Maintaining a clean paver patio can extend its life and boost curb appeal. This guide highlights proven outdoor cleaners designed to tackle moss, algae, mold, oil, and stains on concrete and paver surfaces. Each option is selected for effective results with simple application and minimal effort. Read on to compare top picks and choose the right cleaner for your patio project.
| Product | Brand | Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet & Forget Moss, Mold, Mildew, & Algae Stain Remover Multi-Surface Outdoor Cleaner Concentrate | Wet & Forget | 128 fl oz | Large areas; no scrubbing or rinsing |
| Wet & Forget Outdoor Moss, Mold, Mildew, & Algae Stain Remover Multi-Surface Cleaner Ready to Use | Wet & Forget | 64 fl oz | Smaller surfaces; ready-to-use spray |
| 30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner 2 Pack with Hose End Sprayer | 30 SECONDS | 64 fl oz total | Versatile outdoor cleaning; hose-end application |
| Simply Green Oxy Solve Concrete & Driveway Cleaner | Simple Green | 128 fl oz | Concrete, driveways, and patios; peroxide-powered lifting |
| Serveon Sealants Concrete Cleaner (Concentrated Formula) | Serveon Sealants | 1 gallon | Oil stains, dirt, and prep for sealing |
Note: The choices focus on concrete, pavers, and surfaces common to patios. All products are designed for outdoor use with straightforward application methods and varying contact times. Consider surface size, stain type, and weather conditions when selecting a cleaner.
Wet & Forget Moss, Mold, Mildew, & Algae Stain Remover Concentrate
Wet & Forget Concentrate Outdoor Cleaner helps remove green and black stains caused by moss, mold, mildew, and algae without scrubbing or rinsing. It works on driveways, patios, roofs, siding, decks, vinyl, wood, concrete, canvas, aluminum, and upholstery. The product is mixed as 1 part concentrate to 5 parts water in a garden sprayer. For best results, spray on a cool day and allow the surface to dry without rinsing. Avoid applying when rain is forecast within 4–5 hours. Suitable for large patio spaces where less effort is desired, this concentrate provides long-lasting cleaning as stains gradually fade with time and weather exposure.
Wet & Forget Outdoor Moss, Mildew, Mold, & Algae Stain Remover Ready To Use
This ready-to-use version targets moss, mold, mildew, and algae on multiple surfaces, including porch steps, concrete, canvas, and upholstery. It includes a high-capacity trigger sprayer for quick application to smaller surfaces and provides a no-rinse approach. Application guidelines emphasize spraying on dry surfaces on cool days and waiting for at least 4–5 hours before exposure to rain. The product gradually cleans over time, with green stains typically fading within 1–2 weeks and persistent black stains taking longer, potentially months. It offers up to a year or more of surface cleanliness under proper conditions.
30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner 2 Pack with Hose End Sprayer
30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner rapidly cleans algae, mold, mildew, and moss from vinyl siding, decks, patios, brick, and more. It’s safe for lawns and plants when used as directed, and the hose-end sprayer makes application straightforward on various surfaces. The spray removes organic growth without scrubbing and eliminates especially stubborn stains with repeated applications. For patio use, it helps lift surface grime and supports longer-term cleanliness when paired with routine maintenance.
Simple Green Oxy Solve Concrete & Driveway Cleaner
Simple Green Oxy Solve uses peroxide power to lift grime from concrete, driveways, patios, and masonry without harsh chemicals. It’s designed to tackle tough stains like oil, rust, grease, tire marks, and exhaust buildup. The formula aims to be effective while remaining safer for surrounding plants and soils when used as directed. For paver patios, this cleaner can help lift embedded grime to restore a uniform appearance with minimal agitation.
Serveon Sealants Concrete Cleaner (Concentrated Formula)
Serveon Sealants Concrete Cleaner is a concentrated formula designed to lift dirt, grime, oil stains, and hard water deposits from cement and limestone surfaces such as pool decks, walkways, patios, and concrete garage floors. It also targets rust deposits, lime deposits, efflorescence, and algae. At full strength, the cleaner helps prepare surfaces for sealing or staining, potentially improving adhesion and finish. This option is useful when preparing pavers for sealing after cleaning, helping ensure a solid base for coatings.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right cleaner for a paver patio involves evaluating stain type, surface area, and maintenance goals. Consider these key purchase considerations:
- Stain Type: For organic growth like moss and algae, formulations such as Wet & Forget and 30 SECONDS are effective without heavy scrubbing. For oil and grease, options like CHOMP! or Serveon Sealants can lift tough deposits.
- Application Method: Hose-end sprayers and ready-to-use sprays offer quick application, while concentrates require mixing with water. Choose based on surface size and convenience.
- Contact Time: Some products work gradually with wind and rain, taking days to weeks to fully reveal a clean surface. Others provide faster results but may require longer dwell times and avoiding rain.
- Surface Suitability: Verify compatibility with pavers, concrete, and starter surfaces. Some cleaners can be used on multiple materials, while others target concrete only.
- Safety and Plant Compatibility: When using outdoor cleaners near lawns or garden beds, ensure the product is labeled safe for plants or apply with caution.
- Sealing Readiness: If you plan to seal the patio after cleaning, choose a cleaner that prepares the surface for sealing, improving adhesion and longevity of the coating.
- Environmental Impact: Consider eco-friendly formulations with safer chemical profiles and minimal runoff impact for landscapes and water sources.
Active maintenance can extend patio life. For best results, follow label instructions, apply during favorable weather (cool, dry periods with no rain forecast for several hours), and re-treat as stains reappear. Combining a cleaning regimen with periodic sealing can maintain a fresh, uniform patio appearance for years.