The patio of the old house is a stunning addition to the garden area of this gorgeous old house. It’s the perfect place for dining, entertaining, and a whole lot more. That’s why cleaning it regularly by pressure washing is essential to prevent any dirt or algae build-up, and to ensure it will stand the test of time.
Why Should I Use A Pressure Washer?
One of the biggest benefits of cleaning your patio and its furniture by pressure washing is its convenience and cost-effectiveness. You can clean your space quicker, and you don’t even need to use a lot of water at doing so. It’s a very effective method and can be a lot of fun compared to scrubbing and using a hose.
How To Pressure Wash Your Patio
Before pressure washing, here are the things you need to prepare first:
- Your pressure washer
- Hose and its adapters
- RCD adapters
- Detergent
- Broom
- Safety goggles and clothing
Step 1. Make sure your patio is entirely clear of by removing pots, ornaments, and all pieces of furniture.
Step 2. Use your broom to get rid of any loose dirt and debris like leaves.
Step 3. Connect the hose to your outdoor tap and the machine. Before starting, ensure that the water is flowing freely to remove any sort of airlocks in the pressure washer. Your hose should have a length of at least 7.5mm and half-inch thick. If you’re using a reel hose, check that it has been fully unwound and free from knots so that water will flow continuously. You also need a tap adaptor and a couple of universal connectors to connect it to your garden tap.
Step 4. Connect the pressure washer machine to an electrical supply. Turn it on in order to pressurize its system.
Step 5. Before you begin with your patio cleaning, you have an option to apply a detergent solution to its surface. This will help dissolve the dirt and make the cleaning process easier. There are detergents available that come with special properties to lessen dirt build-ups as well as protect your patio’s surfaces from damages caused by the changing weather. There are also detergents made specifically for wood and stone.
Step 6. There are certain organisms and dirt that are harder to remove using a regular patio cleaner. The majority of pressure washers today features a rotary pencil jet nozzle which offers 80% more cleaning power. When you switch to this lance, you will be able to remove the most stubborn of dirt. However, keep in mind that a higher power means that it can damage hard surfaces like brickwork or stone, as well as wood and other sensitive surfaces.
Watch on YouTube how you can effectively take on the job.
Pressure Washing Your Patio Furniture
It is also essential that your pieces of patio furniture are just as clean and dirt-free. You don’t want to keep your guests away by letting them sit on chairs with grim and mildew.
Here’s how you can keep your patio furniture spotless with pressure washing:
- Ensure that all your patio furniture are placed on a flat surface and to spray them away from the window and doors of your home.
- Use a 25 or 40-degree low-pressure nozzle and attach it to the wand or lance of your pressure washer.
- Pressure wash in a top to down movement.
- You don’t need detergent when pressure washing patio furniture. However, if they’re really dirty, you can use detergent on the furniture’s harder or plastic surfaces. If there is stubborn dirt on the cushions, spot clean it by hand by using a brush.
- Using a low-pressure spray, rinse and flush away.
- For iron furniture and tables, you may consider using a high-pressure nozzle.
How To Maintain Your Patio
Prevention is always better than cure. Keeping your patio well-maintained will ensure that you will be able to enjoy it for a very long time.
- Avoid stains by sweeping your space regularly.
- Give your patio good cleaning during springtime.
- Always check your patio furniture for any small wear and tear signs that you can easily repair to avoid further damage.
- Freshen your patio by removing weeds and removing and discarding annual plants from the previous year.