Patio cleaning and driveway pressure washing in Malaga
We pressure wash patios, driveways, terraces, paths and pool decks so the surface looks like itself again and is ready for anything that follows. The method changes with the material: imprinted concrete, plain concrete, stone and block paving each get their own pressure, distance and angle.
Send us a photo and the m²What is included in our patio and driveway cleaning service?
Our standard clean removes the dirt, grime, organic growth and loose material that has built up on an outdoor hard surface. It covers the open areas, the edges along walls and steps, and the corners where debris collects.
- A walk-round or photo check of the surface, drains and anything fragile nearby.
- A small test area to set the right pressure and distance for that material.
- The main wash, worked in a consistent pattern to avoid stripes and tide marks.
- Targeted treatment on stains that need more than water, where agreed in advance.
- A final rinse and a look at what the clean surface reveals: cracks, open joints, failing coatings.
Stubborn marks have their own pages: oil stain removal for drips under cars and rust, mould and moss for orange marks and green or black growth.
How does driveway cleaning differ from patio cleaning?
A driveway carries vehicles, so it collects tyre marks, oil, fuel drips and grit that a patio never sees. A patio or terrace is more often dulled by foot traffic, food and drink spills, barbecue grease, leaf stains and shade-loving growth.
On a driveway we pay most attention to the parking spots, the turning area and the stretch in front of the garage. On a patio the focus moves to areas around furniture, planters, outdoor kitchens and the shaded side of the house.
Pool decks are a third case. Splash water and wet feet keep them damp, which encourages dark algae, and the area drains towards water you want to keep clean. We discuss how to protect the pool before starting.
Why is pressure adjusted to each surface?
The same jet that cleans hard plain concrete can scar soft stone, erode the top of an old imprinted finish and empty the joints of block paving. More pressure is not the same as a better clean.
| Surface | Main risk | How we adapt |
|---|---|---|
| Imprinted (stamped) concrete | Stripping remaining sealer, lightening the pattern unevenly | Lower pressure, wider fan, test area first |
| Block paving | Washing out jointing sand | Angled jet, working along the joints, not into them |
| Natural stone slabs | Etching or marking softer stone | Gentle settings and more distance |
| Plain concrete | Leaving stripes or wand marks | Overlapping passes in a steady pattern |
If a surface turns out to be weaker than it looked in the photos, we stop and talk to you rather than pushing on. A weak surface is a repair question, and our sister site on concrete joints and edges covers that side.
Is a clean enough, or should you plan a recolour?
A clean is enough when the colour and finish are still sound underneath the dirt. If the concrete is faded, chalky or patchy after washing, the problem is wear, not dirt.
In that case cleaning becomes the preparation stage. Cracks and small holes are repaired on the clean surface, the edges along walls and posts are cut in by brush, and two coats of synthetic resin paint bring back a deep, even colour without lifting the existing paving and without rubble.
Our article on cleaning versus recolouring walks through the signs that tell the two situations apart, and the guide on how professional pressure washing works explains each stage of a clean in more depth.
Which villa areas can you ask us to clean?
A request can combine several areas of the same property, which is more efficient than booking them one by one.
- Driveway and carport, often with oil drips under where cars park.
- Pool surround, typically with dark streaks and algae near the water.
- Main terrace and outdoor dining area, with grease, wine and leaf stains.
- Garden paths and steps, which go green in shade and become slippery.
- Side yards and utility areas, where moss and weeds take over the joints.
For holiday rentals, it makes sense to time the clean before the first guests of the season, and we can send before-and-after photos to owners who are not on site.
Combining areas also gives a more even result across the property. When only the driveway is washed, the untouched terrace next to it suddenly looks darker than it did the day before, so it is worth deciding on the full scope at the quoting stage.
How is the price of patio jet washing worked out?
The price depends on the area in square metres, how heavy and what type the soiling is, the material, and access to the site and to water. Targeted stain treatment and preparation for a recolour are extra work and are quoted as such.
A second visit to treat something we were not told about costs everyone time, so mention every area and every stubborn mark when you first get in touch, even if you are unsure whether you want it included.
We publish orientative figures on our partner page for pressure washing cost. For your own number, send daylight photos, a close-up of the worst areas and the approximate square metres; our article on what affects the cost of jet washing explains each factor.
Frequently asked questions
Do you offer patio cleaning in Marbella and Estepona?
Yes. We are based in Marbella and clean patios, terraces and driveways along the western Costa del Sol, including Estepona, Benahavís and San Pedro, as well as further east. Send your location with the photos and we confirm availability for your area and the access arrangements.
Do you clean patios in Ojén, Nerja or Torrox?
We work across Malaga province, including inland villages and the Axarquía. Distance and access affect scheduling, so send your town, a few photos and an approximate area and we tell you when we can fit the job in. Narrow village streets are worth mentioning.
Can you clean a pool deck without contaminating the pool?
We plan how wash water and debris move before we start, so they run away from the pool rather than into it. On some decks that means working in a particular direction or protecting the edge. Tell us if a pool company maintains the water so we can coordinate.
Will jet washing make my patio slippery?
Removing moss and algae usually makes a surface less slippery, because the growth is what makes it slick when wet. Smooth stone and polished finishes can still be slippery when wet after cleaning; that is a property of the material, not of the wash.
Do you use chemicals?
Water does most of the work. For specific stains such as oil, rust or heavy growth we may use a targeted treatment, which we agree with you in advance. We do not recommend products by name, and we choose treatments with the surface and the surroundings in mind.
Do I need to be at home during the clean?
No. You can be abroad. We need access to the area, a clear surface and, where agreed, access to water. Your key holder or property manager can let us in, and we can send photos of the result.
Can you clean only part of my driveway?
Yes, but a partly cleaned driveway can show a visible line between washed and unwashed areas. We usually recommend cleaning a whole surface or stopping at a natural break such as a step, a border or a change of material.
What happens to the weeds in the joints?
The wash removes most loose weeds and moss from the joints along with some jointing material. It does not stop new seeds from settling. If the joints are left open afterwards, refilling them can be discussed as part of the repair stage.
Can you clean a surface that someone has painted before?
Yes, but with care. A painted surface can lose loose or poorly bonded paint during washing. If that is what you want, see our old paint removal service; if you want to keep the paint, we use gentler settings and tell you what we see.
Do you clean walls and façades as well?
Our work is on floors and ground-level hard surfaces such as driveways, patios, paths and pool surrounds. Low stone retaining walls next to a paved area can sometimes be included; send a photo and we tell you whether it fits the job.
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