The green film that grows on paths and decks through a South Gippsland winter is more than unsightly. Moss and algae make concrete, pavers and timber dangerously slippery, especially on shaded paths and steps on the south side of the house. A good pressure wash removes it, brightens the surface and makes outdoor areas safe again.

Leongatha Handyman pressure washes paths, driveways, patios, decks, fences and outdoor areas at homes, rentals, holiday houses and small businesses across Leongatha, Korumburra, Mirboo North, Meeniyan, Inverloch and the surrounding district.

What we pressure wash

• Concrete paths and driveways
• Pavers and brick paving
• Patios and alfresco areas
• Timber decks and steps (with care)
• Composite decking
• Fences and retaining walls
• Outdoor furniture
• Pool surrounds
• Bins and bin areas
• Garage floors
• Shop fronts and entry paths

Moss, algae and lichen

The district’s rainfall and mild humid weather mean moss and algae grow quickly, especially on shady paths, under trees and on south-facing surfaces. Around Mirboo North and Korumburra, where homes sit among tall trees and hills, surfaces can stay damp for months. Pressure washing removes surface growth. For stubborn growth, we may pre-treat with a suitable cleaner so the result lasts longer.

Timber decks need a gentler approach

Too much pressure on a timber deck raises the grain, splinters the surface and can gouge soft boards. We use lower pressure, a wider nozzle and work along the grain. After washing, the deck needs to dry before oiling. Many people combine a deck wash with oiling a week or so later.

Before selling or leasing

Clean paths and a bright driveway make a strong first impression in listing photos. A pressure wash is one of the quickest ways to make a property look cared for.

Runoff and garden care

We direct runoff away from garden beds where possible and avoid blasting soil out of paver joints. If a cleaner is needed, we use products suited to the surface and the surroundings.

What we do not wash

We do not pressure wash roofs or two-storey walls. High-pressure washing of roofs can damage tiles and seals, and working at height needs specialist equipment.

Moss, algae and slippery paths

In the wet hills around Leongatha, Korumburra and Mirboo North, moss and algae build up fast on concrete, pavers, brick paths and timber decks, especially on south-facing areas that rarely see the sun. They make surfaces slippery and dangerous, particularly for older residents and children. Pressure washing removes the growth and restores grip.

What we clean

• Concrete paths and driveways
• Paved patios and courtyards
• Brick paths and steps
• Timber decks before oiling
• Outdoor furniture
• Fences and retaining walls
• Outdoor shower areas at coastal holiday houses

Careful washing

High pressure can damage soft timber, old mortar and some pavers. We adjust pressure and nozzle to the surface. Decks are washed along the grain. Old brickwork is washed gently.

Before and after

After washing, timber decks benefit from oiling. Paths can be treated to slow regrowth.

Not suitable

We do not pressure wash roofs, or clean anything at height. Asbestos cement sheeting must never be pressure washed.

Moss, mould and slippery surfaces

South Gippsland’s damp climate grows moss, algae and lichen on just about everything. Shaded paths, south-facing walls, concrete driveways, timber decks, pavers and fences all turn green or black over winter. Apart from looking tired, these surfaces become dangerously slippery when wet, and slips on mossy paths and steps are a common cause of falls, particularly for older residents.

Leongatha Handyman cleans outdoor surfaces with pressure washing and soft washing for homes, rentals, holiday houses and small businesses across Leongatha, Korumburra, Mirboo North, Meeniyan, Inverloch and nearby towns.

What we clean

• concrete driveways, paths and patios
• pavers and brick paving
• timber and composite decks
• outdoor steps and landings
• fences and retaining walls
• outdoor furniture and barbecue areas
• bins and bin areas
• garage floors
• small areas of render and brick walls

Roof cleaning and high work are not part of our pressure washing service, and we do not pressure wash roof tiles, as this can damage them and push water under the tiles.

Pressure washing versus soft washing

Not every surface should be blasted with high pressure. Concrete and hard pavers handle it well. Timber decks, painted surfaces, render and softer stone can be damaged by too much pressure: timber fibres raise and splinter, paint peels and joints wash out. On these surfaces we use lower pressure with a cleaning solution that kills mould and algae, then rinse. The surface stays cleaner for longer because the growth is killed rather than just removed from the top.

Driveways and paths

Concrete driveways around Leongatha often go dark with tyre marks, oil, moss and algae. A pressure clean brings the concrete back to an even colour and removes the slippery film. We treat oil stains with a degreaser first, though very old stains may not fully disappear. Pavers are cleaned carefully so the joint sand is not blasted out; we can top up joint sand afterwards if needed.

Decks and timber

Timber decks get a gentle clean with a deck cleaner and low pressure, ready for oiling. Cleaning before oiling is essential, as oil applied over dirt and mould traps it in the timber. We can clean and oil in one visit if the weather is dry, or clean and return once the timber has dried.

Steps and safety

Steps and ramps that grow moss in shaded spots are a real hazard. Cleaning them before winter, and again in spring, reduces the risk of a fall. We can also fit anti-slip strips to timber steps after cleaning.

Fences and walls

Colorbond, timber and rendered fences can be cleaned of mould and dirt. Rendered walls and brick need care with pressure and chemicals, and we test a small area first.

Coastal homes

Holiday houses at Inverloch, Venus Bay and Tarwin Lower build up salt, sand and mould on decks, outdoor furniture and paving. A clean before summer makes the house ready for guests and removes the salt film that speeds up corrosion. Rinsing metal outdoor furniture and fittings with fresh water also helps them last longer.

Water and runoff

We use water carefully, especially on properties that rely on tank water. Let us know if your property is on tanks so we can plan water use. We use biodegradable cleaning products and keep runoff away from garden beds and waterways where possible.

Before a sale or new lease

A clean driveway, paths and deck lift the first impression of any property. Agents in Leongatha and the coastal towns often recommend pressure cleaning before photos and inspections.

Timing

Late spring is a good time for most outdoor cleaning, after the worst of the wet weather and before summer. Moss and algae are killed off and the surface dries quickly, ready for sealing or oiling if needed.

Sealing after cleaning

Once concrete, pavers or natural stone are clean and dry, a penetrating sealer can slow the return of moss and make stains easier to remove. Sealers vary in finish and durability, so we explain the options and apply the product you choose. Sealing is best done in dry weather with a few clear days ahead, which in South Gippsland usually means late spring through early autumn.

How often to clean

Shaded, south-facing surfaces may need cleaning every year. Sunny driveways and paths may go several years between cleans. Regular sweeping to remove leaves and soil, and trimming back overhanging plants to let in sunlight and air, slows regrowth considerably. Some homeowners book a clean every spring as part of preparing for summer and fire season.

Rural properties

On farms and lifestyle blocks around Koonwarra, Dumbalk and Poowong, we clean house surrounds, verandahs, concrete aprons and outdoor areas. Dairy and farm infrastructure such as yards and sheds is outside our scope and suited to specialist equipment.

Combining with other jobs

Pressure washing pairs well with gutter cleaning, deck repairs and oiling, and painting fences. Booking them together saves a trip and gets your outdoor areas summer-ready in one go.

What you need to do

Move cars, bins, pot plants and outdoor furniture away from the area if possible, close windows and let us know where outdoor taps are and whether water pressure is from mains or tank. We bring our own equipment and hoses.

Our approach

We start with a test area, choose the gentlest method that gets the job done, and work systematically so there are no stripes or patchy areas. We rinse down walls, windows and garden beds nearby, and leave the area clean and safe to walk on.

Bin areas and outdoor kitchens

Bin areas, outdoor kitchens and barbecue zones collect grease, food residue and smells that attract flies in summer. We degrease and clean these surfaces, rinse bins, and leave the area fresh. For cafés and small businesses in Leongatha and Korumburra, a clean bin enclosure and rear entry is part of keeping premises tidy and hygienic, and we can schedule the work outside trading hours so customers are not affected.

Garage floors and workshop slabs

Garage and shed floors collect oil, grease, dust and tracked-in mud. A degrease and pressure clean makes them safer underfoot and easier to keep tidy. On farm workshops and lifestyle-block sheds, we clean the concrete apron and entry areas where vehicles and boots bring in mud through winter.

Safety around the house

We keep the spray away from windows, vents, electrical outlets and light fittings, and we check that external power points are covered before starting. Children and pets are kept clear of the work area.

Where we work

Leongatha, Korumburra, Mirboo North, Meeniyan, Koonwarra, Dumbalk, Inverloch, Tarwin Lower, Nyora, Loch, Poowong and nearby.

Frequently asked questions