Patio, Decking & Fencing

How To Pressure Wash A Patio Or Decking

Adding a patio or decking to your garden can create a stunning area for entertaining, dining and more. However, it’s important to get into a regular decking and patio cleaning routine to prevent the build-up of dirt and algae. This step-by-step guide will show you how to use a pressure washer to keep your deck in top condition. Read on for our top tips on how to clean decking and patio slabs with a power hose 

What’s the best way to clean decking?

Using a pressure washer to get rid of algae, lichen and moss is the best way to clean decking, as you can avoid the hard work of using a manual scrubbing brush. Pressure washers have a powerful pump and narrow nozzle, allowing them to blast water with a forceful spray. This removes dirt and grime from paving slabs quickly, while using water more efficiently than a normal garden hose.

Which jet wash patio cleaner do I need?

If you’re thinking about buying a pressure washer, our pressure washer buying guide will help you find the best patio cleaner to suit all your needs. 

How to pressure wash a patio:

Step 1

Before you power wash your patio, clear it completely by removing all furniture, ornaments and pots. 

Step 2

Using a broom, brush away any loose debris – such as leaves and dirt. 

Step 3

Connect your power hose and ensure that water is running freely before you begin. Allow water to flow through the machine to remove any air locks. Please note the hose should be a minimum of 7.5m in length and ½ inch thick. 

If you’re using a hose reel this should be fully unwound and free of kinks to ensure a constant water flow. To connect your hose you need two universal connectors and a tap adaptor for your garden tap.

Step 4

Connect your jet wash patio cleaner to the mains electricity supply, then turn it on to pressurise the system. 

Step 5

Before you start patio cleaning with your pressure washer, you can apply detergent to the surface to help dissolve dirt and make the patio easier to clean. Some detergents also have special properties that will help to reduce the build-up of dirt and will also protect your surfaces from weather damage.

Specific detergents are available for stone, wood and vehicles – each with specially designed formulae to suit the task at hand. If you have algae or mould on your decking, Patio Magic or a black spot remover will help to get rid of this. For persistent stains, use our stain remover for patio.

Step 6

Some dirt and organisms, like lichen, can be hard to remove using a standard lance or patio cleaner. Most pressure washers come with a rotary pencil jet nozzle that can provide up to 80% more power. By switching to this lance, you can remove even the most stubborn dirt.

It is important to note that the increased power of these lances means they should only be used on hard surfaces such as stone or brickwork. More delicate surfaces, such as wood or vehicle paintwork, may be damaged if cleaned with this type of lance.

 

Top patio cleaning tips

Jet washing a block paved driveway is not always the best way to clean it as, by its very nature, it will remove the sand that binds the blocks together. If you do use a pressure washer on your driveway, the sand needs to be replaced before any substantial traffic is allowed on the driveway, as sand binds the blocks together. 

Top tip: Our guide to how to lay and maintain block paving is full of advice on how to keep your paved driveway in top condition.

 

How to clean decking with a pressure washer

If you want to know how to pressure wash decking, simply follow the same process as cleaning a patio. As mentioned in Step 5, there are specific detergents for woodwork available that will protect your decking from UV damage, whilst helping you dissolve the dirt.

Note that rotary pencil jet nozzles are not suitable for wooden surfaces. However, most machines will come with a variable pressure lance where pressure can be reduced so that you can jet wash decking without causing damage. 

Top tips:

  • If you’re using an extension cable, it is advised that this should be no longer than 10 metres in length and have a constant rating of 13 AMPS. 
  • When using a power hose, always wear safety goggles and use a special detergent to help remove the grime. 
  • Take care when working near plants while you jet wash your decking.

Quick, easy and effective, pressure washing is the best way to clean decking and patios. Pressure washers are also perfectly suited to cleaning driveways, garden furniture, fencing, guttering and more, making them the ultimate outdoor cleaning tool. 

Top tip: If you’re planning a garden revamp, take a look at our simple patio and decking ideas. 

Now that you know how to clean decking, you can stock up on all the necessary equipment. You’ll find a wide range of pressure washers at Homebase, along with all the washing detergents and accessories you need to get your decking or patio looking as good as new.

If you’re looking for help and advice before purchasing your pressure washer, take a look at our pressure washer buying guide. 



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Homebase

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