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5 quick tips to clean your patio and decking
Our expert advice will ensure that you get the best results with minimum effort when pressure washing your patio
When used correctly, pressure washers can help you to get rid of stubborn built-up grime and dirt on a range of different surfaces quicker than by hand.
If you're not sure how to start, or want to clean more efficiently, our tips will help to make it easier than ever.
Take a look at the best pressure washers in our tests and keep reading to find out our expert advice.
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1. Clear and sweep your patio and decking
First clear furniture or any large items so they're not in the way.
Give the entire surface a sweep and remove leaves or any bigger bits of debris that could potentially fly around once you start using the pressure washer.
2. Make sure your hose is firmly attached and water is running freely
Double-check your hose is attached firmly to the tap.
Turn on the hose and release the lance trigger until water runs freely for around 20 seconds. This will get rid of any air before you switch on the power.
Be aware the initial spray can be very strong, so point the nozzle at the ground first.
3. Test the pressure and apply detergent if needed
High pressure can damage or even ruin wooden decking and other surfaces, so don't go in straight on the top setting. Test before using it and avoid blasting the mortar or sand between paving stones or you'll have to replace it.
You don't necessarily need soap or detergent to pressure wash your patio, however detergent can help to dissolve dirt, making the patio easier to clean and ensure a better finish.
Depending on the type of detergent, it might also help to reduce the build-up of dirt or protect your patio from external elements.
But if you have a high-quality pressure washer, you should be able to get rid of dirt and achieve a great result even without using any product.
4. Work from the edge or corner of the patio
Once you're happy with the water pressure and the setting, start by working your way from the edge or corner of the patio in sweeping motions.
If necessary, play around with the settings, or use the most powerful setting or the rotary lance to remove tough ground-in dirt.
Be aware that direct water pressure can roughen patio slabs, so only do so if you're sure your patio can take the pressure.
5. Rinse off using a lower pressure
Once the dirt, grime and stains have been removed, don't forget to rinse off any leftover detergent and wash off any last bits you may have missed.
If your patio is still looking a bit shabby, consider refreshing it with decking paint. Head over to the best decking paints and decking stains to see which ones impressed in our tests.
Recently tested pressure washers
We're always testing new pressure washers from brands including Husqvarna, Karcher, Nilfisk, and Ryobi.
Read our guide to the best pressure washers to compare our recommended models and see which retailers offer the best prices.
Below are four recently tested pressure washers.
Stihl REA 60 Plus
Available from Stihl (£229.00), Just Lawnmowers (tool only £219.00)
This battery-operated, corded pressure washer from Stihl weighs just 6.4kg. Others we've tested weigh as much as 30kg.
It comes with a five-metre hose and a 3-in-1 nozzle, so you can switch between a fixed jet setting, variable jet setting and a rotating jet setting.
Take a look at our Stihl REA 60 Plus review for more information.
Nilfisk Premium 180
Clocking in at 29.5kg, this heavy pressure washer from Nilfisk has got a 10-metre hose and a 2,900W motor.
You'll also be getting a hose storage reel, fixed jet nozzle, variable fan-jet nozzle, rotating jet nozzle. Other accessories such as an angled jet nozzle, a car brush and a patio-cleaner attachment are available as optional extras.
Go to our Nilfisk Premium 180 review to see if it impressed in our tests.
Karcher K5 Power Control Car and Home
This Karcher pressure washer is a great choice if you've got large grimy areas to deal with. The adjustable power settings and a large selection of nozzles allow you to adapt to whatever surface you need to clean without risking any damage.
Although this model is lighter than the Nilfisk, it's still on the heavier side: it weighs 12.9kg and has a 2,100W motor.
Read our Karcher K5 Power Control Car and Home review to find out more.
Husqvarna PW 480
This powerful corded pressure washer from Husqvarna comes equipped with a 2,900W motor, a 13-metre hose and a five-metre cable.
You'll get a couple different attachments with it, including a fixed jet nozzle and a variable fan-jet nozzle. If you want attachments such as a car brush or patio cleaner, you'll need to buy them separately.
Our Husqvarna PW 480 review reveals everything you need to know.
