Paving cleaning: prices, methods and when to hire a professional
If your patio is green and slippery, or you want the paving to look good before selling your home, you probably have two questions: what will cleaning cost, and which method is right? There is no single price for paving cleaning, because every patio is different. This guide explains what affects the cost, which methods are available and when professional help is worthwhile, so you know what to expect before deciding.
What does paving cleaning cost? Factors that affect the price
A standard price per square metre may not reflect the work your patio needs. Instead, we assess the factors that affect the cost and give you a fixed price for the job. These are the main considerations:
| Price factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Area (m²) | Larger patios and driveways take more time and materials, but often cost less per m². |
| Paving type | Smooth concrete slabs, rough natural stone, paving blocks and cobblestones need different cleaning methods. Delicate or porous surfaces require a gentler approach, which takes more time. |
| Level of dirt and growth | Light green growth is quick to remove. Thick moss, black lichen and years of build-up may need repeated treatment and more time for the product to work. |
| Accessibility | An open, ground-level patio is quicker to reach. Enclosed courtyards, steps, raised balconies and long hose runs add time. |
| Finishing treatment | Cleaning alone costs less than a combined algae treatment and sealing service, but the combined treatment lasts longer. |
| Condition of joints | Loose or missing jointing sand may need topping up afterwards, which adds to the work. |
We give you a fixed price based on the actual job. Send a couple of photos and an approximate area in square metres, and you will receive a no-obligation quote for paving cleaning and algae treatment with a response within 24 hours. This way, the price is agreed upon before we start, and there will be no surprises at the end.
Paving cleaning methods: strengths and limitations
There are three main approaches: mechanical cleaning, chemical treatment or a combination of both. They work differently, so the choice depends on your paving and the extent of the problem.
Mechanical cleaning: brushing and pressure washing
Mechanical cleaning physically removes dirt and growth. Brown soft soap with a stiff brush is the gentlest option for light green growth. A pressure washer removes visible deposits much faster, producing an immediate result.
The drawback is that excessive pressure can damage paving. It may dislodge jointing sand and roughen softer slabs, making it easier for algae to take hold next time. Pressure washing also uses a lot of water. Mechanical cleaning removes visible growth, but algae in pores and joints can return without further treatment.
Chemical cleaning: algae treatment
A liquid algae remover penetrates the paving and breaks down the growth over time. It targets the organisms as well as the visible surface, while being gentle on the paving and joints. Many products continue working after application, helping keep the area clear for longer.
This method takes patience. The full result may take days or months to appear as the algae die and weather washes them away. Heavy growth may need more than one treatment. Take care around drains, plants and pets while the product works.
Combined method: cleaning plus algae treatment
Combining the two methods usually gives the best, longest-lasting result. Gentle cleaning first removes visible dirt and moss, then an algae treatment helps slow new growth. The surface looks clean immediately and stays clear for longer. Gentle washing combined with algae treatment typically lasts about 6 to 12 months, depending on shade, moisture and exposure.
| Method | Result visible | How long it lasts | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brush and brown soft soap | Immediately | Short | Light green film, small areas |
| Pressure washer | Immediately | Short without follow-up treatment | Robust paving with visible deposits |
| Algae treatment | Days to months | Medium to long | Algae growth on delicate paving |
| Cleaning plus algae treatment | Immediately, full effect over time | Typically 6-12 months | Durable result, large or exposed areas |
When is paving cleaning worthwhile?
The best timing depends on both the season and what you want to achieve.
The right season
Spring and early summer are the best times. Algae treatment works best above 5 degrees Celsius, ideally between 7 and 12 degrees, with at least 6 hours of dry weather so the product can work before rain washes it away. The paving must be frost-free. Spring cleaning gets ahead of the season's growth and leaves the patio ready for summer. A regular annual clean also helps prevent heavy build-up.
Before selling your home
A clean, bright patio makes a better impression in property photos and viewings. Green, slippery paving suggests a lack of maintenance. Cleaning is one of the least expensive ways to make an outdoor area look cared for before the estate agent takes photos.
As ongoing maintenance
It pays off best when you think preventatively. Recurring cleaning is cheaper and easier than waiting until the paving is black and slippery and requires multiple treatments. Ongoing maintenance also protects the joints and extends the lifespan of the paving, so you avoid expensive replacement further down the road.
Do it yourself or hire professionals?
A small patio can be cleaned with brown soft soap, a stiff brush and some patience. It mainly takes physical effort and a spare weekend. Professional help makes sense when:
- The area is large, and it would be many hours of hard work to do it yourself.
- The paving is delicate, old, or porous and easily damaged by incorrect pressure or the wrong product.
- The same lichen and algae return each year, and you want a more thorough treatment.
- You want a lasting result without having to start over next season.
Professional treatment uses a cleaning method suited to your paving, followed by treatment to slow the return of algae without damaging the joints. If you are dealing with grey-green growth, read our guide to removing lichen and algae from paving, and if you want to understand how outdoor paving is protected long-term, you can read our guide to maintaining outdoor concrete. If your wooden deck or balcony also needs attention, we provide balcony and wooden deck sanding, and if an indoor wooden floor needs sanding, you can read more about floor sanding.
Household services tax relief for paving cleaning
The Danish Tax Agency lists cleaning paving on patios, driveways and similar areas as an eligible household service in 2026. Eligibility depends on the work and the other conditions. This does not mean that every algae treatment or outdoor maintenance service qualifies.
- In 2026, eligible adults can each deduct up to 18.300 kr in qualifying household-service labour costs. Two eligible adults may therefore have a combined allowance of up to 36.600 kr; this is the deductible expense, not the cash tax saving.
- Only qualifying labour costs, including VAT, count towards the deduction. Materials and travel charges do not.
- The tax saving is approximately 26% of the qualifying labour amount claimed within your allowance, subject to your circumstances.
- Pay electronically, for example by bank transfer or MobilePay, and keep the invoice and payment record. Cash payments do not qualify.
For eligible paving cleaning, the invoice should identify the labour cost separately so that you can use it when claiming. You are responsible for checking eligibility and entering the qualifying amount. See the current guidance from the Danish Tax Agency and our tax deduction information.
Would you like a fixed price for paving cleaning?
Send us photographs and the approximate area of your paving for a fixed quotation, with a reply within 24 hours. Cleaning eligible paving may qualify for the household services deduction, subject to the Danish Tax Agency's conditions; eligibility is not automatic for all algae treatments. Read more about our paving cleaning and algae removal service.
Frequently asked questions
What does paving cleaning cost?
The cost depends on the area, paving type, level of dirt and growth, access, and whether algae treatment and sealing are needed. We assess the job and give you a fixed price. Send a couple of photos and an approximate area in square metres, and we will respond with a no-obligation quote within 24 hours.
Which paving cleaning method is best?
Gentle cleaning followed by algae treatment usually gives the best, longest-lasting result. Pressure washing removes visible growth quickly but can damage joints and softer paving. An algae remover targets the living growth. Together, the treatments typically last 6 to 12 months.
When is the best time to clean paving?
Spring and early summer are best. Algae treatment works best above 5 degrees Celsius, ideally between 7 and 12 degrees. There should be at least 6 hours of dry weather for the product to work, and the paving must be frost-free.
Can I claim tax relief for paving cleaning?
Cleaning paving on patios, driveways and similar areas is listed under Denmark's household services deduction for 2026. The allowance is up to 18.300 kr per eligible adult for qualifying labour costs, with a tax saving of approximately 26%. Payment must be electronic and the other conditions must be met. Do not assume that a separate algae treatment qualifies simply because paving cleaning does.
Should I choose to do it myself or hire professionals?
You can clean a small patio with brown soft soap and a stiff brush. Professional help is worthwhile for large areas, delicate or older paving, or recurring lichen and algae when you want a longer-lasting result.