Alright, so I finally got around to using that Kärcher K5 pressure washer I picked up. Been meaning to tackle the grimy patio slabs for ages.

Getting Started

First off, dragged the box out to the garden. Unpacked everything. Felt pretty solid, heavier than my old cheap one. Had to clip the handle on, easy enough. Then connected the main garden hose to the machine's inlet. Made sure it clicked in properly. Then wrestled with the high-pressure hose, connecting one end to the machine and the other to the trigger gun. Again, clicks to make sure it's seated.

Plugged the power cord in. The cord isn't super long, so had to grab an extension lead suitable for outdoor use. Safety first, right?

The Cleaning Job

Okay, time to actually wash something. I picked the Vario Power spray lance first. Twisted it to a medium setting to start. Turned the water tap on fully. Then switched the machine on at the main dial. Heard the motor hum to life.

Pulled the trigger. Wow, okay, this thing has some proper power behind it. Way more than my previous washer. Started on a corner of the patio. You could see the dirt just lifting off immediately. Like drawing clean lines on a dirty canvas.

Worked my way across the patio, overlapping each pass slightly. Found a rhythm. Spray, move, spray, move. It was actually quite satisfying seeing the difference.

• Had some really stubborn green algae spots near the wall.
• Switched off the machine briefly.
• Popped off the Vario lance and put on the Dirt Blaster lance. This one has a rotating pinpoint jet.

Turned it back on. This Dirt Blaster thing is intense! It hammered away at the green stuff. Had to be a bit careful not to get too close, felt like it could damage the slabs if I wasn't paying attention. But it definitely shifted the stubborn grime.

Got a bit of spray back on myself, definitely wear old clothes and boots for this job. The machine itself wasn't too loud, but the noise of the water hitting the pavement was noticeable.

Wrapping Up

Finished the whole patio. Took maybe an hour? Rinsed it all down one last time with the Vario lance on a wider setting. Turned the machine off, then the water tap. Squeezed the trigger gun to release any leftover pressure. Disconnected the hoses – bit of water spilled out, expected that.

Wiped the machine down quickly. Coiled up the high-pressure hose onto the built-in reel, which is handy. Looped the power cord onto its hook. Rolled it back into the shed.

Overall, pretty impressed. The K5 did exactly what I needed it to do. Cleaned the patio much faster and better than my old washer. The different lances are useful. Build quality feels decent. Yeah, happy with how it went. The patio looks loads better now.