Jet washing in Fulham for patios, paths and steps

Small gardens, shady corners and green slabs

Fulham terraced houses tend to have narrow back gardens, with walls and neighbours close on both sides. That shade is lovely in summer but it means patios stay damp for much of the year, and algae and moss grow quickly. Slabs turn green, then black, and become slippery after rain. Basement lightwells and the steps down to garden flats can be even worse, because they hardly ever get direct sun.

A proper clean takes the surface back to the stone or concrete, removes weeds from the joints and makes the space safe to walk on again. It also shows up any loose slabs or broken edges that were hidden under the growth.

Jet washing in Fulham done with the right pressure

More pressure is not always better. A pressure washer used too close or too hard can strip the surface off soft sandstone, blast mortar out of brick paths and leave stripes on concrete. We adjust the nozzle and distance for each surface, and on delicate areas we often use a rotary surface cleaner. That is a round attachment with spinning jets under a hood, which gives an even finish and cuts down on splashing your walls and windows.

Some surfaces should not be jet washed at all, or only very gently. Painted walls, soft old render and fragile pointing are good examples. If something looks at risk, we will say so before starting.

• Concrete and natural stone patios
• Block paving and brick paths
• Basement and front steps
• Timber and composite decking

Period tiled paths and front steps

Many Victorian and Edwardian houses have a front path laid with small patterned tiles in red, black and cream. They look wonderful when clean, but they are often old, sometimes cracked, and set in mortar that has weakened. Blasting them hard can lift loose tiles or wash out the joints.

For paths like these, we use low pressure, warm water where possible and a gentle cleaner, working carefully rather than quickly. We note loose tiles so you can decide whether you want us to refix them. The aim is to bring back the colour without damaging something that cannot easily be replaced.

Decking, sealing and after care

Timber decking goes slimy in shady gardens and can be properly dangerous in wet weather. Jet washing on a low setting along the grain lifts the dirt and algae without tearing up the wood fibres. Composite decking needs a lighter touch still, and the maker's care guide tells you what is allowed.

Once the surface has dried, a patio sealer or a decking oil can help slow down the growth coming back. This is optional and depends on the material. We can also replace a few rotten boards while we are there, so the deck is clean and sound at the same time.

Before and after the clean

Jet washing often reveals things that were hidden. Joints between slabs may be empty once the weeds and moss come out, and it is a good time to refill them with fresh mortar or a jointing compound so weeds have less room to grow back. Slabs that rock underfoot can be lifted and relaid on a fresh bed, which makes the patio safer for children and older visitors.

On brick paths and block paving, kiln dried sand is usually brushed back into the joints after cleaning to lock the blocks together. For basement steps, a clean surface also shows up chipped nosings, the front edges of the steps, which are worth repairing before someone trips.

Some people like to follow a jet wash with a patio cleaner that keeps working for weeks afterwards. Whatever you use, follow the label carefully around pets and plants, and keep it away from ponds. A garden in Fulham, Putney or Parsons Green that gets a good clean in spring and a quick sweep through the year will stay safer to walk on and far nicer to sit in.

Water, mess and your neighbours

Jet washing throws up dirty water and grit, so we move pots and furniture first and cover doors, air bricks and anything that should stay dry. In tight gardens close to the house next door, we keep the spray low and angled away from shared walls and windows. The dirt that comes off is swept up rather than left to dry on the slabs.

Garden flats often have a single small drain or gully in the patio. If that drain is slow, a heavy wash can flood the area, so we check it first and clear leaves and silt from the grid. If the drain is badly blocked, we will tell you before carrying on.

Booking jet washing near you

We take jet washing jobs across Fulham and nearby areas including Parsons Green, Putney and Fulham Broadway. Spring is a popular time, when people want the garden ready for summer, and landlords often book a clean before new tenants move in. You will need an outside tap or an indoor tap we can connect to. Tell us roughly how big the area is, what it is made of and whether there is easy access through the house, and we will come back with a free quote.

Common questions