Transform Your Driveway, Patio & Property in Hours
From grimy driveways to moss-covered patios, discover how professional jet washing restores your property's curb appeal and value—without the DIY headaches.
Jet washing (also called pressure washing or power washing) uses high-pressure water spray to blast away dirt, grime, moss, algae, and stains from outdoor surfaces. It's like giving your property an instant facelift!
Fun Fact: Professional jet washers can blast water at speeds over 200 mph—that's faster than a Formula 1 race car! This power can remove 20 years of grime in minutes.
Almost any outdoor hard surface benefits from jet washing. Here's what we clean most often in Essex and Hertfordshire:
Tempted to rent a pressure washer from B&Q? Here's the honest comparison...
| Factor |
🛠️
DIY Rental
|
👷
Professional
|
|---|---|---|
| Cost |
£50-70/day rental + fuel + cleaning products |
£80-£200 complete All included |
| Your Time |
6-8 hours Collection, setup, work, return |
0 hours Relax while we work |
| Quality |
⭐⭐⭐ Streaky finish, missed spots |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Perfect, even finish |
| Equipment Power |
1,200-1,800 PSI Domestic grade |
3,000+ PSI Commercial grade |
| Damage Risk |
High - easy to damage surfaces |
Insured & experienced |
| Physical Effort |
💪💪💪 Back-breaking work |
😌 None |
| Expertise |
YouTube tutorials Learning as you go |
Years of experience Know every surface type |
| Insurance |
You're liable for damage |
Fully insured |
Real Talk: Most people who try DIY jet washing once hire a professional the next time. It's hard work, takes all day, and the results are rarely as good. Plus, one wrong angle and you can permanently damage your driveway or patio!
Beyond the obvious visual improvement, here's what professional jet washing does for your Essex or Hertfordshire property:
Clean driveways and patios can boost curb appeal by up to 5%, making your home more attractive to buyers. Estate agents often recommend jet washing before selling.
Moss and algae trap moisture against surfaces, causing cracks and deterioration. Regular jet washing extends the life of your driveway and patio by years.
Algae and moss make surfaces dangerously slippery, especially in wet weather. Jet washing eliminates slip hazards, protecting your family and visitors.
Removes mold, mildew, and allergens from outdoor areas. Particularly important for families with children who play outside or people with respiratory issues.
£150 jet wash vs £3,000+ driveway replacement. Regular cleaning prevents the need for expensive repairs or full surface replacement down the line.
The dramatic before/after is incredibly satisfying. Your driveway can look 20 years younger in just a few hours. It's the quickest property upgrade you can do!
The frequency depends on the surface type, location, and weather exposure. Here's our recommendation for Essex and Hertfordshire properties:
High-traffic areas accumulate oil stains, tire marks, and dirt quickly. Annual or bi-annual cleaning keeps them looking fresh and prevents permanent staining.
Patios gather moss and algae, especially in shaded areas. Spring cleaning (March-April) prepares outdoor spaces for summer use.
Gutters need clearing twice yearly—autumn (after leaves fall) and spring. Blocked gutters cause expensive water damage.
Exterior walls accumulate pollution and dirt gradually. Less frequent cleaning is fine unless you notice green algae or staining.
Pro Tip: Schedule jet washing in spring (March-May) or early autumn (September-October). Avoid winter when freezing temperatures can cause damage, and summer when you're using outdoor spaces most.
The Problem: High pressure can strip mortar from between bricks, damage wood, etch concrete, or shatter paving.
The Fix: Professionals adjust pressure for each surface type. Brick needs 500-1000 PSI, concrete can handle 3000+ PSI.
The Problem: Spraying 6 inches from surface = permanent gouges and "tiger striping" on driveways.
The Fix: Maintain 12-18 inches distance. Keep the wand moving in smooth, overlapping strokes.
The Problem: A 0° nozzle (red tip) is like a laser cutter—it will destroy surfaces and even cut through shoes!
The Fix: Use 25° (green) or 40° (white) nozzles for most surfaces. Save 15° (yellow) for tough stains only.
The Problem: High pressure strips paint, leaving you with a bigger repainting job than you started with.
The Fix: Use soft washing (low pressure + cleaning chemicals) for painted walls, fences, and render.
The Problem: All that water and debris has to go somewhere. Blocked drains = flooding your garden or home.
The Fix: Clear drains before starting. Professionals check drainage and protect vulnerable areas.
Reality Check: We've seen £2,000+ in damage from DIY jet washing mistakes—cracked paving, destroyed render, water ingress. A £150 professional service suddenly looks like a bargain!
Prices vary based on size, condition, and access. Here's what you can expect to pay:
Money-Saving Tip: Book multiple services together (driveway + patio + gutters) and most companies, including us, will discount the total by 15-20%. Spring is also cheaper than summer peak season!
A: A typical driveway takes 2-4 hours, patios 2-3 hours, gutters 1-2 hours. Block paving takes longer than concrete or tarmac. We usually complete a full property (driveway + patio + gutters) in half a day.
A: Not necessarily! If we have access to the areas being cleaned and an outdoor tap, we can work while you're out. We'll take before/after photos and message you when done.
A: Professional jet washing won't damage surfaces when done correctly. We adjust pressure for each surface type, use appropriate nozzles, and have years of experience. DIY jet washing is where damage usually happens!
A: We can work year-round, but avoid jet washing when temperatures drop below 5°C or freezing is forecast within 24 hours. Water trapped in cracks can freeze and cause damage. Spring and autumn are ideal.
A: You can walk on surfaces immediately (they'll be wet). For driving, wait 1-2 hours until dry. If we apply sealant (optional extra), you'll need to wait 24-48 hours before use.
A: We use eco-friendly cleaning solutions for stubborn stains (oil, grease, algae), but 90% of cleaning is done with high-pressure water alone. All chemicals are biodegradable and safe for plants, pets, and drains.
A: Highly recommended for block paving! Sealant protects against stains, stops weed growth, enhances color, and makes future cleaning easier. Costs £150-300 extra but lasts 2-3 years. Concrete and tarmac don't need sealing.
Professional jet washing from Sweep Sisters. Serving Essex and Hertfordshire with reliable, high-quality cleaning services that bring your property back to life.
Fully Insured • Professional Equipment • Satisfaction Guaranteed
For a relatively small investment, professional jet washing delivers dramatic results in just a few hours. Your property will look years younger, safer, and more valuable. Don't tackle this tough job yourself—let the experts handle it!
