Monday, April 19, 2021

Erasing the grime...

After fourteen years of use our patio was not looking its best. Dingy, dirty, ugly...

Here's what it looked like back when it was all brand new. So bright! (photo circa 2008).

And this, from 2009. I was showing off what a mess an afternoon of wind could make, but of course now it's all about that cute face that I still miss soo much. She was so good at knowing when the camera was aimed at her.

Anyway, back to the present. I'd wanted to power wash the patio a couple years ago, but Andrew talked me out of it. It only got worse. So when he casually mentioned that maybe we should borrow the neighbor's power washer so he could clean the patio I didn't let the idea pass without acting on it! Oh and he's masked in the photo below because the neighbor had just brought the machine over. COVID protocol you know...

Once he got started the difference was remarkable. 

I went to get lunch while he worked and came back to this...

Of course there was no way to wash the individual squares without also removing the sand (a grout, of sorts) between the pavers. So while this job took an afternoon, I spent several hours over the next few days sweeping sand back into the cracks.

But to have a clean, bright patio again... it was worth it.

Before...

After... it was still wet in this photo, it's even better when dry.

And yes... the patio looks so much larger when it's empty! Our weather went from record low overnight temperatures to record high daytime temperatures—with non-stop sun— within a week. Once things return to some version with clouds I'll get serious about bringing out the container plants. Oh, and we sold our patio furniture! The new pieces are still in boxes in the garage. We need to do a little building...an empty patio awaits!

Weather Diary, April 18: Hi 83, Low 47/ Precip 0 

All material © 2009-2021 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.

20 comments:

  1. What a difference a pressure wash makes, you are good for another decade now. Once the new furniture and plants come out it will be like a whole new patio.... cant'n wait to see it.
    I wish I could pressure wash my patio, but it's not allowed on a 5th floor condo.

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    1. I'm sure your downstairs neighbors tank you for your restraint!

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  2. I love all the container footprints on the b-4 pic ! Can't wait to see yous new furniture !

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    1. It certainly made moving the containers back out to the patio easier. Just match the shapes. This year who knows what craziness may ensue.

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  3. That's a BIG difference. The reflected light from the clean paving should also benefit your surrounding spiky plants. I look forward to seeing the new furnishings with the returning plants.

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    1. I'm not completely in love with the new furniture, but it's better. I had grown to really dislike the old stuff.

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  4. Well done Andrew!

    I have to power clean mine every year because they always go green and black.

    After power washing them I use a product called Patio Magic (you may have something similar in the US) to finish them off.

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    1. Green and black.... sounds very, slippery.

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  5. Impressive and inspiring! Now I'm longing to do my courtyard. But in addition to 16 years of grime, our pavers are also uneven. I think a full-scale renovation is needed, and that's not going to happen anytime soon, alas.

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    1. Don't look to closely, some of ours are too. Tree roots seem to be the culprit.

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  6. Wow, looks great - awesome work, Andrew! Looking forward to seeing the new patio set.

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  7. I guess I’m the only one who liked the before pic. Such a rich color it was! Plus it had moss. Now, you have a clean modern vibe, which does of course work for your garden. All good. Oh, and ear protection next time , Andrew😊

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    1. He wore ear protection for part of the event! As for the moss, take a look at the patio wall in the after shots, we didn't touch it... still very mossy!

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  8. Remarkable difference. Andrew is a romantic at heart.

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  9. Nice to make it new without actually having to replace it.

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