Well, hello there, patio perfectionist in the making! Maybe you’ve just bought a brand-new pressure washer (nice one!) or finally dug yours out of the shed, ready to banish the grime of winter. Either way… you’re in the right place if you want to know how to pressure wash your patio correctly.
Before you blast full steam ahead, let’s make sure you’re doing it the right way. Because, believe it or not, pressure washing your patio without a plan can actually cause more harm than good. (And no one wants to explain a cracked slab or flying stone to the other half…)
So, pull on your waterproofs, and let’s walk through everything you need to know about how to pressure wash your patio safely, effectively, and without damage.
We’ll cover:
- ✅ Five must-know jet washing tips
- ✅ Step-by-step patio cleaning instructions
- 🎥 A short video of our team in action (because who doesn’t love a visual!)
- 🛠 And of course… where to hire or buy pressure washers at the very end
Let’s get stuck in!
Five tips to power wash your patio and limit damage.
Tip 1 – Dress for mess (trust me!)
I’ve watched our patio technicians come back looking like they’ve done a Tough Mudder — and that’s with waterproofs! Pressure washers spray in every direction, so expect to get soaked and splattered.
Top tip: Waterproofs, wellies, gloves, and protective eyewear are your new best friends.
Tip 2 – Safety first, always
Even if you’ve swept beforehand, small stones can hide in the cracks and go flying when hit with pressure. That jet stream packs a punch!
Protect those eyes. Always wear safety goggles — it’s not worth the risk.
Tip 3 – Clear the clutter
Move anything that can be moved: pots, chairs, garden ornaments, gnomes — the lot! Jet spray travels, and you don’t want to end up scrubbing mud off your planters (or worse, smashing something precious).
If there’s something you can’t move, cover it up well with a tarp or plastic sheet. Future-you will be grateful!
Tip 4 – Give it a good sweep first
Don’t skip this bit. Brushing your patio before you start helps get rid of loose debris that could otherwise shoot up and damage windows, greenhouses, or (again) your face.
My top tip? Don’t let flying grit come between you and your happy home life — just ask my husband after I nearly took out his greenhouse last year 😅
Tip 5 – Always test the pressure first
This is the golden rule! Start in a hidden corner and use the lowest setting — around 1,200 PSI is ideal for most patios.
Only increase the pressure if absolutely needed, and never go above 1,500 PSI. Too much force can damage the surface, blast out jointing sand, or leave etching marks you can’t undo.
Steps to pressure washing your patio like a pro
Step 1 – Clear and prep
Move any furniture, pots, or garden bits out of the way. Then sweep off dirt, moss, leaves, and debris. A clean start makes for a better result.
Step 2 – Set up your pressure washer
Connect your hose and water supply, pull the trigger to let the water run for a few seconds, then plug it into the mains.
Make sure you’ve got your attachments ready — they’ll make life much easier for rinsing, scrubbing, and getting into the tricky corners.
Step 3 – Pre-wash and apply detergent (if using)
If you’ve got a patio cleaning detergent, now’s the time to apply it. Wet the area first, then apply the cleaner — it’ll help lift stubborn grime and stains. Leave it to dwell for a few minutes (always check instructions).
Step 4 – Pressure washing time!
Set your washer to around 1,200 PSI and start in a corner. Hold the lance at a 45-degree angle and sweep across the slabs slowly.
Go easy over any joints or pointing — too much pressure can blow the sand out, and that’s a whole new problem.
For moss, algae or really stubborn bits, you might need a narrower spray or turbo lance — just remember to lower the pressure again when you’re back to rinsing!
Step 5 – Rinse, shut down, and admire your work
Once you’ve cleaned the patio, give it a good rinse with plain water to wash away any residue.
Turn off the pressure washer, disconnect it from the water, and squeeze the trigger one last time to release leftover pressure inside the machine. Pack everything away — then leave your patio to dry completely.
Step back, smile, and enjoy that “I did it!” moment 👏
🎥 Need a bit of visual help? Check out the short video below to see the Art of Clean team working their magic on a patio — it’s oddly satisfying and super helpful if you’re a visual learner.
Places to hire or buy a pressure washer:
Here is a short video of our process:
To find a company for you:
Reviews about patio and driveway cleaning:
Written and edited by Tracey Gilbey, Marketing and Admin Coordinator at Art of Clean.
For further advice or information on our Carpet and Soft Furnishing care, please do not hesitate to contact the Art of Clean team on 01223 901551 in Cambridge. Our services include Carpet Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning, oriental and area Rug Cleaning, Curtain Cleaning, Patio, and Driveway Pressure washing, Leather Cleaning, Stone and Tile Floor Cleaning, and Wood Floor Sanding and Restoration. We also supply new flooring and carpets through our sister company Art of Flooring. Our Dry-Cleaning service is provided by Farthings Cambridge
