Domakihub How to Pressure Wash a Patio and Get It Looking New
A step-by-step guide to safely and effectively jet-washing any outdoor surface.
Reviewed by Domakihub cleaning pros · 2026-06-23 · 5 min read
Greece's year-round sunshine is ideal for outdoor living, but it also means patios, terraces, and pool decks collect algae, dust, and stubborn grime faster than in cooler climates. A pressure washer cuts through months of buildup in a single afternoon — and the video above shows exactly what the process looks like in practice. This guide walks you through every stage, from choosing the right pressure setting to protecting your joints and surfaces so the result lasts.
Why Pressure Washing Beats Scrubbing by Hand
A garden hose and a stiff brush can take hours and still leave embedded algae or calcium deposits behind. A pressure washer delivers water at 100–200 bar, which breaks the bond between organic growth and the surface in seconds rather than minutes. For holiday rentals and hotels in Greece, where turnover between guests can be tight, speed matters as much as the result.
Electric pressure washers in the 1,500–2,000 PSI range are sufficient for most residential patios — concrete, porcelain tile, natural stone, and block paving. Petrol machines above 2,500 PSI are reserved for large commercial terraces or very stubborn staining, and they carry a higher risk of etching softer stone.
Choosing the Right Nozzle and Detergent
Nozzles are colour-coded by spray angle: a 40-degree white tip gives a wide, gentle fan ideal for rinsing; a 25-degree green tip suits general patio cleaning; a 15-degree yellow tip concentrates the jet for stubborn spots on concrete. Avoid the 0-degree red tip on any paved surface — it will gouge grouting and etch stone. A rotary or turbo nozzle spins a narrow jet in a circular pattern and roughly doubles cleaning speed on large flat areas.
For patios with moss, algae, or lichen, apply a patio cleaner or diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to four parts water) and let it dwell for ten minutes before rinsing. Always check that your detergent is compatible with your surface: some acid-based cleaners will discolour limestone or marble. Rinse plants and pots with plain water before and after to avoid chemical damage.
How to Pressure Wash Your Patio: 5 Steps
- 1
Clear and pre-treat the area
Remove all furniture, plant pots, and decorative items. Sweep away loose debris with a stiff broom. If moss or algae is visible, apply a diluted patio cleaner or bleach solution, spread it evenly with a garden sprayer or brush, and leave it to dwell for at least 10 minutes. Cover any nearby drains with a mesh guard to catch loosened debris.
- 2
Set up your pressure washer safely
Connect the machine to a stable water supply — a 13-mm garden hose delivering at least 8 litres per minute is ideal. Fit the correct nozzle for your surface (25-degree green for general paving, 40-degree white for rinsing). Before switching on, squeeze the trigger to purge air from the hose. Never point the lance at people, pets, or electrical fittings, and always wear waterproof boots and safety goggles.
- 3
Work in overlapping strips from back to front
Hold the lance 20–30 cm from the surface and move it in smooth, overlapping strokes — like mowing a lawn. Always work away from the house so dirty water drains toward an open area. Keep the nozzle moving constantly; stopping in one spot will etch or discolour most surfaces. For block paving or brick, angle the jet slightly (around 45 degrees) to flush debris out of the joints rather than forcing it deeper in.
- 4
Tackle stubborn stains with a closer pass or a turbo nozzle
Oil drips, rust marks, or long-standing algae may not lift in a single pass. For these spots, switch to a turbo/rotary nozzle or reduce the working distance to 10–15 cm. Apply a targeted degreaser or oxalic-acid rust remover to persistent stains, let it react for five minutes, then blast it clear. Avoid spending more than three seconds in any single position to prevent surface damage.
- 5
Rinse, re-sand joints, and seal
Do a final wide-angle rinse across the whole patio to flush away all loosened grime and detergent residue. Once the surface is fully dry (allow 24–48 hours in typical Greek summer conditions), brush kiln-dried jointing sand into any block-paving joints that were emptied during washing. Finally, consider applying a patio sealant to lock out future algae and make the next clean easier — particularly valuable for natural stone and unglazed porcelain in coastal or poolside locations.
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FAQ
- What PSI pressure washer do I need for a stone or tile patio?
- For most residential patios — including concrete, porcelain, sandstone, and block paving — an electric pressure washer in the 1,500–2,000 PSI (100–140 bar) range is ideal. Higher pressure is rarely needed and risks etching softer stone or blowing out jointing sand. If you rent a machine, ask specifically for a model with adjustable pressure so you can dial down for delicate surfaces.
- How often should a patio be pressure washed in Greece?
- Once a year is the minimum for most patios. In humid coastal areas or shaded spots where algae spreads quickly, twice a year — typically in spring after the rainy season and again in autumn before winter — keeps surfaces safe and presentable. Holiday rental properties that see heavy foot traffic may benefit from a quick clean between seasons as well.
- Can pressure washing damage grout or jointing sand?
- Yes, it can if you use too narrow a nozzle or hold the lance too close and too long in one spot. Use a 25-degree or wider nozzle, keep the jet moving, and angle it at around 45 degrees rather than straight down into the joints. After washing, re-fill any eroded joints with kiln-dried sand to prevent weeds and instability.