With the worst of winter now drawing to a close, it’s a good time for cleaning your driveway or patio. With our country’s weather patios and driveways tend to become a little green and algae-covered over winter. Tackling the problem while the weather is still somewhat wet means the deposits of algae are easier to remove.
A Pressure Washer?
Yes, Pressure washers are great at removing Algae from concrete and stone surfaces. But they are also quite destructive to substrates. Block paving can easily have its jointing sand removed accidentally with pressure washing. So one advantage of tackling this job early is algae has not yet sunbaked onto the slabs and stones of your garden and driveway. Using a stiff yard broom and a simple soap solution will remove the majority of algae easily without having to resort to a pressure washer.
If you do decide to clean your patio or driveway with a pressure washer be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and wear safety glasses. Be careful not to direct the jet at plants or other soft things including your feet. Pressure washers throw up a lot of grit and debris which needs careful management in its direction if nothing is to be damaged. Using one sensibly can yield brilliant results, using one carelessly can be equally as extreme in its disappointment.
Be Kind
Be careful what you use to clean your outside and garden areas. Wildlife can be affected by the use of chemicals. SO as much as is practical using a manual cleaning method will keep your garden ecosystem safe. One benefit of a pressure washer is generally they do provide excellent cleaning without the use of detergents.
We would love to hear and share your tips and advice for cleaning your driveway or patio this spring.