Another of this product’s features is that it doesn’t specify sunny conditions to be essential for application. Although results might not be as effective, you can also clean your patio with this product in the winter if you want to. You have three main options when it comes to cleaning a patio. Firstly, the all-natural solution requires some water, white wine vinegar, and a lot of elbow grease. You can also use some diluted washing-up liquid and get scrubbing. This is the best option for the environment, and the cheapest way to clean a patio, however, it will involve a good amount of getting down on your hands and knees and scrubbing. When it comes to patio, pathway and driveway cleaning we would always recommend the best pressure washer for the task of removing algae, mould, lichen, moss, dirt and stains. Granted, most Kärcher pressure washers can work in tandem with a plug-in cleaning agent but the sheer power of high water pressure alone is usually more than enough to restore paving and stone to the way it was the day you first laid it.

Patio cleaners can also be very versatile, with some solutions not only able to clean patios but other hard surfaces which also green mould and algae, such as caravans and window frames. The Pro-Kleen Patio Cleaner, for example, can be used to clean roofs, fending, uPVC windows and motor homes! Having a versatile product can make it even better value for money, as well as make your life easier by not requiring you to buy separate cleaning products. The one test the STIHL RE 120 Pressure Washer fell down on was cleaning Linda's dark coloured car, with some smear marks being left over. This aside, the STIHL RE 120 Pressure Washer proved itself to be an unmissable pressure washer if you've got a long list of outdoor jobs to get on with, and a bigger budget. I found this patio cleaner really easy to use, especially as it requires no scrubbing or rinsing away. It does have an overwhelming smell of vinegar which, whilst reassuring me that this is an all-natural product, did mean I had to make sure the windows stayed closed after application so the whole house didn’t smell of it. Algon claims that it can take up to two weeks before you see results, but I started to see the moss and algae lifting off the surface within a couple of days and after a week there was a very noticeable difference. Of course, one thing that can put us off fully enjoying our outdoor space is an ugly layer of green mould across the patio. Mould, grime, algae can all cause problems; they can be quite slippery and dangerous too!

What to read next:

Homebase: Homebase offers a variety of patio cleaners, including those specifically designed for moss removal and algae killer. Their range includes products from top brands like Ronseal and Jeyes and their Homebase brand. They also offer eco-friendly options. The Pro-Kleen Simply Spray & Walk Away Patio Cleaner is arguably the easiest patio cleaner to use. First, it arrives pre-diluted so there’s no need to worry about mixing it yourself. Plus, it can simply be sprayed onto your patio then left to do its job. Despite living in the unpredictable UK climate, we still spend a lot of time in the garden – even when the weather isn’t great!

Toolstation: Toolstation provides a range of patio cleaners, including algae moss killer and green algae remover. They offer products from top brands like Zep Commercial and Barrettine. Their range also includes biodegradable patio cleaner and non-acidic cleaners.This versatile, compact pressure washer is not only budget-friendly, but also a total all-rounder. Ideal Home's Editor Heather Young has been testing the Karcher K2 out for some time now, saying that while it's 'small and compact, it doesn't compromise on power.' Read our full Stihl RE 120 PLUS Pressure Washer review for more information. How we tested these pressure washers Linda is a freelance interiors journalist specialising in interior design and home and garden tech. She is a serial renovator, currently on her fourth project, and has tested many home appliances, DIY tools, garden equipment and mattresses in the last 20+ years. Another of this product’s features is that it doesn’t require particularly sunny conditions to be essential for application. It can be used year-round to give your patio a serious spruce up.