How Often Should You Pressure Wash a Patio?
Most patios need pressure washing once a year to keep algae, moss, and grime from building up. In Newcastle’s coastal climate, you’ll often need it more.
| Situation | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|
| Standard patios | Once a year |
| Coastal Newcastle properties | Every 12–18 months |
| Shaded or damp areas | Every 6–9 months |
| High-use entertaining areas | Annually before summer |
| Before property sale | One-off professional clean |
Best times to clean in Newcastle are spring before the summer entertaining season, or autumn after summer wraps up.
Sealing after cleaning cuts down how often you need professional attention significantly.
The Outdoor Areas We Clean in Newcastle
What's Actually Making Your Patio Dangerous and Ugly
Most people think their patio just needs a quick sweep. But the real problem is underneath — and it builds up fast in Newcastle.
Safety hazards:
- Algae and moss make wet surfaces dangerously slippery
- Shaded areas stay damp longer, speeding up moss growth
- Slip risk increases significantly in wet weather
Appearance issues:
- Green algae discolouration across pavers and tiles
- Black mould staining in grout and joints
- Dirt and debris are packed into gaps
- Beach sand tracked in and ground into surfaces
Newcastle’s coastal humidity, salt air, and shaded entertaining areas speed up the problem — and a slippery, stained patio isn’t just embarrassing when guests arrive, it’s a genuine safety risk.
Our Patio & Pathway Cleaning Process
Inspection & Preparation: Before we touch anything, we identify the surface type and check for damage or loose pavers. Furniture gets moved, plants are protected, and loose debris is swept away, so we’re working on a clean slate.
Pre-Treatment & Pressure Cleaning: We apply algae and moss treatment first, along with stain-specific chemicals that need time to work before pressure is applied. Pressure is selected based on the surface type — not a one-size-fits-all setting. We work systematically across the whole area, with multiple passes on stubborn spots, and edge cleaning is always included.
Joint Cleaning & Finishing: Joints and gaps get high-pressure attention to remove embedded dirt, weeds, and moss from deep inside. Once that’s done, the surface is inspected and prepared for optional re-sanding if needed.
Why Different Surfaces Need Different Treatment
Pavers: Concrete and brick pavers handle moderate pressure well. Joint cleaning is a critical part of the process — surface cleaning alone won’t get a good result. After a deep clean, re-sanding the joints is recommended to stabilise the pavers and keep weeds from coming back. Sealing is also available as an add-on.
Natural Stone & Sandstone: Sandstone is common in Newcastle homes and needs a gentler approach. Too much pressure etches and damages the surface permanently. We use specialised cleaners suited to natural stone and work carefully to preserve the natural appearance.
Porcelain Tiles & Travertine: These surfaces need careful pressure control and deep grout cleaning to prevent discolouration and maintain the slip-resistant finish. Using the wrong pressure on porcelain or travertine causes expensive damage — it’s one of the most common mistakes DIY pressure washing creates.
Re-Sanding and Sealing: The Step Most Cleaners Skip
After a deep clean, the joints between pavers are open and vulnerable. Re-sanding fills those gaps back up, stabilises the pavers, stops weeds from taking hold, and gives the finished surface a clean, settled appearance. We recommend it after every deep clean and as a maintenance step every 2–3 years.
Sealing takes it a step further. A sealed surface resists future staining, is easier to maintain between cleans, and holds up better against weathering. You can choose between a wet-look finish that enhances the colour or a natural finish that keeps the original appearance.
For Newcastle properties specifically, sealing makes a real difference. It protects against coastal salt deposits, slows algae from coming back, and adds moisture resistance — which means longer gaps between professional cleans and less maintenance overall.
Timing matters too. Sealing should always be done after a professional clean, or every 2–3 years on newer installations.
Patio Cleaning for Newcastle’s Entertaining Season
Newcastle families entertain outdoors year-round — summer BBQs, Christmas gatherings, weekend get-togethers. When an event is coming up, a professional clean delivers a dramatic result fast, and the surface is safe for guests as soon as it dries.
Same-week service is often available. Booking 1–2 weeks before your event gives the surface time to dry and settle properly.
For ongoing maintenance, here’s a simple guide:
- High-use entertaining areas: annually
- Coastal Newcastle properties: every 12–18 months
- Shaded areas: annually
- Standard patios with moderate use: every 2 years
- Before property sale: always worth doing
Patio & Pathway Cleaning Prices in Newcastle
Pricing depends on the size of the area, the surface type, and the condition it’s in. Most standard jobs in Newcastle fall between $150 and $300, with larger areas and driveways running $200–$500. The minimum call-out fee is $150.
- Per square metre: $3–$5
- Small patio (20 sqm): From $150
- Medium patio (40 sqm): From $200
- Larger areas and driveways: $200–$500
- Pathways: priced per linear metre
Add-ons like joint re-sanding, sealing, and weed treatment are available at an additional cost per square metre. We also offer package deals combining patio, pathways, and driveway cleaning at a discounted rate — including a pre-event cleaning package for those with an upcoming occasion.
Heavily soiled or stained surfaces take more time and may affect the final price. We service Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, with specialist experience in coastal properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most standard patios take 1–2 hours. Larger areas or heavily soiled surfaces can take longer, but we’ll give you a realistic time estimate when we quote.
No. As long as we have access to the area and a water connection, we can get the job done while you’re at work.
Not when it’s done properly. We adjust pressure based on the surface type — sandstone and porcelain get a gentler treatment than concrete pavers. Using the wrong pressure is where DIY jobs go wrong.
Usually, a few hours. We’ll let you know on the day based on conditions and surface type.
Yes, we move standard outdoor furniture as part of the job. Very large or heavy items are easier to move beforehand.
Pressure washing uses high-pressure water to remove dirt and buildup. Soft washing uses lower pressure combined with cleaning solutions — better suited to delicate surfaces like sandstone or rendered walls. We use both methods depending on the surface.
We cover Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, including coastal suburbs, western suburbs, and everywhere in between. If you’re unsure whether we cover your area, just ask.
Local Cleaners you can Rely on in Newcastle, NSW.
