A well-maintained patio can be the perfect space for hosting, enjoying a morning coffee or unwinding after a long day. But over time, surfaces like slabs and decking can become dirty and weathered by the elements. Thankfully, with a good pressure washer in hand, you don’t have to spend hours scrubbing to get yours back to its best.
These tools may seem intimidating if you’ve never used one before, but they're easy to use ‒and dare we say fun ‒ once you get the hang of it. Learn how to pressure wash a patio step by step below and restore yours to its former glory!
Prepare your patio area
First, you need to clear your work area for your pressure washer to do its job efficiently. Start by clearing any furniture, plants, toys or other items that might get in the way or be damaged or caught in the splash zone.
Next, inspect your patio for any loose dirt or debris that could be kicked up during the cleaning. Use a regular old broom or a convenient cordless leaf blower to shift leaves and twigs at double speed.
If weeds are growing between slabs, pulling larger ones out will reduce mess and make the final clean-up easier. You can do this by hand or with one of our cordless patio cleaners, complete with a handy wire or scrubbing brush.
Now you’ll have a smooth, clear surface to work on, allowing the pressure washer to reach every nook and cranny!
Get your kit ready
Choosing the right tool is key to knowing how to jet wash a patio efficiently. You'll ideally want adjustable pressure settings to suit different applications, from delicate patio stones to tough concrete slabs.
Our cordless power washers give you extra flexibility with the option to connect a standard garden hose or use a syphoning hose to pull water from any source, such as a bucket or water butt. They're ideal when there isn't a convenient mains power or constant water supply nearby.
You can choose from a range of tools to suit your budget and patio area, from 22 bar of pressure to 41bar models with advanced brushless motors for more power and runtime.
Don’t forget to wear protective gear too. Safety goggles and sturdy footwear will shield you from flying debris, and gloves will keep your hands safe from the high-power water jet. Don't be tempted to put your hand in front of it!
Blast away dirt and grime
Now for the fun part! Here's how to clean patio slabs with a pressure washer, step by step:
- Connect your washer to a clean water supply, stand a few feet away from your slabs and select a medium pressure setting to begin with. You don't need to connect to mains electricity with one of our cordless tools.
- Start the tool and direct the spray in a steady back-and-forth motion. Move in sections and keep the nozzle a consistent height from the surface, applying even pressure for a uniform finish. You can increase the pressure if needed, but be careful of damaging thinner or more fragile slabs. A low setting is best if you're cleaning wooden decking.
- You'll see most dirt being blasted away as soon as the water hits the surface. For more stubborn grime, keep spraying gradually until the slab begins to look noticeably cleaner.
Optional extra: Before you start cleaning, you can apply a special detergent to your slabs to help break down stubborn dirt.
Our stone washer detergent removes oil, grease, algae and more with minimum fuss. Simply apply it directly to the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes to work its magic, and follow up with the pressure washer.
Rinse and dry
Once you’ve tackled all the grime and stains, it’s time for a final rinse.
Switch your tool to a lower pressure setting to avoid splashing debris around. Simply run it over your entire patio, making sure to rinse off any leftover cleaning solution to avoid streaks or slipperiness.
Once completed, allow your patio to air dry. It's best to avoid using it immediately after cleaning as the surface will be slightly slick until it's dried completely. If you’re in a hurry, you can use a mop or squeegee to help remove excess water.
Post-clean care
Knowing how to clean patio slabs properly doesn’t just improve their appearance; it also helps prolong their life.
To maintain yours effectively, consider using a patio sealant after it's dried completely. This can protect the surface from future stains and grime buildup. Regular cleaning (at least twice a year) following the steps above will then help keep your slabs looking fresh for years.
Keey your patio sparkling with RYOBI
Now you know how to clean a patio, all that's left is to get your kit and put it to work. Check out our cordless pressure washer range and accessories and blast away dirt and grime in time for the next sunny day!