Will Pressure Washing Ruin My Patio?

Some people view pressure washers as the holy grail of cleaning supplies. A tool that sprays water so fast it can get rid of dirt, sludge, mud, sand, mold, or any other unwanted visitor. But are these magical instruments of cleaning too powerful for our patios? This article will discuss why it’s essential to be careful when pressure washing your deck. 

Is It Safe?

Let’s start with the most commonly asked question: “Will pressure washing ruin my patio?” It’s easy to understand why people may think this. Pressure washers shoot water out of a hose at impressive rates of speed. The force behind this water can be strong enough to cause damage if you’re not careful. 

So the answer to this question is both yes and no. We know that isn’t all that helpful, but we recommend using common sense when debating whether it’s safe for your patio. Most surfaces can handle pressure washing, but for surfaces that are already damaged, rotting, or aging, you might want to consider other cleaning avenues. 

Don’t Underestimate Its Power

If you decide it’s safe to use a pressure washer, please make sure you don’t underestimate its power. For example, even pressure washer models with low psi levels can damage human skin. These machines are powerful, but if you’re aware of their ability, you can harness them. 

When using a pressure washer, you want to be sure you’re using the proper equipment to ensure your safety. This means using safety goggles and gloves if necessary. Grip the wand tightly to avoid recoil when the pressure kicks in, and be sure to start on the lowest pressure setting. 

Don’t Use One Nozzle

One of the significant benefits of pressure washers is that they can be versatile. You can fit your hoses with many different types of nozzles. Each nozzle has its own use and is built for specific situations. Knowing the benefits of each nozzle can help you immensely. 

With that being said, make sure you’re using a nozzle that helps protect your patio. As a general rule of thumb, the more narrow the spray, the more force it delivers. A wide, 40-degree nozzle works well for residential washing, such as loosening dirt on redwood or cedar decking, cleaning siding, and rinsing outdoor furniture. A 25-degree nozzle tip will tackle dirt and grime on concrete and other types of masonry.

Ease Into the Job

We have emphasized several times throughout the article how intense the pressure of these hoses can be. The reason we’ve done this is that it’s important to know - the higher the psi, the greater the risk of damage to your patio. That’s why it’s important to start slow, with modest pressure. 

By starting slow, you can ease into higher levels of pressure. This allows you to see what pressure works best for your porch. If you don’t need the highest level possible, there’s no reason to dive into this high level of pressure immediately. 

We Can Help

If you need residential pressure washing services in the Suffolk, New York area, our team here at Beyond Maids is here to help. We offer a wide range of cleaning services to people throughout the New York area. Give us a call today to find out what it is we can do for you.