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What Is Pressure Washing? And Why Is It Needed?
What Is Pressure Washing? And Why Is It Needed?
by Skigl Pressure Washing / July 14, 2026
Pressure washing is primarily an outdoor cleaning method. It relies on a motorised pump to push water through a specialised nozzle or nozzles, requiring proper pressure regulation to balance effective results with surface safety.
It’s best utilised on a variety of exterior surfaces such as paving bricks, cement slabs, exterior tiles, natural stone features, plastered walls, and cement roof tiles. Hard-scaped features on properties with these types of materials include driveways, patios, entertainment areas, walls, walkways, braai areas, lapa areas, and swimming pool areas.
The appearance of these surfaces fundamentally influences the aesthetics of how a property is perceived by visitors and guests and typically determines whether a property is well-maintained and looked-after.
Here in the Greater Johannesburg Metropolitan Area, many suburbs are covered in lush vegetation - none more so than the northern suburbs, earning it a reputation as one of the largest man-made urban forests in the world. However, despite the hot, dry conditions Johannesburg experiences for most of the year, flat surfaces surrounded by dense greenery remain damp longer, accelerating mold and algae growth while leaving them vulnerable to organic staining from falling flowers and seeds.
Over time, these surfaces endure constant use, including heavy car traffic, foot traffic, grease buildup and oil-spills - this causes the surface to look dull, unattractive and if left unchecked can cause irreversible-damage to the surface.
The before-and-after photos from this driveway cleaning project below that hadn't been cleaned in over five decades, show just how dramatic professional pressure washing in Johannesburg can be.
At first glance, the dark staining may look like ordinary dirt. In reality, much of what people don't see on the surface is often organic growth that’s deposited from the overhanging tree above giving it its discoloured look.
Fortunately, the right cleaning process can safely remove it.
Regular deep cleaning of surfaces through a professional pressure washing service that has the correct tools, and equipment is the most effective, and reliable way to improve the appearance of your property, prevent long term damage, and keep your property in good physical and financial shape.
That Dark Paving Is Often More Than Dirt
That Dark Paving Is Often More Than Dirt
One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is that dirty-looking paving simply needs to be scrubbed with a broom and rinsed with water from a hosepipe.
Unfortunately, a hosepipe and a broom alone, usually will not solve the problem.
Dirt and mold get lodged deep within the pours of the surface. Therefore, simply spraying the surface with water and sweeping it with a broom may make it look slightly better while leaving much of the organic growth and dirt behind.
Instead, professional pressure washing treats the source of the discolouration.
As a result, the surface became noticeably cleaner and brighter without damaging it.
How We Clean Without Damaging the Surface
How We Clean Without Damaging the Surface
More pressure doesn't mean better cleaning results. If that was true, we woudn't be using chemicals to assist in the cleaning process. In fact, using excessive pressure on aging surfaces can further cause damage to the surfaces and create uneven appearances.
At Skigl Pressure Washing, we choose the best cleaning method based on the surface and the type of staining we find.
First, we evaluate the surface and surrounding materials.
Next, we apply the appropriate industry-approved chemical to assist with the cleaning process - this step enables us to use the appropriate pressure for the surface without damaging it.
Then, we allow the cleaning chemical time to work before rinsing the surface with low pressurised water.
Finally, we inspect the area to make sure the cleaning looks even.
The result is what you see in these after photos: a cleaner more presentable surface.
Look at the Difference
Look at the Difference
This transformation is a great reminder that over-looked and dull paving does not always require replacing, repainting, or covering up of the surface.
Sometimes the original material is still beautiful. It simply needs to be cleaned properly.
After pressure washing, the natural colour became much more visible. In addition, the area around the paving looked brighter and better maintained.
That improvement makes a surprisingly big difference in overall curb appeal.
How Often Should Johannesburg Properties Be Pressure Washed?
How Often Should Johannesburg Properties Be Pressure Washed?
For many properties throughout the Greater Johannesburg Metropolitan, we recommend considering pressure washing about every 2 to 3 years.
Of course, every property is different.
Properties surrounded by heavy tree cover or located in particularly damp areas may need attention sooner. Meanwhile, properties with more direct sunlight may stay cleaner longer.
Either way, addressing the problem before it becomes severe usually makes maintaining the property much easier.
Need Professional Pressure Washing in Johannesburg?
Need Professional Pressure Washing in Johannesburg?
If the paving around your property is stained, dull or beginning to turn green, gray, or black, don’t assume it is permanently stained or damaged.
Professional pressure washing may be exactly what it needs.
Skigl Pressure Washing provides professional residential pressure washing, throughout Johannesburg.
Request a free quote here: https://www.skigl.co.za/contact-us
Call or WhatsApp Skigl Pressure Washing at 060 540 8584.
We would love the opportunity to make your property our next great before-and-after transformation.
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