Deep Cleaning

We get asked a lot about what the differences are between a standard clean and deep cleaning. To start with a standard clean is not a budget, let’s skimp on the quality clean. Simply put it’s the best we can achieve solely with the use of the pressure washer and water.

A deep clean will not remove lichen spores (black spots). It can help on areas like block paving, but removal is not guaranteed. It can be removed (90-95% in most cases) but requires a much stronger dose of chemical and a lot more time. Please let us know if it’s lichen that needs removing.

So now you’re probably asking why would an area still look dirty after being pressure cleaned. The way we answer this is by putting it into “laundry” context. For most intent and purposes, your regular washing cycle with your favourite detergent will bring your clothes up nice and clean. Let’s say however you have a jumper that’s got something spilt down it, or a stain. Let’s go with gravy…

Now your standard wash may get the gravy out, but just say that gravy stain has sat for a while. You run it through the wash on your usual settings, then once finished you noticed that the jumper has held onto some of the residual soilings. What would you then reach for? Some form of laundry additive, an oxy agent or stain remover. This additive gives deep cleaning and removes soiling a standard wash cycle can’t. This is the same principle when cleaning your driveway or patio.

Residual Dirt

Depending on how frequently the area in question is cleaned would depend upon the likeliness that deep cleaning is needed. Other factors also contribute, such as the number of trees or greenery in the vicinity. Powder algae can blow in off trees and if not cleaned off can become ingrained into the surface. Pressure washing will remove most of the dirt, however, if the area has not been cleaned in some time it may hold onto some of the dirt.

Applying a cleaning agent such as diluted sodium hypochlorite can quickly remove residual dirt and algae staining. Below are some pictures to show exactly what we mean.

Deep Cleaning Crazy Paving

Dirty Crazy Paved Patio.

Deep Cleaned Crazy Pave.

Pressure Cleaned But Residual Dirt & Algae Remains.

All Algae Removed With A Deep Clean

Ingrained Dirt.

Deep Cleaning Removes all Ingrained Dirt.

The above pictures show that even after pressure cleaning, this crazy paved patio retained some of the dirt and algae. After we had cleaned the area, a mild sodium hypochlorite solution was applied and left to work for around 30mins. The area was then thoroughly rinsed, leaving a lovely clean, stain-free patio.

Other types of stone

It’s not just crazy paving that has this problem. Any type of stone can have ingrained dirt. Block paving is another main area that can be quite susceptible to this retention, as well as light coloured concrete flagstones. Deep cleaning to the rescue.

Yellow Concrete Flagstones