Power Washers

[valsuey]

I am thinking of getting one to clean off my patio but don't want to get one that isn't up to the job.There seems to be all sorts ranging from �30 - �100 + Does anyone know what power will do the trick?Thanks in advance.

[WendyS]

The only thing I can warn you about with these power washers are the after-effects Every time we've had our patio and paths done - (we have concrete-type paving slabs), all the pointing has been dislodged by the pressure and we've had to have the whole area re-pointed, which is a real pain. Also, with paving slabs, the protective surface of the concrete is removed and we've had to re-coat them with two coats of patio-sealant which has not really been terribly effective long-term. These power washers do make your patio look nice and clean but the effect doesn't last for ever and often damage to the surface is done which can't be corrected. I'm now inclined to settle for some soapy water and a really stiff broom, (done after it's been raining for those who are hit by the current hosepipe ban).

[valsuey]

Thanks WendyS maybe I'll save my money and buy a new broom instead!

[smudge]

Apart from Wendy's brilliant post, I found that all the weathered moss was washed out between the blocks on our patio - which is what I didn't want!

Pressure washers are great for some jobs, but they also splash the dirt & grime up onto the french window glass panes & frames! I spent hours cleaning up after using our one last year - hard work!

[bellasasha]

we use ours on our driveway and patio without any probs, we have the top of the range karacher one so maybe thats where people are going wrong...you get what u pay for...anyway we find it fantastic and they are definately worth the money

[smudge]

Ours is a Karacher too bellasacha.

As I said, it does a brilliant job, but you can't do much about it washing moss away, or of it splashing! Even an ordinary hose pipe on full blast can cause splashing, so you can imagine what a pressure washer does!

[valsuey]

Thanks all for your advice,I will relay your answers to Mr VS and let him decide.I'm guessing that by "Top of the Range" they will be the expensive ones you have? They seem to rate them in "Bars" as far as I could see,The highest one I saw was 140 Bars and that was �200 !

[Clanad]

One last piece of advice... any pressure washer that doesn't reach at least 2400 pounds per square inch (PSI) pressure at a rate of at least 2.5 or 3.0 gallons per minute of really won't do the job. Here in the U.S., these usually cost around $300 to $500 for a good quality. Secondly, often, those that have some of the prblems described here, may not have adjusted the nozzle spray appropriately. A thin, concentrated stream will actually take the paint off a house. A widened, fan shaped spray will usually clean pavers and decking without harm. I have a paver deck with an intricate design and colored sand between the pavers. I've washed it numerous times with no problems...

[bellasasha]

yup clanad i agree, we went wrong the first time we used it with the wrong nozzles...its just a case if using them all and giving it a try....dont write off power washers valsuey. you'll wonder what u did before!!!!

[smudge]

I adjusted the nozzles accordingly & used a wide spray, but still lost the most of the moss & still got splashes, you can't prevent that!

[Baktrak]

I looked at my Decking today and groaned as I knew that cleaning all the black gunk off it wasn't goin to be easy I have read all the other post looking for tips, but couldn't bear the thought of having to scrub it all again first. I decided to go to Argos and get a Karcher T Racer Patio and Deck cleaning attachment and I am Fantastically immpressed. no scrubbing beforehand I just connected it up and had totally cleaned my 16' x 10' deck in less than half an hour. It's brilliant! I am going to clean my drive tomorrow.... can't wait !