As the weather begins to improve across Exeter and the surrounding areas of Devon, many homeowners start spending more time outside in their gardens. 

But after months of winter weather, patios often don’t look the way they did last summer.

Damp conditions, fallen leaves and limited sunlight create the perfect environment for algae, moss and lichen to grow on outdoor surfaces. 

Over time this can leave patios looking stained, slippery and worn down.

If you are looking for the best solution to clean your patios, then might I suggest soft washing?

Professional soft washing in Exeter is becoming one of the most popular ways to restore patios and outdoor spaces because it removes organic growth safely without damaging the surface.

Go out to your patio or outside area now, and if you can spot any of these 5 common signs that your patio may need soft washing, then it might be time to book.

1. Your Patio Is Turning Green

One of the most obvious signs that your patio needs cleaning is when the surface begins to turn green.

This green staining is usually caused by algae growth. 

In areas like Exeter and across Devon, the damp climate and shaded outdoor spaces create the perfect conditions for algae to spread across patios and walkways.

At first the staining might appear in small patches, but over time it can spread across the entire patio if left untreated.

Soft washing is particularly effective for this problem because it uses specialist biocides that remove algae at the root. 

Unlike traditional pressure washing, which simply blasts away surface dirt, soft washing in Exeter treats the organic growth itself.

This means the results last longer and the algae is less likely to return quickly.

2. Your Patio Feels Slippery When Wet

Another clear sign your patio needs cleaning is when the surface becomes slippery after rain.

This is usually caused by a combination of algae, moss and organic buildup on the patio surface. 

When moisture sits on these surfaces, it can create a slippery layer that increases the risk of slips and falls.

Many homeowners don’t realise how dangerous this can be until someone nearly slips or actually falls.

Professional soft washing in Devon helps remove this organic buildup safely. 

Because the treatment is left on the affected area and soaks deep into the surface, it eliminates the algae and moss that cause patios to become slippery in the first place.

This not only improves the appearance of your patio but also helps make the surface much safer to walk on.

3. Your Patio Has Lost It’s Original Colour

Another sign your patio may need soft washing is when the original colour of the stone or slabs starts to fade.

As mentioned before, the moss and lichen coating your patio often escapes notice initially. 

These organisms grow so gradually and subtly that you don’t wake up one day to find the entire surface green, they creep in quietly, patch by patch, over time.

This happens over time, and because we are busy with other aspects of our day-to-day lives, this gives the moss a chance to hide in the dark and grow and cause damage over time.

Sometimes your patio won’t even stain green; the patio may simply start to look duller, darker or more uneven in colour compared to when it was first installed.

Professional soft washing in Exeter helps remove this layer of organic buildup and restore the natural appearance of stone, paving slabs and brick patios. 

For homeowners searching online for soft washing in Exeter, restoring the natural colour of their patio is often one of the most exciting improvements they see after a professional clean.

Because let’s be real, it is so satisfying to see the before and after transformation. 

I have done this job for years, and even to this day I love the transformation of every home I work on.

4. Your Patio Is Holding Moisture for Too Long

If your patio stays damp long after it has rained, it could be a sign that algae and organic buildup have started to form across the surface.

When these growths develop, they can trap moisture on the patio and prevent the surface from drying properly. 

This often leads to darker patches appearing across the paving and can encourage further moss and algae growth.

This is why even after a few days of heavy rainfall you nearly slip while leaving the rubbish out to the bins.

Over time, this constant moisture can make the patio surface deteriorate more quickly.

Professional soft washing in Exeter removes the organic layer that traps moisture, allowing the patio to dry naturally again. 

This helps improve both the appearance and the long-term condition of the paving.

Many homeowners searching for soft washing near me are surprised how much cleaner and brighter their patio looks once this buildup has been removed.

5. Moss or lichen is growing between the slabs.

Another common issue with patios is moss or lichen growing between paving slabs or stones.

This often begins in the joints between slabs where moisture collects and sunlight is limited. 

This is the best place for moss to grow; it’s basically like a petri dish for moss.

In between the slabs it’s dark and shaded, and the amount of moisture that can be collected in these cracks is why they fill up with moss so easily.

This is the same thing with roof tiles.

Between the roof tiles, shaded spots stay cool and protected from the sun, allowing rainwater to collect and linger in the cracks. 

Over time, as moss begins to grow and expand in these damp crevices, it gradually pushes the tiles apart, eventually causing them to crack.

This can be a contributing cause of roof leaks across England

The lichen growing between the slabs can appear in several different colours, including:

• green

• black

• white

While it may start as a small patch, it can gradually spread across the surface if it isn’t treated properly.

Soft washing uses specialist biocides that kill lichen and moss at the root. 

This makes soft washing in Devon one of the most effective methods for preventing the growth from returning quickly.

Why Soft Washing Is the Best Way to Clean Patios

Many homeowners assume pressure washing is the best way to clean patios, but this isn’t always the case.

Pressure washing relies on high water pressure to blast away dirt and debris. 

While this can be effective in some situations, it can also be aggressive on certain surfaces.

Soft washing works differently.

Instead of using strong water pressure, soft washing uses specialist biocides that break down algae, moss and lichen at the root.

This provides several advantages:

• less risk of damaging patio surfaces

• longer-lasting results

• better removal of organic growth

• safer cleaning for delicate materials

Because of these benefits, professional exterior cleaners often recommend soft washing in Exeter for patio cleaning and other exterior surfaces.

How Often Should You Soft Wash Your Patio?

I get this question a lot, and homeowners want to know how often their patio actually needs to be cleaned.

I would say that for most properties in Exeter and Devon, professional soft washing is recommended every 12 months. 

However, the exact timing can depend on a few different factors.

Gardens that are surrounded by trees or shaded for most of the day often experience faster algae and moss growth. 

In these cases, patios may need cleaning more regularly to prevent the buildup from spreading across the surface.

Homes in damp areas across Exeter and Devon can also see organic growth develop more quickly, especially on patios that don’t receive much direct sunlight.

By arranging soft washing in Devon on a regular basis, homeowners can prevent algae and lichen from becoming deeply embedded in the surface of the patio. 

This not only keeps the patio looking cleaner for longer but also helps reduce the risk of slippery outdoor areas.

For anyone searching online for soft washing near me, regular patio cleaning is one of the easiest ways to maintain the appearance and safety of your outdoor space.

Why Spring Is the Smart Time to Deal With Patio Algae

One of the biggest reasons patios become stained and slippery is because algae and moss have months to grow during the winter.

By the time spring arrives, this buildup is usually well established across patios and walkways. 

If it isn’t treated properly, the growth will continue spreading throughout the warmer months.

This is why many homeowners arrange soft washing in Exeter during spring. 

Treating the patio early helps remove algae and lichen at the root before they have time to spread further across the surface.

Professional soft washing in Devon also helps prevent patios from becoming dangerously slippery during the wetter months.

If you’ve recently searched online for soft washing in Exeter, that’s smart because tackling the problem early can help keep your patio cleaner and safer for much longer.

Restore Your Patio with Soft Washing in Exeter

So if you have read through this blog post and thought to yourself,

“Yes, I have actually noticed these 5 common signs in my outside area.”

Then it’s time for a soft wash.

At The Exeter Gutter Cleaner, our soft washing services in Exeter and across Devon are designed to remove algae, moss and lichen while protecting the surfaces of your property.

We have helped dozens of homes in the Exeter and Devon area bring life back to their outside area.

You can visit our soft washing page on our website to get more information and to also see the before and after transformations.

Click below. 🔽

https://theexeterguttercleaner.co.uk/soft-washing-in-exeter-across-devon/

If you’re considering soft washing in Exeter or anywhere across Devon, now is the perfect time to prepare your outdoor space for the warmer months ahead.

We also offer soft washing in Broadclyst, Woodbury, Topsham, and Exton.