So, about this weekend. I finally got around to using that cleaner, the pressure washer, on the patio. It was looking pretty grim out there, let me tell you. Years of who-knows-what caked on. Every time I stepped out, it just looked depressing.

First thing I did was haul the pressure washer itself out of the garage. It’s not one of those massive gas-powered beasts, just a standard electric one I picked up a while back. Does the trick for what I need. Then, the fun part – clearing everything off the patio. Chairs, the little table, a bunch of plant pots. You know how it is, stuff just piles up. Took a bit to get it all moved so I had a clear shot.

Getting Started with the Cleaning

Once the deck was clear, I hooked up the water hose to the washer, then plugged the machine into an outdoor socket. I spent a minute or two figuring out which nozzle to use. Didn't want to go too aggressive and etch the concrete or blast the grout out from between the pavers. Started with a wider spray pattern just to be safe.

And then I just started. Began at one end and slowly worked my way across. It was pretty amazing, actually, watching the layers of dirt and that green slimy stuff just lift off. Like a magic eraser, but with water. You could see the original color of the concrete emerging. I guess I'd forgotten what it was supposed to look like.

There were some spots, especially under where the big oak tree hangs over, that were extra stubborn. Had to go over those areas a couple of times, moving the wand a bit slower, getting a little closer. It’s not complicated work, but you do have to pay attention to what you’re doing to get an even clean.

I made sure to wear some old shoes and clothes I didn't care about, because you definitely get a bit of splash-back. And safety glasses, of course. You don't want any of that grime flying into your eyes. The machine makes a bit of noise, but it's bearable.

The Results and What I Reckon

After a couple of hours, I was done. Stepped back to take a look. Wow. Seriously, it looked like a completely different patio. So much brighter. It's one of those jobs that's a bit of a pain to start, but incredibly satisfying once you see the results.

My arms were a little tired from holding the wand and maneuvering the hose, but it was worth it. The whole area just feels cleaner now, more inviting. Even the wife came out and said it looked great, so that's a win.

If I were to give any quick tips, it'd be these:

• Definitely clear everything out of the way first. Don’t try to work around stuff.
• Start with a gentler nozzle or spray pattern until you get a feel for it.
• Overlap your passes a bit so you don’t get weird lines.
• Wear stuff you don’t mind getting wet and dirty.

So yeah, that was my pressure washing session. A bit of elbow grease, or rather, trigger-finger grease, and the patio is looking sharp. Now I'm eyeing the driveway… that might be next weekend's project.