How to remove black spots from your patio (and stop them coming back)
What are the black spots on my patio?
Those unsightly marks aren’t dirt or stains – they’re black lichen.
Black lichen starts as tiny airborne spores that land on your patio and can remain dormant for up to two years, which is why new patios often look spotless at first. Once established, it feeds on the minerals in the stone, spreading across the surface and rooting deep into the pores. Warm, damp conditions help it thrive.
If left untreated, black lichen will continue to spread and permanently dull the natural colour of your paving.
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Patio Black Spot Remover and Preventer
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Why pressure washing doesn’t work
If you’ve already tried blasting the spots away, you’ve probably discovered how stubborn they are.
Even hours of pressure washing won’t remove black lichen because it grows inside the stone, not just on the surface. In fact, excessive pressure washing can:
Damage the surface of natural stone
Increase porosity
Make paving more vulnerable to frost damage
Create the perfect conditions for black spots to return even faster
To properly remove patio black spots, you need a treatment designed to tackle the problem at its root.
How to clean black spots from a patio
Use a Dedicated Patio Black Spot Remover
Patio Black Spot Remover doesn’t just brighten the surface – it removes all organic growth, including:
Black lichen spots
White fungal growth
Green algae
Natural stone is more delicate and porous than other paving, so using the wrong cleaner can damage the surface and strip its colour. Always choose a black spot remover specifically designed for natural stone to clean effectively without causing harm.
How to stop black spots from coming back
Once your patio is clean, the key to keeping it that way is Patio Black Spot Preventer.
Applied annually, the preventer:
Kills black lichen spores before they germinate
Prevents the return of black spots
Removes green and red algae
A patio you can be proud of
Black spots don’t have to be a permanent feature of your garden. With the right products and a proper treatment plan, you can safely restore your patio and protect it for years to come- without damaging the stone.
If your patio is losing its colour and character, Patio Black Spot Remover and Preventer offer a proven, long-lasting solution that goes far beyond standard patio cleaners.
FAQs
How do you remove black spots on patio slabs?
To remove black spots from patio slabs, apply a specialist black spot remover to a dry surface, allow it to cure, then wash it off. Stubborn areas may require more than one treatment.
Does vinegar remove black spots on a patio?
No. Vinegar may remove light surface algae, but it won’t penetrate the stone to kill black lichen. It can also damage natural stone by increasing porosity and causing long-term discolouration.
Does bleach remove black spots on a patio?
Bleach can lighten the surface temporarily, but it does not kill black lichen at the root. It may also damage paving, harm surrounding plants, and cause uneven colouring.
How to remove stubborn black spots on a patio?
Bleach can lighten the surface temporarily, but it does not kill black lichen at the root. It may also damage paving, harm surrounding plants, and cause uneven colouring.
