Guide to pressure washing

1. Check the surface first

Before switching anything on, look closely at the surface. Block paving, concrete, porcelain tiles, stone, timber decking, brickwork, painted render, and old mortar all behave differently under pressure.

If the surface is cracked, loose, flaking, very old, or already crumbling, be careful. A pressure washer can turn a small weak patch into a repair job quite quickly.

2. Move loose items and clear the area

Move plant pots, furniture, bins, doormats, loose stones, and anything else that could get in the way. Sweep up leaves and grit first so the washer is not blasting debris around the garden.

Check for trip hazards too. Hoses, extension leads, wet paving, and a bit of enthusiasm can be a poor combination.

3. Protect doors, vents, electrics, and neighbours

Keep water away from outdoor sockets, lights, vents, meter boxes, boiler flues, air bricks, door seals, and window seals. Do not spray directly at anything electrical or anything that lets air into the property.

Think about where the dirty water will run. Avoid pushing it under doors, into air bricks, across a neighbour's path, or straight into a flower bed full of loose soil.

4. Start low and test a small patch

Use a wide spray pattern and start with the lowest practical pressure. Test a small, less obvious area before doing the visible part of the patio or drive.

Keep the lance moving rather than holding it in one place. If you can see the surface marking, sand lifting, timber splintering, or mortar moving, stop and adjust your approach.

5. Work in steady sections

Work from the far side back towards your exit route, so you are not walking over the clean wet surface again and again. Overlap each pass slightly for a more even finish.

On steps or slopes, take your time. A cleaned area can be slippery until it dries, especially where algae has been sitting for a while.

6. Be careful with block paving

Pressure washing block paving can remove the sand from the joints. That is common, but it means the paving may need to dry properly and be re-sanded afterwards.

If the blocks are loose or uneven, do not blast into the joints. The washer may make the movement worse.

7. Watch timber decking and soft stone

Decking, soft stone, older bricks, and weak mortar need a lighter touch. Too much pressure can leave lines, furry timber, scars, or missing pointing.

That said, a careful clean can still help. The trick is to use the least pressure that does the job, not the most pressure the machine can manage.

8. Wear sensible protection

Wear sturdy footwear, gloves, and eye protection. A pressure washer jet can injure skin, and it can flick grit back at your face.

Never point the lance at people, pets, your own feet, or anyone else's. It sounds obvious, but it matters.

When to ask for help

Call Richard if the area is large, awkward, very slippery, or the surface looks fragile. It is also worth asking for help if the job is close to doors, vents, exterior electrics, or old brickwork.