Guidance For Using A Pressure Washer On External Stone and Patios
Of course, you should refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your particular machine in order to understamd how to use it correctly, especially where health and safety are concerned.
You must be very careful if you intend to use a pressure washer on external natural or artificial stone patios and paths etc.
This article is intended as a guide, not to be a comprehensive set of instructions. We would like you to avoid some of the common and often disastrous errors.
Completely avoid the use of a lance (which provides a narrow jet of water) on most stones. A lance will often damage the surface of a stone by scribing lines into it. This damage is usually irreparable.
You can use the "rotating" type heads that are available for most good machines. They can be small, inexpensive domestic units or much larger, expensive, commercial machines.
If the surface is dry it is a good idea to thoroughly soak it first and keep it wet for about half an hour before you start.
Use the machine as per the manufacturer's instructions.
You will not be able to remove Black Spot Lichen or Severe Algae. For this you should look at our article on Algae and Black Spot Lichen below.
You will also find articles, below, which refer to the removal of oil and grease, coloured food or plant stains, rust and bird droppings.
If you have any queries please contact us.
Please click here to read our article on removing green and black algae and "black spot" from stone, tiles and pointing on external paths, steps and patios.
The products you will be using are Biorase which is sometimes followed up with Algex.
The best methods for removing mud and general dirt from stone and tiles.
Leaves, trees, petals, seeds, pollen and cuttings can stain stone. Leaves can release tannin as they turn brown which is a very powerful dye. Tannin is the stuff in tea that can stain the inside of a glazed china teapot so it's not surprising that it will stain stone.
You will be using Biorase which is usually very effective.
Bird droppings can cause severe staining on stone and tiles. We have seen areas covered in purple marks when they have been eating berries or green stains when the prefered food is caterpillars. You are likely to use Powerase and Biorase.
Please click here to see guidance, products and instructions.
Don’t want to Do-It-Yourself? We can do the work for you or put you in touch with a contractor