May 22nd, 2020 by Sarah Miles

A jet washer, also known as a pressure washer, is a fantastic labour-saving tool for keeping your outdoor areas clean. Not only can it save you a heap of work and effort, but it will also give you results that are almost impossible to achieve by hand.

One of the most common tasks that benefit from a jet washer is cleaning hard surfaces like patio areas. Patios can become quite grubby over time and are prone to algae and moss, which look unsightly and can make them quite slippery. No wonder jet washers are often purchased for this specific application!

Jet washers work by applying high pressure to water to aid cleaning. It’s much more efficient than simply using a hose and definitely easier than getting down on your hands and knees to scrub.

If you have recently bought a jet washer for this purpose, or are considering getting one, here is a step by step guide to jet washing your patio:

Before you start

It is always worth giving your jet washer a visual check before starting. If your machine is fairly new it is unlikely that there will be any issues but it’s always worth getting into good habits from the start. Check that there is no damage to the hose (a stray jet at high pressure, even from a tiny hole, could potentially be quite dangerous) and that all connections look secure. Ensure that any extension cord you are using is uncoiled and doesn’t represent a trip hazard.

If you are using a static source of water (such as a water butt), ensure there is a sufficient volume as it can overwork the motor if there isn’t enough. Also, make sure that this water is clean.

Step 1: Clear the area

It is always easier to work if the space you are cleaning is clear. Move any furniture or plant pots and sweep away loose leaves and debris. Not only does this allow you to move around the area unencumbered, but it also eliminates any risk of flying objects.

Step 2: Prep your jet washer

In order to clear any air from the machine, connect it to the water and pull the trigger gun to allow the water to run freely for around 20 seconds. You can then connect it to your mains supply and turn on.

Step 3: To use detergent or not?

Because a jet washer uses high pressure, this can often be sufficient to clean surfaces without any detergent. However, stubborn marks, mould, and algae may require something more and detergents developed for this specific purpose can prevent them from coming back for longer so this is something you may want to consider.

Step 4: Start washing

The ideal way to clean a patio using a jet washer is to use a patio cleaning attachment. These can usually be purchased separately or as part of an accessory kit. This is ideal because it creates a kind of ‘hoverboard’ effect, giving a uniform result and minimising spray. It will also clean the area much faster. If you don’t have one, you can use a nozzle but be careful not to go too high on the pressure setting as you could potentially end up with stripes. With either attachment, start with a low pressure setting and build up slowly.

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Price: £44.99

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Step 5: Apply a sweeping motion

Your technique is as important as your equipment, so clean the area using an even, sweeping motion. By using long sweeps that overlap slightly, you will avoid inconsistent results once dry. If you have applied detergent using an attachment (as opposed to applying pre-jet wash with a watering can or similar), you may need to rinse this off so remove the detergent bottle and wash away with clean water (cleaning products vary so follow manufacturer’s instructions).

Step 6: Post-wash best practice

When you have finished cleaning, disconnect the water supply and then pull the trigger to expel any water still inside. Stored water can become stagnant and develop bacteria so it’s always better to ensure it’s empty, even if you plan to use it again fairly soon. Once the machine is cool, wipe over to give it a clean before storing.

Not sure what to look for in a pressure washer?

If you are still considering which pressure washer to buy and are not sure what to look for, you can read our Pressure Washer Buyer’s Guide. We’d recommend looking for something that balances pressure and water flow, that’s light and compact to move around easily, has a range of accessories available and comes in at an affordable budget. The Pro-Kleen pressure washer ticks every box, so it's the perfect place to start!

Pro-Kleen Pressure Washer

Price: £89.99

Buy Now