"Pressure washing" gets used as a catch-all, but there are really two jobs here, and using the wrong one on the wrong surface is how driveways get etched and pavers lose their jointing sand. Here is the plain version.
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Get my instant estimate → Call 0433 938 540Which method for which surface
| Surface | Method |
|---|---|
| Concrete driveway & paths | Pressure washing |
| Pavers & brick paving | Pressure washing (re-sand joints after) |
| Rendered walls | Soft washing |
| Painted timber, decking | Soft washing / low pressure |
| Roof tiles | Soft washing (high pressure can crack tiles) |
When high pressure does damage
- Etching concrete: too much pressure held too close can leave permanent stripes.
- Stripping paver joints: blasting out the jointing sand lets pavers shift and weeds return.
- Splintering timber: decks and painted timber need low pressure or the surface can fur up and splinter.
- Cracking roof tiles: roofs should almost always be soft washed, not blasted.
Melbourne moss and mould
Shaded, south-facing and tree-covered spots stay damp, and that is where green moss and black mould take hold on concrete and pavers. A pressure clean lifts the surface growth straight away. For mould that keeps coming back, a treatment that kills the remaining growth, followed by a soft wash, helps the surface stay cleaner for longer rather than going green again within months.
DIY hire or a pro?
A hired domestic washer will handle a small, lightly-dirtied path. For a full driveway, heavy moss, or any render and roof work, a pro brings commercial pressure, the right tips, surface cleaners that leave an even finish (no stripes), and the judgement to soft wash what should not be blasted. It is also a lot less of your weekend.
Two things to keep in mind either way. Roof cleaning means working at height, so leave it to someone with the right access equipment and insurance rather than climbing up with a hired unit. And keep cleaning chemicals and oily wash water out of the street drain where you can: EPA Victoria lists washing detergents among the pollutants that end up in stormwater (EPA Victoria: stormwater).
Want it done properly the first time?
We match the method to the surface, lift the moss and grime, and leave an even finish. Start with a free online instant estimate: outline the area on the map and your price comes up straight away.
Start my free instant estimate → Call 0433 938 540Common questions
What is the difference between pressure washing and soft washing?
Pressure washing uses a high-pressure water jet to blast dirt, moss and grime off hard surfaces like concrete and pavers. Soft washing uses low pressure plus a cleaning solution to lift mould and algae off more delicate surfaces like render, painted timber or roof tiles without damaging them. The surface decides which one you use.
Can pressure washing damage my driveway?
On solid concrete and most pavers, correctly done pressure washing is safe. Damage happens when too much pressure is used on softer surfaces, aged mortar, painted areas or timber, which can etch concrete, strip jointing sand from between pavers or splinter timber. Matching the pressure and technique to the surface is the whole skill.
How do I get moss and mould off my driveway?
A pressure clean lifts the surface layer of moss and mould. For stubborn or returning mould, a treatment that kills the remaining growth, followed by a soft wash, helps it stay cleaner for longer. You can price it by outlining your driveway on the free online instant estimate.
Do pavers need re-sanding after pressure washing?
Usually, yes. Pressure washing lifts some of the jointing sand along with the dirt, and empty joints let pavers shift and give weeds somewhere to grow. Once the surface is dry, brushing a jointing sand made for pavers back into the joints keeps them locked in place.
Is soft washing safe for plants and pets?
The cleaning solutions used in soft washing can mark or burn plants and lawn if they are left on them, so garden beds are usually wet down before and rinsed after, and pets are kept inside until the surface has been rinsed and has dried. Ask whoever does the job what they use and how they protect your garden.
How much does it cost to clean a driveway in Melbourne?
It depends on the area, the surface and how heavy the moss or staining is. The quickest way to find out is to outline your driveway, paths or patio on the free online instant estimate, which works out the area from a satellite map and shows your price straight away.
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This guide is general information to help you plan, not professional advice. Surfaces vary; when in doubt, test a small area or ask a professional.