NO PRESSURE

Put down the pressure washer and give decking and patio a summer wash and brush-up without damaging the surfaces of natural timber and stone

- LISA FAZZANI, GINEVRA BENEDETTI

Paving, patios and wooden decks can accumulate dirt, debris, moss and algae over winter. While using a pressure washer is the fastest way to clear the decks, there's a danger that the strong jet of water will damage even tough outdoor surfaces. Here's how to take a gentler approach.

DECKING

Start by clearing your decking completely furniture, pots, your barbecue and anything else. Then, give the surface a thorough sweep to remove as much debris as possible from the surface and between cracks. You could use a garden hose to wash away grime, spraying in between the deck planks to dislodge debris.