Over time, patios and decking can start to become tired and faded as dirt, moss, and grime build-up, especially after the colder and damper months. But fortunately, reviving your outdoor space isn’t a challenging or time-consuming task! In fact, you can tackle pressure washing your patio and decking over a weekend and it can be a surprisingly satisfying job.

To make the job easier, we’ve put together a simple step-by-step guide to help you get your patio or decking looking as good as new in no time.

What you will need:

  • Pressure washer

  • A wash brush attachment (for wooden decking)

  • Patio or decking cleaner for stubborn stains

  • Safety glasses

  • Safety gloves

Step 1: Prep the area

Before you start pressure washing, it's important to clear the area first. Remove any furniture, potted plants, and other potential obstacles, placing them somewhere safe and out of the way. 

Give your space a thorough sweep to remove any loose dirt and debris and remove weeds, moss and dirt from in between patio slabs with a wire brush or joint scraper. 

Step 2: Apply a cleaner

If your patio or decking has particularly stubborn stains, such as green algae, applying a suitable cleaning solution before pressure washing will help achieve the best results. 

Simply apply the cleaner and let it sit for 10-20 minutes before pressure washing the surface. Be sure to check the product instructions to ensure you leave it on for the recommended time.

Step 3: Pressure wash your patio

Before you begin, it’s best to test out your pressure washer on a small section of your patio to ensure you’re using the right water pressure and nozzle, as different slab types require different cleaning methods.

Once you’ve determined the best approach, start at one end and work your way across, using even, overlapping strokes until the surface is clean. Remember to keep the nozzle a safe distance from the surface (roughly 6-12 inches) to avoid damage.

Step 4: Pressure wash your decking

When pressure washing decking, it’s important to avoid using a direct high-pressure jet, as it can weaken the wood, cause splintering and wash away wood adhesives. 

Whilst hardwood decking can typically withstand pressure washing, decking made of softer wood may not – so always check your decking type before cleaning.

If your decking is suitable, use a fan jet nozzle with lower water pressure, following the wood grain to clean your decking without damaging it. Or alternatively, attach a wash brush to your pressure washer for a gentler scrub.

 

Step 5: Rinse thoroughly

Once your patio or decking is clean, give it a final rinse to wash away any leftover residue. 

Step 6: Final touches

Allow the surface to dry completely before returning any garden furniture or potted plants you removed earlier. 

There you have it, six simple steps to achieve a squeaky clean patio and decking!

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