pressure washers

mrhalibut

Hi, I want to clean a moss-covered block-paved driveway that apart from accumulated grime it looks in good repair. I'm thinking of hiring a pressure washer but, as a complete novice, I would welcome some advice first.
I know it would be less laborious but does pressure washing actually give a superior finish than, say, using an eco-friendly patio cleaner and a stiff brush? It's a relatively small area so I'm loath to hire if it's possible to do it by hand - or is that really hard work?
I've read that pressure washers can damage pointing and that it sends a grimy mist into the air (I'm thinking of Mr Grumpy, the neighbour, and his 'classic' car). And do you need to add some detergent or can you use just water?
Any advice greatly appreciated.

Avoriaz

I use a pressure washer to clean my driveway, patio, car, BBQ and lots of other stuff. It is very useful.

If you use it carefully and properly it shouldn’t harm the pointing and it is very efficient at cleaning moss and dirt.

You can buy a basic pressure washer for well under £50 so buy don't hire. Robert Dyas, Woolworths and many other places sell them.

Check ebay for 2nd hand bargains. You might get lucky and get one for a tenner.

I use plain water. Adjust the nozzle to give a wide spray and don't hold it too close at first. Experience will tell you how narrow and close you can make the spray to be most effective and still do no damage.

You shouldn’t have a problem with grimy mist but it is only polite to warn your neighbour as they can be very noisy and it will give him the opportunity to move or protect his car.


You have double posted. Easily done on here. Edit the other one. Click on "advanced" and change the title to "double post please ignore".

Aletank

Here's a bargain Karcher for £85 delivered,comes with the patio cleaner attachment aswell which costs about £40 on its own and will save damaging any pointing and next doors car!! http://www.robertdyas.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=91&mpe_id=10701&jspStoreDir=rc01&intv_id=10102&partNumber=P_140364&evtype=CpgnClick&langId=-1&catalogId=311&ddkey=ClickInfo

tooconfused_2

mrhalibut wrote: »

Hi, I want to clean a moss-covered block-paved driveway that apart from accumulated grime it looks in good repair. I'm thinking of hiring a pressure washer but, as a complete novice, I would welcome some advice first.
I know it would be less laborious but does pressure washing actually give a superior finish than, say, using an eco-friendly patio cleaner and a stiff brush? It's a relatively small area so I'm loath to hire if it's possible to do it by hand - or is that really hard work?
I've read that pressure washers can damage pointing and that it sends a grimy mist into the air (I'm thinking of Mr Grumpy, the neighbour, and his 'classic' car). And do you need to add some detergent or can you use just water?
Any advice greatly appreciated.

Pressure washing is the way to go with maybe some patio cleaner brushed on.Dont forget once it is completely dry to brush in fresh sand (kiln dried) AS THE PRESSURE WASHER WILL BLOW IT OUT OF THE JOINTS AND ITS THE SAND THAT LOCKS THE PAVING TOGETHER!

Nytehawk

I use a bioligical washing powder, sprinkled lightly over the offending surface and let the rain do the rest. Sometimes for really stubborn marks, a brush is handy after the powder has been allowed to eat into the stains/moss/algae etc. With the current wet weather this task becomes so painless.
Try it.................... but get your OH permission to use her washing powder first....................... Or else :rotfl: :rotfl:

mrhalibut

A big thankyou to everyone for their tips and links and to you Avoriaz, for the double-post advice. (It took me ages to realise I couldn't delete it - and there's me about to be let loose with a pressure washer. I feel a Norman Wisdom moment in the making....)

ormus

i was given a PW, cheapo one, this year. does the job great. i just use plain cold water and nowt else.