Ready to breathe new life into your outdoor spaces? Whether your patio is looking a little worse for wear, your decking has seen better days or your driveway is marred by stubborn stains, a pressure washer could be the perfect solution.
Below, you'll find a simple step-by-step process for pressure washing your paving slabs, decking, or driveway. From preparation and safety precautions to selecting the right equipment and techniques, we have everything you need to tackle this DIY project like a pro.
Our expert’s tip: If you have block paving, you might need to use different cleaning methods. Read our full guide on removing stains from block paving to get the best possible results.
Choosing the right pressure washer
A pressure washer or power washer is a high-powered cleaning tool that uses pressurised water to remove dirt, grime, mould, mildew, and other debris from various surfaces.
The pressure it produces is measured in bars, which tells you how strong the water stream is. The higher the bar rating, the more forceful the spray.
- Light pressure (Less than 100 bar): Best for woodwork such as soft decking, garden furniture, and fencing.
- Medium pressure (100 to 130 bar): Vehicles, exterior paintwork, swimming pools, plastic garden furniture and guttering, small patios, and decking.
- High pressure (130 to 150 bar): Patios, paths, driveways, brick/stonework, and metal.
It's important to use the correct pressure for the surface you're cleaning to avoid causing any damage. Opting for pressure washers with adjustable pressure settings will give you much more flexibility over the jobs you can use them for.
What else you'll need
- Pressure washer
- Broom
- Detergent
- Scrubbing brush
- Hose
- Hose adapters
- Safety goggles
- RCD adaptors
How to pressure wash a patio
Jet-washing your patio or garden paving with a pressure washer is a great way to restore its appearance and remove grime buildup. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Step 1: Prepare your patio
Before starting, clear your patio of any furniture, plants, or obstacles. Sweep away loose debris like leaves and dirt. If there are any delicate items nearby, consider covering them to protect them from the high-pressure water.
Step 2: Pressure wash patio
Connect your pressure washer to your garden hose (or another water source) and plug it in.
If you have a pressure washer with multiple pressure settings, start by using a lower pressure to wet the surface of the patio evenly. Then, switch to a higher pressure suitable for cleaning patio slabs.
Note: Keep your patio cleaner at a low-pressure setting if your patio is made from natural stone paving, sandstone, or porcelain outdoor tiles, as high water pressure can cause these materials to erode.
Hold the nozzle at a consistent distance from the patio surface, typically around 12-18 inches, and move it back and forth in overlapping strokes to ensure thorough cleaning. Work in sections to cover the entire patio area systematically.
Step 3: Address stubborn dirt and stains
For particularly stubborn dirt, stains, or algae when patio cleaning, you may need to use a detergent or cleaning solution specifically formulated for pressure washers.
Apply the detergent to the affected areas according to the manufacturer's instructions, allowing it to sit for a few minutes to penetrate the grime. Then, use the pressurised patio cleaner to rinse away the detergent and debris.
Note: While power washing can clean your patio effectively, it may also remove any existing sealant or protective coating. We recommended resealing the patio after pressure washing to maintain its appearance and protect it from future damage.
Sealing the patio can help prevent water penetration, UV damage, and staining. Be sure to choose a sealant suitable for your patio material and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application.
Step 4: Rinse and dry
Once you've finished power washing the entire patio, switch back to the low-pressure nozzle to rinse off any remaining detergent or debris.
Rinse thoroughly to prevent streaking or residue, and then let the patio stones air dry completely before replacing any furniture or accessories.
Feeling inspired now that your patio is looking brand new? Check out our guides on budget garden patio ideas and ideas for small garden patios to revamp your outdoor space.
How to pressure wash decking
Following these steps will help you effectively jet wash your decking, restoring its appearance and prolonging its lifespan.
Step 1: Prepare your decking
Begin by clearing your decking of any furniture, plants, or obstacles. Sweep away loose debris with a broom. If there are any breakable items nearby, consider covering them to protect them from the high-pressure water.
Step 2: Pressure wash your decking
Start the pressure washer on its lowest setting, and make sure the water-jet tip is not placed too close to the wood.
Hold the nozzle at a consistent distance from the decking, typically around 8-12 inches, and move it back and forth following the direction of the wood grain to avoid damaging the surface. Work in sections to cover the entire decking area systematically.
Tip: Most pressure washers will also have a range of ‘fan’ settings, which determine how narrow the water jet can be and how intense the pressure is. Choose one of the wider fan settings when you’re cleaning wooden surfaces to avoid splitting or splintering the timber.
Step 3: Address stubborn dirt and stains
For particularly stubborn dirt, stains, or mildew, you may need to use a specialised wood cleaner or deck brightener.
Apply the cleaner according to the manufacturer's instructions, allowing it to sit for a few minutes. Then, use the pressure washer to rinse away the cleaner and debris.
Step 4: Rinse and dry
Once you've finished pressure washing the entire decking, rinse off any remaining cleaner or debris. Ensure that you rinse thoroughly to prevent any streaking or residue.
Allow the decking to air dry completely before replacing any furniture or accessories.
Now that the decking's sorted, why not turn your attention to the rest of the garden? We're on hand with the latest garden design trends and small back garden ideas to inspire your next project.
How to pressure wash a driveway
Step 1: Prepare your driveway
Begin by clearing your driveway of any obstacles, such as vehicles or debris. Sweep away loose dirt, leaves, and other debris using a broom or leaf blower.
If there are any oil stains or grease spots on the driveway, consider applying a degreaser or stain remover beforehand to help loosen the stains.
Step 2: Pressure wash your driveway
Connect your pressure washer to a water source and plug it in. Start by using a low-pressure nozzle to wet the surface of the driveway evenly. Then, switch to a higher-pressure nozzle suitable for cleaning hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt.
Note: Keep your pressure washer in a low-pressure setting if your driveway is made from natural stone or sandstone, as excessive water pressure can cause these materials to erode over time.
Hold the nozzle at a consistent distance from the surface, typically around 8-12 inches, and move it back and forth in overlapping strokes to ensure thorough cleaning. Work in sections to cover the entire driveway area systematically.
Step 3: Address stubborn dirt and stains
For particularly stubborn dirt, oil stains, or mildew, you may need to use a specialised driveway cleaner or degreaser.
Apply the cleaner to the affected areas according to the manufacturer's instructions, allowing it to sit for a few minutes to tackle the stains.
Then, use the pressure washer to rinse away the cleaner and debris, focusing on the stained areas to ensure thorough removal.
Step 4: Rinse and dry
Once you've finished pressure washing the entire driveway, rinse off any remaining cleaner or debris. Ensure that you rinse thoroughly to prevent any streaking or residue.
Let the driveway air dry completely before allowing vehicles or foot traffic on it.
Note: If you use a pressure washer on a block paved driveway, the sand needs to be replaced before any substantial traffic is allowed on the driveway, as sand binds the blocks together.
Is it time to switch out your old driveway and make it the focal point of your home’s exterior? See our guide on inspirational driveway ideas, or find out what driveway is best for your home here.
Transform your outdoor spaces with Marshalls
Pressure washing your patio, decking, or driveway is a great way to rejuvenate your outdoor space. With the right equipment and techniques, you can breathe new life into these areas and restore them to their former glory.
Whether you're preparing for a summer barbecue, enhancing your home's curb appeal, or simply enjoying a cleaner, more inviting outdoor environment, pressure washing is a valuable tool in your arsenal.
At Marshalls, we understand the importance of creating beautiful outdoor spaces that enhance your lifestyle and add value to your property. With our huge range of patio slabs, driveway paving, garden walling, and more, we can help you transform any outdoor space into a stunning oasis.
From contemporary designs to traditional styles, our high-quality products are designed to withstand the elements and provide years of enjoyment. So why wait? Take the first step towards transforming your outdoor space today with Marshalls.
FAQs
Can you jet wash a decking?
Yes, you can use a pressure washer to clean decking, but it requires caution. When jet washing decking, use a low-pressure setting to avoid damaging the wood fibres or causing splintering.
To ensure even cleaning without damaging the wood, keep the nozzle moving at all times and maintain a safe distance from the surface.
It's a good idea to check the manufacturer's recommendations for your decking material and try a small test area first to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Do you need soap to pressure wash a patio?
Using soap or detergent with a pressure washer can be helpful for deep cleaning your patio, especially if there are tough stains or algae.
However, if your patio just has regular dirt and grime, you might not need soap – water from the pressure washer can often do the trick.
If you decide to use soap, make sure it's safe for your pressure washer and the patio surface, and follow the instructions carefully. And don't forget to give the patio a good rinse afterwards to avoid any soapy residue!
Do I need to seal the patio after pressure washing?
Sealing the patio after pressure washing can help protect it from future damage and prolong its lifespan. The pressure-washing process may have stripped away any existing sealant, leaving the surface vulnerable to stains, moisture, and weathering.
Applying a new sealant can enhance the patio's appearance, prevent water penetration, and reduce the growth of mould and mildew. It's essential for porous surfaces like concrete or natural stone.
However, if your patio is made of a non-porous material like brick or certain types of tiles, sealing may not be necessary.
How do I clean my patio if I don’t have a pressure washer?
If you’ve not got a pressure washer to hand, then don’t worry - you can still enjoy a perfectly clean patio year after year. If you’re looking for tips on how to clean patio slabs, then we’ve got a full guide for you on how you can do this with a simple broom and water.
