The Last Patio Clean Before Winter

As the temperature drops and the garden furniture goes into storage, it’s tempting to shut the back door and leave your patio to face the elements. But a thorough clean before winter makes a real difference. It stops algae and moss taking hold over the damp months and means your patio is ready to enjoy the moment the warmer weather returns.

Why clean your patio before winter?

Autumn rain and fallen leaves create the perfect conditions for algae, moss and lichen to grow on your paving. Left over winter, that growth spreads, makes the surface slippery and is much harder to shift in spring. A pre-winter clean clears it away while conditions are still mild enough to let the paving dry out properly.

Your pre-winter patio cleaning checklist

1. Clear the areaMove furniture, pots and planters so you can reach the whole surface and nothing traps damp over winter.
2. Sweep away debrisBrush off leaves, soil and loose dirt with a stiff broom, paying attention to corners and edges.
3. Remove algae and mossOn a mild, dry day, pressure wash the paving to lift green growth. Avoid doing this when frost is forecast, as water that freezes on or in the paving can cause damage.
4. Treat stainsTackle any oil, drink or barbecue marks with a mild detergent before they set in.
5. Check the jointsLook for gaps or loose jointing sand where water and weeds could get in, and fix them now rather than in spring.
6. Let it dry fullyGive the paving plenty of time to dry out before sealing or covering anything. In cooler weather, natural stone can take two weeks or more.

Should you seal your patio before winter?

Sealing is the best way to protect your patio through the colder months. A good sealer keeps out rain and stops algae, moss and stains forming, and it protects against fading when the sun returns next year.

Timing is the key. Most Resiblock sealers need dry paving, a surface temperature between 3°C and 30°C and no rain forecast for 8 to 12 hours, depending on the product. Early autumn is usually your last reliable window. A garden awning over the patio can also protect fresh sealer from an unexpected shower. If the weather has already turned, keep the patio clean through winter and plan to seal in spring.

Which sealer is right for your patio?

For more on specific surfaces, read our guides to protecting Indian sandstone in winter and the best porcelain paving sealer.

Don’t forget your driveway

Your driveway is often the first thing visitors see, so it’s worth giving it the same attention before winter. Block paving drives can be sealed with Resiblock Superior Matt or Superior Gloss, while tarmac needs a dedicated restorer such as Resimac. Our guide to choosing a driveway sealer covers every surface.