East Devon's mild, damp climate is brilliant for growing things. Unfortunately that includes the algae, moss and lichen that gradually turn your patio from a place to sit and enjoy the garden into a slippery green eyesore. Driveways go black. Decking gets treacherous. Paths disappear under moss. It happens to every garden, and a proper pressure wash brings everything back to life.
I provide pressure washing across East Devon as a standalone service or alongside regular garden maintenance. Everything is cleaned with water only — no chemical treatments, no detergents, no bleach. Just high-pressure water doing the work. That means no chemical run-off into your borders, your lawn, or the local watercourse.
The satisfying half-and-half — you can see the original stone colour coming back
What Can Be Pressure Washed?
Patios
The most common job I do. Whether you have natural sandstone, limestone, slate, concrete slabs, block paving or porcelain tiles, pressure washing removes the built-up layer of algae, moss and grime that makes the surface look dirty and — more importantly — dangerously slippery when wet. A good wash in spring transforms your patio for the whole summer. Most patios take a couple of hours to clean thoroughly depending on size and how much growth has built up.
Driveways
Block paving, tarmac, concrete and gravel drives all accumulate dirt, oil stains and biological growth over time. A pressure wash restores the original surface and improves the kerb appeal of your property instantly. For block paving, I also clear weed growth from the joints — this is often the biggest cosmetic issue and pressure washing does it far more effectively than pulling weeds by hand or spraying them with weedkiller.
Decking
Wooden decking in Devon's damp climate gets dangerously slippery within a year if it is not cleaned. The green film that builds up is a mix of algae and moisture that can have you flat on your back before you know it. Pressure washing removes this safely and effectively. I use appropriate pressure settings for timber — too much pressure damages the wood grain, too little does not clean properly. After cleaning, decking dries naturally and the timber colour comes back. If you want to oil or stain it afterwards, a pressure wash is the essential first step.
Block paving driveway — weed growth blasted from the joints, original colour restored
Garden Paths & Steps
Paths that have gone green and mossy are a slip hazard, especially for older residents. A quick pressure wash makes them safe again and tidies up the whole garden. Steps are particularly important — a mossy step in wet weather is an accident waiting to happen.
Garden Walls & Stonework
Devon's red sandstone and cob walls develop a beautiful patina over time and often that is best left alone. But rendered walls, concrete retaining walls and modern stonework can benefit from a careful clean. I use lower pressure settings on older or softer stone to avoid damage.
Why Water Only?
Many pressure washing companies use chemical pre-treatments — typically sodium hypochlorite (bleach) or biocidal washes — to speed up the job. I do not, for three reasons:
- Your plants: chemical run-off from patio cleaning kills plants in adjacent borders. If your patio is surrounded by planting, which most are, chemical treatment puts those plants at risk
- Your lawn: bleach run-off burns grass. You can usually spot a chemically-cleaned patio by the strip of dead lawn at the edge
- The environment: in East Devon we are surrounded by SSSIs, the Otter Estuary, the River Sid, the Exe Estuary. Chemical run-off from driveways and patios goes into the surface water system. Water-only cleaning avoids this entirely
The trade-off is that water-only cleaning can take a little longer on heavily soiled surfaces. I think that is a fair exchange for not poisoning your borders.
When is the Best Time?
Pressure washing can be done year-round, but the most popular and practical times are:
- Spring (March to April): the most popular time. Clean everything after winter so your patio and paths are ready for the warmer months. This is when most people notice how green things have become
- Autumn (September to October): a good time to clean decking before the wet season makes it slippery, and to clear moss from paths before winter
- Before selling: a pressure-washed patio and driveway makes a noticeable difference to kerb appeal and first impressions at viewings
Decking after a water-only clean — timber grain visible, no more green slippery film
What I Need from You
Access to an outside tap and a power supply. That is it. I bring the pressure washer and all the kit. If you do not have an outside tap, let me know when you get in touch and we can discuss options.
Pricing
Pressure washing is charged at £30 per hour. As a rough guide, a typical domestic patio takes two to three hours. A driveway depends on size but most take half a day. I will give you an honest estimate when I visit and there are no hidden extras — what I quote is what you pay.
Works Well With
Pressure washing pairs naturally with a general garden tidy-up. Many customers book a patio clean alongside garden clearance or as part of a spring spruce-up that includes lawn mowing, hedge cutting and border work. Getting everything done in one visit is more efficient and the whole garden benefits at once.
Get a Free Quote
Call 07767 241844 or fill in the quote form. Send me a photo of the area you want cleaned if you can — it helps me give you a more accurate estimate before I visit. No pressure (apart from the water), no hard sell.