Patio Cleaning, Stone Bleaching & Black spot removal service in Kingston, Surrey, KT2
We were called to this property in Kingston Southwest London KT2 to perform a Patio cleaning service and blackspot removal service on their Indian sandstone patio.
On arrival the patio appeared to be very dull in colour, it was infested with black spots and was definitely in need of a good clean After having a better inspection of the patio and discussion about our patio cleaning techniques with the owner.
It was decided that we would perform a patio black spot removal service & stone bleaching service using sodium hypochlorite.
Sodium Hypochlorite is a chlorine compound often used as a disinfectant or a bleaching agent. It can be a great tool when performing black-spot removal on stonework patios as it brakes down the likes of lichens (black spots) in a short matter of time. This allows us to clean the stonework; leaving a spotless immaculate finish it was also perfect for this job in particular because of the dullness of the stone, Cleaning the sandstone using the sodium hypochlorite Bleach’s the stone itself brightening and brings back all the natural colours to the stone as you can see in our video below.
Step 1 – Patio cleaning
We started by removing all Objects off of the patio in this case plant pots and chairs We then proceed to the first part of today’s service the patio cleaning.
Using one of our Honda cold pressure washers we clean the patio removing all surface dirt, algae and other impurities from the stonework Before giving it a good rinse down. after the clean was complete as we knew what would happen the black spots were still very Visible and even though the patio was clean, We knew we could get it looking a lot better using our stone cleaning techniques.
Step 2 Stone bleaching and Black spot Removal Service
Always remember when mixing sodium hypochlorite with water to add the sodium hypochlorite to the water And not the other way around to prevent any splashback of sodium hypochlorite And always remember to wear protective clothing and Goggles As sodium hypochlorite is highly corrosive.
We start by mixing one part Sodium hypochlorite with two parts water In a large Bucket and giving it a good Stir; Sodium hypochlorite comes as 15% pure after diluting with water we get the solution to around 5% which is about as potent as your average household bleach. Using a stiff brush, we apply the sodium hypochlorite solution to the cleaned patio, making sure all parts are covered.
Once all areas are covered we leave down for around 30 minutes Letting the sodium hypochlorite do its work As soon as the solution is on the stonework it starts working immediately and you can see the colour changing before your eyes and the black spots breaking down fading away. After around 30 minutes we apply more solution to any areas where black spots are still visible As some are more stubborn to remove than others we carry on This process until all black spots are removed from the Patios surface Or at least faded enough to be removed by one of our Pressure washers in the final rinse down.
So we have Done the patio cleaning undertaken the patio black spot removal service now all that is left is to rinse down any solution Left on the patio.
During this final process we go back over the clean surface with the pressure washer cleaning again, this is where the stone brightening takes its place where the sodium hypochlorite solution has been left on the stonework soaking right into the surface, by the time it comes to giving its final pressure clean The patios stonework comes up about three shades brighter Restoring all the natural colours back to the Indian sandstone And leaving a delighted customer with a very clean and vibrant sandstone patio.
FAQ
Patio Cleaning FAQ+
Why should I have my patio cleaned?+
Over time, patios accumulate dirt, moss, algae, lichen, and other organic growth, which can make the surface slippery, unsightly, and potentially cause long-term damage. Having your patio cleaned by Feel the pressure UK will not only restore the patio's appearance but also helps maintain its condition by preventing wear and deterioration.
How long does patio cleaning take?+
The duration of a patio cleaning process all depends on the size of the patio, the type of surface your cleaning, and the amount of contamination. On average, a patio cleaning service can take a few hours to a full day. After an inspection by our team we can provide you with a more accurate time estimate for your individual service.
How do you clean a patio?+
We use a range of professional cleaning methods, including steam cleaning, pressure washing, and specially formulated solutions, depending on the surface type and condition of your patio. These methods effectively remove dirt, stains, and biological growth including Algae and Lichen without causing damage to the cleaned surface.
How much does patio cleaning cost?+
The cost of patio cleaning varies based on factors such as the size of the patio, the type of surface, and the cleaning method needed. At Feel the Pressure UK, we provide tailored quotes for each job, ensuring the most cost-effective pricing for every customer.
We are committed to offering the best prices for professional patio cleaning services, keeping our rates competitive and affordable for all. Contact our team today for your free no-obligation patio cleaning quotation.
Do we need to supply water?+
An external water tap is the ideal source for powering our patio cleaning equipment. However, if one isn’t available, all of our customized vans are equipped with 400-litre tanks, allowing us to perform up to 60 minutes of professional patio steam cleaning and 20 minutes of high-pressure jet washing.
We also carry a wide range of special adapters to fit most internal water taps. If you’re concerned about water access, it’s best to reach out to our team directly and share your situation. We’re confident we can find a solution to ensure your patio gets thoroughly cleaned.
What are patio black spots?+
Lichen, also known as patio black spot, is a common type of biological growth that often infests patios and driveways in the UK. It spreads due to contamination from nearby vegetation, including plants, trees, and grass. The more plants and trees surrounding your patio, the higher the chance of an infestation. Areas closer to plants or grass are typically more affected. This is simply a natural process.
Patio black spots begin as tiny, dust-like spores found on the underside of leaves and other vegetation. When leaves fall onto your patio, cross-contamination begins. Once the black spots start to grow, they rapidly expand, becoming increasingly unsightly. Without the proper patio cleaning equipment, such as steam cleaning tools, these stubborn black spots can become a challenge to remove, even for professional cleaning companies. At Feel the pressure UK we guarantee a 100% patio black spot removal for all surface types.
Can the black spots on patios be removed?+
Patio black spots and algae are effectively eliminated when exposed to temperatures of 120° and above. Our professional patio steam cleaning systems reach temperatures of 150°, ensuring that the black spots are not only killed but also removed from the surface.
While the lichen may be eradicated, some stones might experience slight discolouration, especially if organic matter has been left on the surface for an extended period. To address this, our team applies a specially formulated, fast-acting patio cleaning solution that lifts the discolouration and restores the stone’s natural colour. This treatment is particularly beneficial for natural stone patios and is included at no extra charge.
With guaranteed spotless finishes and complete colour restoration for all surface types, Feel the Pressure UK is one of the leading professional patio cleaning companies in your area, ensuring customer satisfaction with every clean.
Is patio cleaning safe for my surfaces+
Yes, when done professionally and using the right equipment patio cleaning is safe for all surfaces. At Feel the pressure UK we have a large range of professional patio cleaning equipment. We assess the type of surface and select the most suitable cleaning method to ensure it’s cleaned safely and effectively.
Can you remove stains from my patio?+
Yes, our team at Feel the pressure UK can remove the majority of stains from patio surfaces including oil, rust, and organic growth like algae and lichen. We use professional patio cleaning solutions and equipment designed for effective stain removal and can usually guarantee a spot less finish and full colour restoration.
How often should I clean my patio?+
The frequency of patio cleaning depends on environmental factors such as weather conditions and surrounding vegetation. Generally, cleaning your patio once a year is enough to maintain its condition, though high-traffic or shaded areas may need more frequent attention. Ultimately, it also comes down to personal preference—some people prefer a spotless patio year-round, while others enjoy a more rustic, natural look.
Will patio cleaning damage my plants or garden area?+
At Feel the Pressure UK, we take great care to protect your property, including surrounding plants, flowers, and garden features. With over 15 years of experience in professional patio cleaning, our team has never caused damage to any client's plants or garden areas.
Can you clean all types of patios?+
Yes, our team can clean all types of patios, including both natural and artificial stone, block paved, concrete and tiled. We customise the cleaning method based on the surface material to ensure the best possible results without causing damage.
Do you offer additional services besides patio cleaning?+
Yes, along with patio cleaning, we also offer services like brick cleaning, roof cleaning, stone cleaning, render cleaning, and exterior paint removal.
For a complete list of our services, visit our main service page or contact our team directly.
Will patio cleaning help with weeds or moss growth+
Yes, as part of our patio cleaning process, we remove all weeds and organic growth as standard. Our patio steam cleaning service also sterilises the surface, helping it stay cleaner for a longer period. Additionally, we offer treatments to prevent future weed and moss growth.
Do you re-grout patios?+
Yes, we do! Re-grouting is an excellent way to refresh and strengthen your patio. If your current grout is cracked, loose, or deteriorating, we can remove it and apply a new, durable grout to enhance both the appearance and longevity of your outdoor space.
What cleaning methods do you use?+
We offer a range of professional patio cleaning methods, including, steam cleaning, pressure washing, soft washing, and eco-friendly cleaning products—carefully chosen to suit your patio’s surface and condition.
Do I need to be home during the cleaning?+
Not unless you want to be. As long as we have access to the patio and an outdoor water supply, we can carry out the work. We'll confirm everything with you beforehand to make sure it's all set.
Is the patio safe to use strait after cleaning it?+
Yes – thanks to our specialist equipment, surfaces dry quickly due to the low water volume used. Additionally, all surfaces are left 100% sterilised upon completion, making them safe for immediate use after the cleaning process.
Stone Cleaning+
Will stone cleaning cause damage to the stone?+
When carried out by professionals, stone cleaning is completely safe. We begin with a thorough assessment and always use the most appropriate and gentle method suited to your specific type of stone.
Can you remove stains like rust, oil, algae, or paint?+
Yes, we can. We use specialised products and techniques to effectively remove a wide range of stains—including rust, oil, algae, lichen, paint, and carbon deposits—tailored to the specific surface and type of staining.
How often should stone be cleaned?+
How often you clean your stone depends on the type of stone, how much weather it’s exposed to, and how well you want to maintain it. As a general rule, most outdoor stone surfaces should be professionally cleaned every 1–2 years to keep them looking good and prevent long-term damage.
Can you clean listed buildings or heritage stonework?+
Yes, we specialise in safe, conservation-approved cleaning methods ideal for listed and heritage properties. All work is carried out in line with industry standards and preservation guidelines to protect the integrity of the building.
What type of stone surfaces do you clean?+
At Feel the Pressure UK, we specialise in cleaning a wide variety of both natural and artificial stone surfaces, tailored to the unique properties of each material. This includes:
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Limestone – A popular but porous natural stone often used on buildings and patios. We clean it gently to avoid erosion while removing stains and organic growth.
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Sandstone – Common in historic properties, sandstone requires soft, non-abrasive cleaning to preserve its texture and colour.
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Granite – A dense and durable stone that responds well to steam cleaning, especially for driveways, facades, and steps.
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Marble – A delicate, polished stone often found in interiors and monuments. We use low-pressure techniques to avoid dulling or etching.
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Slate – Frequently used for roofing and flooring, slate is cleaned to restore its natural sheen and remove moss, algae, and residue.
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Concrete and Cast Stone – Found in modern landscaping and architecture, we clean these using methods that safely lift grime and biological buildup.
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Reconstituted or Engineered Stone – These materials mimic natural stone and are cleaned using compatible techniques to ensure a flawless finish.
No matter the type of stone, our approach is always tailored to deliver safe, effective cleaning without damaging the surface—bringing back the stone’s original beauty and extending its lifespan.
How long does a typical stone cleaning job take?+
The time needed depends on the size and condition of the stone. Smaller jobs may take only a few hours, while larger or more detailed tasks could take several days. We’ll provide a clear time estimate along with your free quote.