Restoring driveways, patios and paths with pressure washing

Pressure Washing and Driveway Cleaning

Pressure washing (also called jet washing) is high-pressure water cleaning of hard outdoor surfaces — driveways, patios, paths and block paving — to lift moss, algae, oil marks and ground-in dirt and restore the surface's original appearance, priced per square metre or as a fixed job for a defined area.

Definition

What Pressure Washing covers

Outdoor paved surfaces gather moss, algae and general grime over time, especially in shaded or damp areas, which makes them slippery as well as unsightly. Pressure washing uses a controlled high-pressure water jet, calibrated to the surface type, to strip this back without damaging block paving, concrete, tarmac or natural stone. Some surfaces benefit from re-sanding of joints or a sealant afterwards to slow regrowth, which we can advise on.

Suitable for

  • Driveways showing moss, algae or general ground-in dirt
  • Patios and paths that have become slippery or discoloured
  • Block paving needing joint sand topped up after cleaning
  • Forecourts and external areas ahead of a sale or let

Not suitable for

  • Delicate or aged natural stone where high pressure could damage the surface — assessed and, where needed, cleaned at reduced pressure or with an alternative method
  • Roof and render surfaces, which need a soft-wash approach rather than direct pressure — see our roof and render cleaning service for that

Process

How the work is carried out

  1. 01

    Assessment

    Checking surface type, area and condition to set the right pressure and method.

  2. 02

    Preparation

    Clearing loose debris and protecting nearby planting or vulnerable surfaces.

  3. 03

    Pressure washing

    Cleaning the surface at a pressure calibrated to the material, working systematically across the area.

  4. 04

    Finishing

    Re-sanding block paving joints and advising on optional sealing to slow future regrowth.

Typical timescale

A standard driveway typically takes a few hours depending on size and condition, completed in a single visit.

Cost guidance

Pressure washing typically costs £3–£8 per m² in our area, or is priced as a fixed job for a defined area, with surface type and how heavily soiled it is affecting where you fall in that range. We confirm the price after seeing photos or visiting the site rather than quoting a flat rate blind.

Limitations and exclusions

  • Joint sand for block paving and any sealant treatment are quoted as optional extras beyond the base clean
  • Structural repairs to damaged paving, sunken slabs or cracked tarmac are quoted as separate building work

FAQs

Pressure Washing FAQs

Will pressure washing damage my block paving or patio?

Not when the pressure is set correctly for the surface — we calibrate this to the material, and for more delicate or aged surfaces we reduce pressure or use an alternative method rather than risk damage.

How long does a cleaned driveway stay moss- and algae-free?

This varies with location, shade and drainage, but re-sanding block paving joints and an optional sealant after cleaning both help slow regrowth compared with cleaning alone — we can advise on both when we visit.

Do you price by area or as a fixed job?

Both — smaller or irregular areas are often priced per m², while a typical driveway or patio is usually quoted as a fixed job once we've seen the size and condition.

Discuss your pressure washing project

Tell us about the property and what you have in mind, and we'll arrange a site visit.

Last reviewed 2026-07-28.

01293 365134Request a Quote

We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use this site. Nothing is tracked until you accept. Cookie Policy