Exterior Maintenance · 8 min read · Beginner

Pressure Washing Basics: Patios, Paths, Walls & Garden Surfaces

Use a pressure washer without unnecessarily damaging pointing, timber, paint, render or paving joints.

Key points & steps

Identify the surface and its condition before choosing pressure. Sound concrete and some paving tolerate more cleaning force than old mortar, soft stone, timber, painted surfaces or weak render.
Clear loose debris first and test the machine on an inconspicuous area using the lowest effective pressure and a wider fan pattern.
Keep the nozzle moving and maintain enough distance to clean gradually rather than cutting into the surface with a concentrated jet.
Work so dirty water runs away from cleaned areas and does not enter air bricks, door thresholds or drainage routes that cannot cope with the flow.
Take particular care around paving joints. Strong jets can remove jointing sand or damaged mortar, leaving the surface needing repair or re-jointing.
Avoid directing high-pressure water at electrical fittings, damaged seals, vents, people, animals, vehicles or fragile glazing components.
If using detergent, use only products compatible with the pressure washer and surface and prevent contaminated runoff from entering places where it should not go.
After cleaning, inspect pointing, joints, coatings and timber for damage and allow the surface to dry before applying sealers or paint.

More pressure is not automatically better; distance, nozzle pattern and dwell time can be just as important.
A patio cleaner attachment can reduce striping and splash on suitable paving.
Historic masonry, failing render and soft natural stone deserve a gentler specialist cleaning approach.