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Choosing the right cleaner for concrete, brick, and stone makes a bigger difference than you might think. Whether you’re tackling a weather-stained driveway, algae-covered patio slabs, or stubborn oil marks on a garage apron, the right product can mean the difference between a quick weekend job and a long, frustrating project. Think of cleaners like tools in a toolbox: use the wrong one and you risk damage, waste time, and possibly make stains worse. Use the right one and you’ll restore surfaces fast, safely, and often without needing a professional.
In the UK there's a strong lineup of retailers that stock a wide range of concrete and masonry cleaners, from DIY-strength solutions to professional-grade compounds. Below I walk through the retailers I see most often — they’re convenient, generally well-stocked, and reliable when you need supplies, advice, or specific product ranges.
Screwfix is a favourite for tradespeople and DIYers who want pro-grade products fast. They typically carry heavy-duty masonry cleaners, acid-based efflorescence removers, and pressure-washer detergent concentrates. Many products come in pint, quart, or gallon sizes — handy if you’re cleaning a few dozen square feet or a larger area. Screwfix also often lists technical data, so you can check coverage rates and dilution ratios before you buy.
Wickes is a go-to for home improvement projects and carries a solid selection of patio and driveway cleaners aimed at homeowners. You’ll find both ready-to-use sprays for small jobs and concentrated solutions for larger areas. Wickes usually provides helpful usage tips and online guides so you get an idea of how much product you’ll need for a 100 sq ft patio or a 20 ft driveway run.
B&Q is ideal if you want popular household brands and a broad range of application tools — from brushes and pumps to pressures washers and surface sealers. B&Q stocks biological cleaners that target organic growth like algae and moss as well as stronger chemical options for stains. Their product pages often show approximate coverage in square feet per bottle, which helps with planning.
Toolstation targets trades and serious DIYers, and its range reflects that. You’ll find concentrated cleaners in larger containers and a selection of specialist products such as rust removers and stone-safe efflorescence treatments. Their pricing often makes it worth comparing to other sellers if you need several gallons for a bigger job.
Homebase is another accessible retailer that stocks patio cleaners, mould removers, and some gentler formulations suitable for colored or delicate stones. If you’re nervous about using strong acids near decorative stonework or plants, Homebase’s more mellow options are a good place to start — and they usually sell compatible brushes and protective gear.
For building professionals you’ll often see stores like Jewson and Travis Perkins stocking technical products and bulk sizes. These suppliers make it easy to source specialist efflorescence removers, concrete degreasers, and professional-strength biocides. If you’re working on a commercial job or need multiple gallons, these merchants are worth contacting — they commonly supply trade quantities and give technical support.
If convenience is king, Amazon UK and specialist online retailers will ship many brands to your door, often with user reviews that help when you’re choosing a product. Online specialists sometimes carry niche lines and eco-focused formulas you won’t find on big high-street shelves. Watch delivery sizes — you can buy small 16 fl oz bottles for a little test patch or 1 gallon drums for larger areas.
Concrete and masonry cleaners come in several flavours, and each one suits a particular problem. Picking the right type is like choosing the correct key for a lock — use the wrong one and it won’t open.
Acid cleaners excel at removing cement smears, efflorescence (white salt deposits), and heavy mineral staining. They’re powerful and often used diluted; a little goes a long way. However, acids are harsh on plants, metal fixtures, and some kinds of stone, so you must protect surrounding areas and rinse thoroughly. This is the one you pick when you’re dealing with deep, baked-on mineral stains.
Grease and oil love concrete, and alkaline degreasers break down those hydrocarbon bonds. They’re what you reach for to tackle driveway oil spills, garage floor grime, or heavy machinery marks. These cleaners often foam or emulsify the oil, making it easier to rinse away. They’re generally safer for plants than strong acid but still require careful disposal of run-off.
Biological cleaners use enzymes or microbes to eat organic growth like algae, moss, and mildew. They’re slower to work than chemical alternatives but kinder to nearby plants and pets. These are ideal for regular maintenance or where environmental sensitivity is a priority.
If you’re using a pressure washer, manufacturers and retailers sell detergents specifically formulated for stone and concrete. These reduce the time on the wand and improve cleaning results. Always match the detergent to the pressure washer’s specs and the surface type — too aggressive a mix on a soft stone can cause etching.
You don’t need to be an expert to pick the right cleaner, but a little checklist helps. First, identify the stain type: is it organic (green/black), mineral (white salt, rust), or oil-based? Second, note the surface: coloured paving, natural stone, or plain concrete will react differently. Third, consider the area in square feet — many product pages list coverage like 100–400 sq ft per gallon, which helps budgeting. Finally, think about environmental constraints: are plants nearby, and is the site close to drains?
Working with masonry cleaners can be straightforward if you follow basic safety steps. Wear gloves, eye protection, and long sleeves. For acid-based products, an apron and a mask are sensible. Always test a small discreet patch first, especially on coloured or textured surfaces, and keep pets and people well away while you work. Rinse thoroughly with clean water after treatment. If you’re using pressure equipment, treat the wand like a paintbrush in reverse — it removes surface materials quickly, so be mindful of edging and gentle with patterns and edges.
Instead of a single product list, think in terms of product families you’ll find at the retailers above. Below are examples of the kinds of cleaners each family includes and when to use them.
These are acid-based formulas sold in pint, quart, or gallon sizes. Use them on new concrete that’s developed white salt rings or on brickwork with mineral deposits. They’re not for decorative stones unless the product explicitly states it’s safe for that stone type. Expect to dilute per instructions — a little concentrate can cover several hundred square feet when correctly mixed.
Often in gallons for driveway work, these cleaners break down oil so it can be scrubbed or pressure-washed away. For a typical single-car driveway (about 200–400 sq ft), a quart or half-gallon of concentrated cleaner might be enough when diluted correctly. If the oil has cured for months, mechanical agitation with a stiff brush plus a degreaser is usually necessary.
These are usually sold as ready-to-use sprays or concentrates that treat 100–500 sq ft per gallon depending on dilution. They’re slow-acting but kinder to nearby plants and perfect for patios shaded by trees where algae reappears each season.
Some jobs are perfect for a weekend warrior armed with a gallon of cleaner and a pressure washer. Others — think large commercial driveways, heritage stonework, or areas with complex drainage — are better left to pros. If the surface is valuable, decorative, or you’re unsure how a cleaner will affect its finish, consider a small paid test patch from a professional cleaner. Pros have access to industrial-strength equipment and know how to protect the surrounding area, which can save you money in the long run.
If you’re concerned about runoff and the environment, look for enzyme-based or biodegradable products. These are kinder to plants and soil and can often be used with minimal rinsing. Whatever product you use, avoid letting concentrated run-off flow into storm drains; check local guidance. For spent containers, follow the disposal instructions on the label — many retailers list recycling advice on product pages as well.
Cleaning is only half the battle. After you’ve removed stains, consider sealing the surface with a compatible sealer available from many of the retailers noted above. Sealers reduce water absorption and make future cleaning easier. Regular sweeping, quick spot cleaning of oil marks, and annual treatment for organic growth will keep patios and paths looking fresher with less heavy-handed cleaning.
Planning saves time. Measure the area in square feet so you can estimate how much product to buy. Protect nearby plants and metalwork, pick the right cleaner for the stain and surface, test a small area, wear protective kit, and rinse properly. Check whether a pressure washer is needed — sometimes scrubbing and a good detergent will do the trick without the expense of heavy equipment hire.
When you’re unsure, ask store staff or use online product Q&As. Many retailers include product data sheets with coverage rates and surface compatibility. If you’re buying online, read the user reviews for real-world tips on dilution rates and results. And if you need a larger quantity, don’t forget to compare trade suppliers and high-street stores for the best price per gallon.
Cleaning concrete and masonry doesn’t have to be a mystery. With the right product and retailer — whether you choose Screwfix, Wickes, B&Q, Toolstation, Homebase, Jewson, Travis Perkins, or an online specialist — you can restore patios, driveways, and walls with confidence. Match the cleaner to the stain and the surface, follow safety and handling instructions, and plan your job by measuring the area in square feet to buy the correct amount. A little preparation and the right buy will get your surfaces looking shipshape without the stress.
