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How to pressure wash like a pro
Sick of your patio looking more forgotten and tatty than ready for dining outdoors? You’re not the only one. But before you unleash the pressure washer, check out our top tips to get the best out of this garden-grooming gadget.
Alright, you’ve got a big BBQ around the corner – that means it’s time to unearth that pressure washer and get that patio fit to be seen. If you’re still unpacking the trauma from blasting half your garden furniture across the yard last year, you need these tips.
Once you know how to tell your nozzle from your lance, clearing away dirt and moss is as easy as point and shoot. Give our simple how-to guide a gander to get fully clued up on cleaning your garden.
Choosing the right pressure washer
Having the right tools for the job is the difference between just getting dirt a bit wet and blasting it away. Before getting started, you’ll want to try to make sure your pressure washer’s got all the top specs.
Adjustable pressure settings
So you can easily switch between patio tiles and driveway concrete.
A high flow rate
The more water per second, the quicker you’ll be able to show dirt the door.
A rotary or turbo nozzle
The best way to do away with stubborn moss and dirt.
Some prep work before you start
Now before you go full “spray and pray” with the pressure washer, there’s a bit of groundwork to do that’ll make all the difference.
First up, give the area a good sweep. You want to clear away loose leaves, twigs, and any other mystery debris the wind has dropped into your garden.
Next, if your patio’s got grime making itself at home, a quick spray of patio cleaner or detergent is sure to serve it a much-needed eviction notice. And if your pressure washer’s got a detergent tank or foam lance, even better.
Finally, cover any nearby plants and electrical outlets. Your daisies didn’t sign up to be drenched and that outdoor socket will need to be well out of the splash range. Trust us, you’ll be doing future-you a favour.
The pro pressure washing technique
Now for the good bit – the part where you properly deal with dirt and get those patio flags sparkling. There’s a little technique to it, but once you’ve got into the rhythm it won’t be long until everything’s spotless.
- Start low. Keep the pressure low in the beginning. Once you’re in the swing of things, and your garden gnomes haven’t been sent into orbit, gradually up the pressure until it’s just powerful enough to lift any grime.
- Get the right angle. Hold the lance (the long metal wand attached to the hose that directs the water jet) at a 45° angle. When slightly tilted, it’s a smoother, cleaner way to get the dirt off.
- Keep a good distance. Stay about 20 to 30 centimetres away from the surface. Too close and you’ll be hitting it a little too hard, but too far away and you’re basically just giving it a light misting.
- Work in sections. Tackling everything in slow, steady passes is the best way to avoid a rushed, stripy finish.
Aftercare: keeping your patio or driveway in top condition
If you really want to give things a professional finish, you can apply a sealant to your patio or driveway once it’s completely dry. This’ll help prevent stains, stop moss regrowing, and protect against damage. Just be sure to pick the right type for your surface and wait until it’s 100% dry so that your hard work sticks.
Now you’ve got everything spotless, add a little upkeep into your routine. Every now and again, have a good sweep to stop dirt building up, spot-clean spills as they happen, and just give it a light pressure wash every few months instead of waiting for it to become a big job.
And when it comes to moss or algae, you can keep these persistent pests at bay by using a patio cleaner or moss inhibitor. Plus, since standing water is algae’s favourite hang-out spot, look into fixing your patio’s drainage if you find it collecting deep puddles after a bit of rain.
Once you’ve got the right technique, pressure washing will become just another task on your to-do list – not the big rescue job you dread doing. Just remember to get the prep right, nail the steps, and keep up with the maintenance to have an outdoor space you can’t wait to show off.
