Is Patio Cleaner Worth It? A Look at Popular UK Brands and Professional Options
Keeping your patio clean is essential for maintaining the overall appearance and safety of your outdoor space. Over time, patios accumulate dirt, grime, algae, and moss, which can make them look worn and slippery. This is where patio cleaners come into play. In the UK, a range of patio cleaning products are available, from well-known retail brands like Wet and Forget to more professional-grade options that are used by cleaning services. But, are patio cleaners really worth the investment? Let’s delve into some popular brands, the chemicals involved, and why professional-grade cleaners might be a better choice for some.
Popular UK Patio Cleaner Brands: Wet and Forget and Others
When we look at whether patio cleaner is worth it, Wet and Forget is one of the most recognized patio cleaner brands in the UK. Its reputation stems from its ease of use and effectiveness at tackling moss, algae, and lichen without requiring strenuous scrubbing. Wet and Forget is a ready-to-use cleaner that works by being sprayed onto the affected surface and left to work over time, often without the need for rinsing. The product claims visible results within 2-3 weeks, as it breaks down organic growth and prevents regrowth for up to 12 months.
The active ingredients in Wet and Forget are key to its gentle yet effective cleaning properties. The product contains quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), which are typically used as disinfectants and anti-fungal agents. These compounds work to kill organic matter like algae and moss over time, without causing the surface damage that harsher chemicals might cause. The concentration of quats in Wet and Forget is relatively low, typically around 1-2% in most formulations. While effective, this low concentration means it works slowly but steadily, allowing users to avoid scrubbing and rinsing, which is a major selling point for many.
Another popular brand is *HG Patio Cleaner. HG’s product is designed to tackle stains, algae, and moss with a quick, visible effect. It is a concentrated formula that needs to be diluted and works faster than Wet and Forget. This makes it ideal for those seeking immediate results, but it may require some scrubbing or rinsing. The active ingredient in HG’s cleaner is typically **hydrogen peroxide*, which acts as a bleaching agent and oxidizer, helping to break down dirt and organic matter quickly. Hydrogen peroxide concentrations in HG products are usually around 5-7%.
While these consumer-grade cleaners can be effective for light to moderate cleaning, they are typically less powerful than professional-grade cleaners, which brings us to the next point: what chemicals are involved in patio cleaning, and how effective are they?
Professional-Grade Patio Cleaners: The Role of Chemicals
Professional patio cleaning services use much stronger chemicals than retail cleaners, and one of the most commonly used chemicals is sodium hypochlorite. Sodium hypochlorite is a bleach-based compound that is extremely effective at killing bacteria, fungi, algae, and other organic growths while whitening surfaces. It is widely used in cleaning, disinfection, and sanitization.
Sodium hypochlorite typically comes in a concentration of 14% for professional patio cleaning. This is significantly stronger than the diluted formulas found in consumer products like Wet and Forget, making it much more effective at tackling tough stains, deep-set grime, and stubborn organic growth. When used properly, sodium hypochlorite can eliminate up to 99.9% of bacteria and fungi, as noted in research from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2019).
The strength of sodium hypochlorite also means it works much faster than consumer-grade products. A professional cleaner can often restore a patio to a like-new condition in a single session, whereas Wet and Forget may take weeks to show noticeable results. However, due to the potency of sodium hypochlorite, professionals are trained to use it safely, ensuring that it doesn’t cause damage to the patio or the surrounding environment. How often patios should be cleaned, is often decided by the quality of chemicals used, as this really does dictate the quality of the finish.
Why Are Store-Bought Patio Cleaners Often Diluted?
When asking is patio cleaner worth it, those that are available in most retail stores are typically diluted versions of professional-grade chemicals. The reason for this is twofold: safety and profit. On the safety front, many of the chemicals used in industrial-strength cleaners, like sodium hypochlorite, can be hazardous to both humans and pets if not handled correctly. By diluting these chemicals, manufacturers make them safer for consumers to use without the risk of severe damage to surfaces or personal injury.
From a profit perspective, diluted formulas are cheaper to produce and easier to sell in large quantities. Consumers are often looking for convenience and affordability, and products like Wet and Forget are designed to meet these demands while still delivering effective cleaning results, albeit at a reduced concentration.
Diluted versions are also easier to handle for the average person, as they don’t require the specialized knowledge or equipment that professionals use. However, this means that while store-bought cleaners can do the job for basic tasks, they often don’t provide the same level of deep cleaning that a professional cleaner would.
The Benefit of Professional Patio Cleaners
One of the primary benefits of using a professional patio cleaner is its superior cleaning power. Professional-grade products like those used by cleaning companies often contain higher concentrations of active chemicals like sodium hypochlorite, which can remove stubborn stains and kill moss and algae more effectively. These products are also typically applied with industrial-grade equipment, which ensures that the cleaner penetrates the surface thoroughly, providing a deeper clean.
In addition, our Edinburgh patio cleaners are trained to use these chemicals safely, ensuring that surrounding plants and surfaces are protected. For example, they may use more targeted application techniques to avoid any spillage or overspray that could harm nearby greenery. In contrast, when using retail-grade products, there’s always a risk of using too much or too little of the cleaner, which can reduce its effectiveness.
Another significant advantage of professional cleaners is the speed at which they work. While consumer products like Wet and Forget may take weeks to show results, a professional cleaning service can clean a patio in a single day. If your patio has been neglected for a long time or has tough stains, professionals can restore it to a like-new condition much faster than a DIY solution.
