High-pressure cleaning of a terrace with sea view
Handyman

High-Pressure Cleaning

Terraces, pool decks and driveways looking like new again, perfect before the season or after a Saharan dust storm.

Pressure washing in Crete: terraces, pool surrounds, driveways, walls and roof terraces cleaned safely

Outdoor spaces in Crete take a beating. In spring, Saharan dust storms leave a layer of red-brown dirt on every terrace, wall and car. In winter, shaded corners turn green with algae and moss, and over summer the terraces collect sun cream, wine, barbecue grease and the black spots of dripping A/C units. A terrace that looked fresh last year can look tired and neglected surprisingly fast, which matters a lot when guests judge your rental from the photos and the first impression.

High-pressure cleaning brings back the original colour of tiles, natural stone, concrete and render. The trick is doing it without damage. Too much pressure or the wrong nozzle can wash out joints, roughen soft stone and force water behind loose tiles. I adjust the pressure, the distance and the cleaning product to each surface, treat algae and stains first where needed, and rinse everything carefully so the dirt does not end up in the pool or the drains.

I work by appointment from Hersonissos, in Heraklion, Malia, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda and the villages around them. Most owners book a clean in spring before the first guests, after a heavy dust storm, or before painting or roof work, when a clean surface is essential. A water connection on site is all I need. If you live abroad, I send before and after photos so you can see the result.

What I clean

Terraces and balconies

Tiled, stone and concrete terraces and balconies cleaned of dust, grease, algae and old stains, joints included.

Pool decks and surrounds

Pool edges and surrounds cleaned so they look fresh and are less slippery, without rinsing the dirt into the pool.

Driveways, paths and steps

Concrete and paved driveways, garden paths and outside stairs cleared of moss, oil spots and tyre marks.

Walls and facades

Rendered walls, stone walls and garden walls cleaned with lower pressure, often as preparation for painting.

Roof terraces

Roof terraces and flat roofs cleaned and drains cleared, a necessary step before any waterproofing work.

Algae, moss and stains

Green and black growth in shady corners treated first, so it is removed properly instead of coming back within weeks.

Don't see your job in this list? Contact me with your question: if it is in or around the house, I can most likely help.

Surfaces and how I clean them

Every surface reacts differently to water pressure. This is how I approach the ones I clean most often.

SurfaceWhat to watch out forMy approach
Ceramic and porcelain tilesJoints can wash out if they are old or looseMedium pressure, joints checked first, loose tiles reported to you
Soft natural stoneSurface can roughen or pit with high pressureLow pressure, more distance and a suitable cleaning product
Concrete and pavingOil spots and deep moss in the poresPre-treatment of stains, then higher pressure
Painted or rendered wallsLoose paint and render can come offLow pressure, or deliberately removing loose paint before repainting
Wooden decking and pergolasWood fibres lift and splinter easilyVery low pressure along the grain, or hand cleaning
Solar panelsHigh pressure can damage panels and sealsNo high pressure, gentle cleaning with clean water only

When pressure cleaning makes the most sense

A clean once or twice a year keeps most outdoor areas in good shape. These are the moments owners usually call me:

  • In spring, before the rental season or your own holiday starts
  • After a heavy Saharan dust storm has coloured everything brown
  • After winter, when algae and moss have taken over shady areas
  • Before painting walls, so the new paint sticks properly
  • Before roof or terrace waterproofing, which needs a clean surface
  • Before selling or photographing a property

Hard surfaces and delicate surfaces

Pressure cleaning is not about blasting as hard as possible. I treat surfaces in two groups.

Hard surfaces

  • Concrete driveways and paths
  • Porcelain tiles in good condition
  • Hard paving stones
  • Higher pressure with a stain pre-treatment

Delicate surfaces

  • Soft limestone and old stone floors
  • Painted walls and old render
  • Wood and old, crumbling joints
  • Low pressure, more product, more patience

If I see loose tiles, cracked joints or damaged render during the clean, I tell you and show you photos. Often a small repair now avoids water getting under the tiles later.

Cleaning for holiday rentals and owners abroad

For rentals, the outdoor areas are part of what guests pay for. A clean pool surround and a bright terrace look much better in photos and reviews than grey tiles with dark spots. I can plan the clean between bookings or before the season, combine it with other small jobs and send you before and after photos.

Many owners add it to a yearly round of checks through my property maintenance service, together with the A/C, the water heater and the garden irrigation. After cleaning, damaged joints or tiles can be repaired with my tiling work.

Often combined with pressure cleaning

Exterior painting

A clean wall is the best base for new paint. After pressure cleaning I repair cracks and repaint walls, railings and shutters.

  • Facades and garden walls
  • Crack repair before painting
  • Railings and shutters
  • Paint suited to sun and salt
More about Interior & Exterior Painting

Roof waterproofing

Waterproofing only lasts on a clean, sound surface. I clean the roof, clear the drains and then apply the waterproofing in one planned job.

  • Cleaning and preparation
  • Clearing roof drains
  • Repairing cracks and joints
  • Liquid coating or membrane
More about Roof Repairs & Waterproofing

Clear Pricing. Free Estimates. No Surprises.

Trust is the foundation of every good job. No hidden fees, no vague estimates, no unexpected invoices at the end of the day.

My pricing promise

  1. 1Show me the problemSend a photo or video via WhatsApp, or I visit your property.
  2. 2Fixed price in advanceA free, detailed estimate for labour and materials.
  3. 3Work starts when you sayOnly when you are 100% comfortable with the plan.
Free Estimate

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does pressure washing a terrace cost in Crete?

It depends on the size, the surface and how dirty it is. Send me a few photos and the approximate size and I give you a free quote with a fixed price before I start.

Can high pressure damage my tiles or stone?

Too much pressure can wash out joints, roughen soft stone and push water under loose tiles. That is why I adjust the pressure, nozzle and distance to each surface and use lower pressure on delicate stone, wood and painted walls.

How often should my terrace be cleaned?

Once or twice a year is enough for most terraces, typically in spring before the season and after a heavy sand or dust storm. Shady, damp areas with algae may need it more often.

Can you clean roof terraces and solar panels?

Roof terraces yes, and I also clear the drains while I am there. Solar panels must never be cleaned with high pressure; I clean them gently with clean water instead.

What do I need to provide?

A water connection on site and access to the areas to be cleaned. I bring everything else. If there is no outdoor tap, tell me beforehand and we find a solution.

Will the dirty water end up in my pool?

I work so that the dirty water runs away from the pool where possible and rinse the edges last. Before cleaning a pool surround, it helps if the pool cover is on or the pump is switched off, which we agree in advance.

Can you remove black algae and moss for good?

I pre-treat algae and moss before pressure cleaning, which removes them much more thoroughly. In shady and damp spots they can come back over time, so a yearly clean keeps them under control.

Do you clean holiday homes in Hersonissos, Malia and Agios Nikolaos before the season?

Yes. Spring is the busiest period, so contact me early. I clean terraces, pool areas and paths before your first guests and send photos if you are abroad.

Need help at your property?

Call or WhatsApp me for an immediate answer, or send a request. Emergencies 24/7.

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