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Pressure washing – How to get it right

Feb 10, 2019

It’s starting to warm up the worst of the winter weather is hopefully past us. It’s now time to think about a serious spring clean.

Our garden services offer a winter tidy up which would mean your garden is now free of excess leaves, garden structures such as fences, decking, sheds etc. have been checked and if necessary repaired or replaced.

Attention can now be given to pressure washing paths, patios, decking areas, garden furniture, walls, ornaments … the list goes on and on.

M&M Garden Services offer a comprehensive power washing service, we use professional petrol washers with enough psi (pounds per square inch) to clean up the toughest ground in dirt where required and with a variable pressure setting, it can be gentle enough to not damage the surface required to be cleaned.

Contact us to find out more of what we can offer but if you wish to undertake the task yourself follow this guide.

How to prepare for pressure washing

Pressure washing can be a dirty wet job.  Wear a decent set of water proofs, Wellington boots and gloves.

Once kitted out inspect the area to be cleaned, brush excess  dirt away and any heavy areas of moss on paths can be scraped up with a paint scraper or gently brushed with a wire brush.  Put the scrapings in the bin do not be tempted to use moss in the compost!

Garden furniture, barbecue items etc. should be stored well away from the area you wish to clean the spray from the jet washing will throw dirt everywhere and you don’t want to have to clean all your garden furniture this will just add to the task.

Place sheets over door thresholds, water can still make its way through patio or shed doors, a little precaution will prevent water damage to internal areas.  Gaffa tape door locks as silt can make its way into the lock mechanism and possibly damage the internal workings.

If your pressure washer is electric set the machine up so cables, extensions or hose pipes are manageable.  Nothing worse than having to stop cleaning to move away obstacles from the area you wish to clean.

Get started and work from the highest point, so water drains away keep an eye on where its going there will be a lot of water and you do not want a neighbour complaining there garden is flooded, keep a yard brush at hand to brush away puddled water and a shovel to scrape up mud and silt – this can be placed in pile until the excess water drains away it’ll make it easier to dispose of later.

Areas of wood decking look great but it can become unsightly when dirty and slippery with a build up of algae.

Pressure washing ensures your decking remains attractive and sage.  Make sure the right pressure is used, if you cannot alter the pressure hold the point of the gun further away.  Once cleaned we recommend a reliable wood protector, which will keep the decking looking good, non slip and preserve the wood longer.   Make sure the wood is totally dry before apply a protector.

Sanding and sealing

After pressure washing a block paved drive way or patio will need sanding.  Use a good quality kiln dried sand, just brush this into the gaps where the pressure washing has forced out the sand or dirt and will prevent weeds growing though.

If your pressure washer is electric set the machine up so cables, extensions or hose pipes are manageable.  Nothing worse than having to stop cleaning to move away obstacles from the area you wish to clean.

Get started and work from the highest point, so water drains away keep an eye on where its going there will be a lot of water and you do not want a neighbour complaining there garden is flooded, keep a yard brush at hand to brush away puddled water and a shovel to scrape up mud and silt – this can be placed in pile until the excess water drains away it’ll make it easier to dispose of later.

Areas of wood decking look great but it can become unsightly when dirty and slippery with a build up of algae.

Pressure washing ensures your decking remains attractive and sage.  Make sure the right pressure is used, if you cannot alter the pressure hold the point of the gun further away.  Once cleaned we recommend a reliable wood protector, which will keep the decking looking good, non slip and preserve the wood longer.   Make sure the wood is totally dry before apply a protector.

Sanding and sealing

After pressure washing a block paved drive way or patio will need sanding.  Use a good quality kiln dried sand, just brush this into the gaps where the pressure washing has forced out the sand or dirt and will prevent weeds growing though.

 

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Contact M&M Gardening Services Sheffield

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M&M Gardening Services
94 Wollaton Road
Bradway
Sheffield S17 4LG

Telephone: 0114 3485221
Mobile: 07779 330638