Power Wash It Clean

If you don't already own one, you can rent pressure washers for about $50 to $70 a day. A great way to save some bucks is to split the cost with a neighbor and share the washer. Now when you're choosing a machine, keep in mind that they come in different pounds per square inch (PSI) levels. For most small jobs you'll need one with a PSI of 1500 while bigger jobs require a PSI of 3000.

The water is supplied to the pump by a garden hose (figure C) and then pressurized by a gasoline or kerosene fueled engine. The water is then forced through a wand a lot like those you'd see in a do-it-yourself car wash. Water pressurized up to 3000 PSI will not damage intact paint but will blast away layers of dirt, moss, mildew and debris, so wear safety goggles. As you start to wash, make a few test passes to see how close to hold the tip of the nozzle to the surface. Really stubborn stains might need a second pass. Be careful when spraying around foliage, since a blast can easily shred your plants or flowers. Spraying old mortar or pebble based surfaces (figure D) can be tricky too. Don't get so close that mortar or pebbles break away.

Before you turn the pressure washer back in, take the time to quickly clean a few more outdoor items like decks, outdoor furniture, playground equipment, the garage floor and even garbage cans.