Over time, patio surfaces become stained by mud, mildew, oils, rust, and general dirt buildup. Restore the beauty of your outdoor living space with these 12 pressure washing tips from Vip Carpet Cleaning London. Our jet wash specialists share expert techniques for safely and effectively cleaning any patio surface.
Check Surface Material
First Inspect carefully before deciding if pressure washing is safe or if gentler patio cleaning methods should be used. Delicate surfaces like travertine, sandstone, and porous brickwork risk permanent etching damage if pressure streams penetrate the delicate pores.
Sweep Away Debris
Clear patio of furniture, planters, towels, toys or other items. Use a stiff broom to sweep soil, leaf litter or loose gravel completely off the surface first. This prevents blowing soil around while pressure washing.
Pre-Soak the Surface
Always pre-soak the area first before power washing. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This allows moisture to soften and lift dry, caked-on grime so spraying can then whisk it away without driving dirt deeper into patio pores.
Apply Cleaning Solutions to Toughest Stains
Spot treat persistent oil spots or muddy boot prints with detergent, degreaser or patio cleaning concentrate before jet spraying away. Leftover cooking oil spills and rust stains need prior dissolving of staining compounds.
Adjust Nozzle Tip Style
Rotary turbo nozzles provide extra scrubbing power to scour concrete and stonework. Use precision pencil point tips to clean patio crevices and intricate tile designs. Choose wider fan spray tips for fastest cleaning times on large flat expanses of uniform patio pavers.
Adjust Nozzle Pressure
Start at low pressure and slowly increase strength while moving the sprayer further away from the cleaning surface. Most electric jet washers offer adjustable pressure around 500 to 4,000 PSI. Too much concentrated pressure risks surface damage.
Work Methodically in Sections Divide patio into smaller 3×3 foot working sections. Thoroughly jet wash each segment before moving nozzle to the next area. Overlap spray patterns as you progress to prevent uneven cleaning results with dirty streaks and missed spots.
Mind Wind Direction
On breezy days, position power washer upwind from the working section. This blows windborne overspray back onto uncleaned areas instead of spreading dirty mist wider across freshly cleaned zones. Adjust body positioning with care not to spray yourself.
Rinse Thoroughly
When completed jet washing the entire surface, do a final rinse-only pass with the pressure nozzle. Hose off all bubble residue without cleaning solutions to finish the job. This prevents rapid re-soiling issues after pressure washing.
Drain Excess Water Away from House
Use a squeegee, wet-dry vac or towels to direct all excess water off cleaned patio surfaces away from home foundations. Prevent soaked soilbeds up against the home’s perimeter concrete walls or deck supports which can encourage termite problems over time.
Inspect for Cracks and Flaws
Scrutinize the wet patio for any revealed cracks, damaged sections or missing grout now evident after complete cleaning. Mark any discovered flaws and make necessary patio repair arrangements while the surface remains freshly exposed.
Re-Seal Annually Schedule an annual pressure wash maintenance cleaning. After drying thoroughly for 48-72 hours, apply new water-repellent sealant to protect cleaned porous concrete, brick and natural stonework patios from rapid re-staining issues after expensive power washing services.
Protect Nearby Landscaping
Carefully drape and secure plastic sheeting over any nearby bushes, gardens, or lawns before pressure washing. This protects tender vegetation from powerful blast overspray or drifting mists from accidentally damaging foliage or blasting soil out of garden beds during the cleaning process.
Check Weather Forecasts
First Avoid pressure washing in hot direct sunlight which causes cleaning solutions and dirty rinse water to dry out too fast before having chance to properly lift stains or rinse away. Schedule days with cloud cover or at least work in the shade to prevent surface moisture from evaporating too fast for best results.
Proper Attire Matters Too
When handling jet wash spray wands, take safety precautions to protect eyes, exposed skin and feet. Wear securely fastened gloves to improve slippery grip. Waterproof boots with ample traction prevents slips on wet surfaces. Eye protection keeps spraying mist out of eyes in case of accidental back drafts.
Consider a Surface Refresh Too
For extensively soiled and stained concrete or weary grout long past its prime, consider resurfacing services too after initial jet washing. Skilled masons can professionally patch cracks, replace damaged pavers and re-grout for permanently improved aesthetics that restore beauty and functionality for years to come.
Why Jet Washing Professionals
Do It Better Vip Carpet Cleaning London’s jet washing technicians bring commercial grade hot pressure rigs paired with years of experience assessing the most effective methods based on your patio goals. Contact jetwash patio company London Vip Carpet Cleaning London for free quotes at 02080503535 to make your patio shine using the finest equipment and techniques!