Power Washing & Soft Washing
Two different jobs, two different machines. Hard surfaces get high pressure through a rotary cleaner for an even finish with no zebra stripes. Painted, rendered and delicate surfaces get soft washing — low pressure and the right chemistry instead.
Pressure is a tool, not the answer to everything
In an Irish climate, paving does not get dirty so much as it gets colonised. Constant damp and low winter sun feed algae, moss and lichen, and within a couple of seasons a driveway turns green, then black, then slippery. That growth also holds water against the surface, which accelerates frost damage in the joints.
For concrete, tarmac, natural stone, cobblelock and brick paving we use a rotary surface cleaner. It keeps the nozzle at a fixed height and speed, so the whole slab is cleaned to the same depth — that is the difference between a genuinely clean driveway and one covered in wand marks.
Render, painted timber, uPVC, cladding and older mortar cannot take that pressure without damage. Those surfaces get soft washing instead: a low-pressure application of a cleaning solution that kills the organic growth, dwell time to let it work, then a gentle rinse. Slower, but it does not blow the render off the wall.
What a power washing job includes
- Survey of the surface, joints and any loose or damaged sections
- Plants, drains and vulnerable areas covered or protected
- Pre-treatment on heavy moss, lichen and black spot
- Rotary surface cleaning for an even, stripe-free finish
- Detail lancing along edges, steps and kerbs
- Rinse-down of walls, doors and windows afterwards
- Debris collected and removed from site
- Optional kiln-dried sand re-sanding of block paving joints
Surfaces we clean
- Cobblelock and block paving driveways
- Concrete, imprinted concrete and tarmac
- Patios, paths and garden steps
- Natural stone, granite, limestone and slate
- Garden walls, piers and boundary walls
- Decking and timber sleepers
- Yards, loading bays and commercial forecourts
- Bin stores, walkways and apartment common areas
Aftercare options
- Kiln-dried sand re-sanding to lock the blocks and slow weed growth
- Weed and moss inhibitor applied to the joints
- Penetrating sealer to resist oil, wine and de-icing salt
- Colour-enhancing sealer for natural stone
- Anti-slip treatment for steps and shaded paths
- Annual maintenance visit at a reduced rate
What it usually costs
| Job | Guide price |
|---|---|
| Small patio or path (up to 30 m²) | From €140 |
| Standard driveway (30–60 m²) | From €220 |
| Large driveway (60–100 m²) | From €350 |
| Joint re-sanding, per m² | From €1.50 |
| Sealing, per m² | From €6 |
| Decking clean & brighten, per m² | From €7 |
| Commercial yard, per m² | Quoted on site |
Power Washing & Soft Washing — recent jobs
Power Washing & Soft Washing near you
Local pages with the conditions, coverage and questions specific to each area.
Frequently asked
Will power washing damage my driveway?
Not when the pressure is matched to the surface. Cobblelock, concrete and stone handle a rotary cleaner comfortably. Old or crumbling concrete, soft sandstone and lime mortar need lower pressure, and render and painted surfaces should be soft washed instead. We check the surface first and tell you which method we plan to use.
Do you need water and electricity from my house?
We normally connect to an outside tap, which uses far less water than most people expect because the machine works on pressure rather than volume. Our equipment is petrol-driven, so no power supply is needed. If there is no tap available, tell us when you book and we will bring a tank.
What is the difference between power washing and soft washing?
Power washing removes dirt mechanically with high pressure. Soft washing removes it chemically at garden-hose pressure, using a solution that kills algae, moss and lichen at the root. Soft washing takes longer but is the only safe option on render, paint, timber and roofs.
How long will the driveway stay clean?
Two to four years on an exposed, sunny driveway, and closer to eighteen months in a shaded, north-facing spot under trees. Re-sanding the joints and applying a biocide after cleaning both extend that considerably.
Should I have the driveway sealed?
Sealing is worth it on block paving and imprinted concrete: it locks the sand, resists oil and de-icing salt, and makes the next clean easier. It needs a fully dry surface, so we usually seal on a separate visit one to three days after washing, weather permitting.
Can you remove oil stains?
Fresh oil usually comes out with a degreaser and hot rinse. Oil that has soaked in over years penetrates the block and often leaves a shadow. We treat it, tell you what result to expect, and where it matters we can discuss swapping individual blocks with spares from a discreet area.
Get a fixed price before we start
Send a few photos or a short description and we will come back with a written, fixed-price quote. No call-out fee, no obligation.