Powered patio washer

A subject often discussed in uk.d-i-y. You should get a lot of answers if you repost there.

I'll try adding it - hopefully it will work.

Ermin

I have a Karcher TRacer head for mine... it makes the job quite a bit easier since you are not carrying the weight of the jet or trying to control it - it becomes more like toting an upright vacuum cleaner about. A nice bonus is you end up wearing slightly somewhat less of the crud you wash off!

Good timing for me, I was just thinking about investigating / shopping. Presumably they are a bit more benign towards pointing than a standard lance? Also, I'm interested in opinions about using bleach or other cleaning products. Have grown quite a lot of algae on the new (cheap Indian sandstone) slabs this winter, especially in the areas which don't see so much direct sun.

I have one which creates coil spring marks unless travelled very slowly. They are a huge improvement over direct spray in controlling the final destination of the dirt removed (we have black feather edge board both sides of our paved yard).

Obviously you can't get right into a corner or up to an edge. Adjustable jets might be useful to speed up cleaning minor encrustations.

A very dilute belach can be good for clearing smaller areas. Test it fisrt in a discreet location to ensure it doesn't cause a problem with discolouration.

Ermin

What make is the washer please? Does it have a good working pressure and flow rate?

Ermin

I had a small Karcher which was OK, but a bit underpowered.When it aged I replaced it with a Nilfisk

This was more powerful, the parts click together much more easily, and the hose reel is handy.

The biggest problem with a patio brush is sand or grit getting into the pivot and affecting rotation of the spray arm.

Chris

I have the same but have been unable to get it to spin in any meaningful way. Any tips?

Karcher. You need to be careful mix/matching attachments as the bayonet fixings can vary with manufacturers. The washer was inherited so I don't have performance details. Ample pressure and flow for car and patio jobs.

about pressure washer

Okay - maybe I should think again about Karcher but my last ones were rather disappointing in terms of longevity. Plus they are quite a price these days. Hence my feelings towards Nilfisk.

I was disappointed with the Karchers I'd had - reliability was a bit questionable and I'm now put off by the price.

Yes, I can see the advantage of the reel - hoses can be awkward things. Is it a 'flow through' or do you have to completely unreel it before use?

Useful advice on the power/click together. Thankyou.

Something I'll watch out for.

Ermin

I found the standard Nilfisk hose was quite plasticky with a mind of its own (i.e. remembering the coiled state) I bought a decent rubber replacement from "Q Washers" and had it made a couple of metres longer.

But overall is/was the Nilfisk good?

Ermin

I wouldn't use bleach. When our concrete back steps get slippery with algae I use Jeyes fluid, elbow greas, a scrubbing brush, and rince with hose.

Years ago I borrowed a neighbour's karcher pressure cleaner to clean the concrete and it did no end of damage to the surface. Never again.

you might try the very useful paving website belonging to professional paver and ex-urgler Tony

Janet

Janet

But this does recommend the use of bleach!

Ermin

If you get the "spinning marks" it's because you have insufficient flow of water.

It should spin at very high sped. IME when it doesn't, there is insufficient water OR it needs a dose of WD40 down the nozzle.

The reels are not as good as you might think. They "pre-form" curls in the (high pressure)hose that tangle up when you are using it.