So, the driveway and the back patio, right? They were looking absolutely grim. We're talking years of dirt, some green stuff I didn't even want to identify, the whole nine yards. Every time I pulled in or tried to sit out back, it just bugged me. I kept saying, "I gotta do something about this," but you know how it is.

Getting My Hands on This Pressure Wash Gun

Finally, I bit the bullet. Didn't go for anything super fancy, just a basic electric pressure wash gun that seemed like it could do the job. Picked it up last weekend. The box was lighter than I expected, which made me a bit wary, to be honest. You know, thinking, "Is this thing gonna have any oomph?"

Got it home, laid all the bits out on the garage floor. The instructions were, well, instructions. Lots of tiny pictures. Managed to snap the wand together, hooked up the hose. First go, I didn't tighten the hose connection enough to the gun. Turned the water on, and whoosh! Water spraying everywhere but the nozzle. A nice little shower for me, great start. Had to really crank that thing down to stop the leaking. Lesson learned, I guess.

The Big Clean-Up Operation

Alright, so once I wasn't watering myself anymore, I pointed the pressure wash gun at the filthiest paving slab I could find. Pulled the trigger. And man, even this basic model had some kick! It wasn't like those crazy gas-powered ones you see the pros use, but it was stripping away gunk that had probably been there since we moved in. It was surprisingly satisfying, watching that dirt just peel off.

I started with a wider nozzle, like the instructions mumbled something about. Good thing too. I tried a more focused jet on a stubborn spot, and it nearly dug a hole in the mortar between the slabs. Close call there. You really gotta keep this thing moving, or you'll etch patterns you didn't intend to.

I spent a good few hours out there. Did the whole driveway, then moved onto the patio. My arms were aching by the end of it, and I was splattered head to toe with muddy spray. My shoes were completely soaked through. It’s definitely not a clean job, using one of these pressure wash guns. You think you're cleaning the ground, but half of it ends up on you.

• The concrete driveway – came up much brighter.
• Old garden furniture – blasted the green algae right off.
• The kids' plastic slide – looks almost new again.
• Even tried a bit on the lower part of the house siding, very carefully.

The gun itself held up, surprisingly. Didn't fall apart, didn't overheat. The power cord was a bit of a pain, always getting tangled or needing an extension, but that’s electric tools for you.

So, What's the Verdict?

Looking at it now, the difference is huge. The driveway doesn’t look like a neglected back alley anymore. The patio is actually a place you'd want to sit. It was a messy, tiring job, no doubt about it. That pressure wash gun, for all its simplicity, did what it was supposed to do.

If I had to give any advice, it’d be to wear old clothes. Really old clothes. And waterproof boots if you have them. Also, don't underestimate the spray-back; it gets everywhere. Start gentle, find the right nozzle, and take your time. It’s not a race. For the money I spent, and the effort I put in, I’m pretty chuffed with the results. The place just feels cleaner, you know?