How to Remove Black Spots from Patios in Poole and Bournemouth

If you’ve noticed stubborn black spots appearing on your patio, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common issues we see across Poole, Bournemouth and surrounding areas — and it’s also one of the hardest to remove without professional equipment.

At Open Air Cleaning, we regularly help homeowners restore their patios by safely removing these marks and bringing surfaces back to life.

What Are Black Spots on Patios?

Those small, dark marks are usually caused by lichen, a tough organic growth that embeds itself deep into the surface of paving.

They commonly appear on:

• Indian sandstone

• Concrete slabs

• Block paving

• Older patios

Unlike general dirt or algae, black spots don’t just sit on the surface — they actually bond into the stone.

Why They’re So Difficult to Remove?

Many homeowners try to remove black spots using:

• DIY pressure washers

• Off-the-shelf cleaning products

• Scrubbing by hand

Unfortunately, this often doesn’t work — or only improves things slightly.

That’s because:

• Lichen has deep root-like structures

• Standard pressure washing isn’t powerful enough

• Supermarket cleaners don’t fully kill the growth

In some cases, using too much pressure can even damage the patio surface without removing the spots properly.

The Professional Way to Remove Black Spots

To properly treat black spots, we use a combination of:

• Specialist cleaning treatments

• Controlled pressure washing

• Proper dwell time to break down the growth

This process:

• Kills the lichen at its root

• Lifts the staining from the surface

• Restores the natural colour of the patio

The difference is often dramatic, with patios going from heavily spotted to looking almost new again.

Can Black Spots Come Back?

Yes — especially in damp, shaded or coastal areas like Poole and Bournemouth.

However, there are ways to slow this down:

• Regular maintenance cleaning

• Keeping patios free from debris

• Optional treatments to reduce regrowth

We’re always happy to advise on the best way to keep your patio looking clean for longer.

Patio Cleaning in Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Dorchester, Dorset and surrounding areas

If your patio is covered in black spots, we can help restore it safely and effectively. We provide professional patio cleaning across Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Dorchester and nearby areas, with reliable service and great results.

📞 Get in touch today for a free quote and bring your patio back to life.