippery after rain, and moss settles into every joint. On sandstone the lichens follow, leaving grey patches and black spot. Where water pools in a dip, algae can turn the whole area dark. Gardens on the newer estates and the older streets near the church show the same pattern wherever drainage is slow.

Cleaning methods by paving type. Concrete slabs on newer plots can take a moderate rotary clean. Sandstone needs a pre-treatment so lichen is killed before washing, and a gentler pressure so the surface is not opened up. Porcelain responds well to the right detergent and low pressure but must be rinsed thoroughly. Brick and block edging gets its own setting.

Why pressure is not the answer on wet ground. A powerful jet can drive water down through open joints into a bed that is already saturated, which over time can soften it and let slabs move. It also strips joints, giving moss even more room. We clean at controlled pressure, keep water use sensible and make sure runoff heads away from the house and into the garden rather than pooling.

Downpipes that discharge straight onto the patio make the problem worse, keeping one strip permanently wet. If we see that, we point it out, as a simple diverter or gully can make a cleaned patio stay clean for far longer.

If you are wondering how to clean patio slabs that never seem to dry, the answer is a combination of the right treatment, the right pressure and then dealing with the joints and any standing water so the problem does not return straight away.