Hello, everyone. We hope you had a wonderful weekend. We sure did. We did some great bicycle rides in the country, went to a real rodeo (my first), went to church, had a delicious Father’s Day brunch at one of our favorite local restaurants, went to a movie, and did some projects around the house. I’m going to show you one of the projects today. It happened on our courtyard fountain.
I bought this fountain a few weeks ago, and oh, do I love it! I bought the floor model from a local nursery, but this link will take you to the same fountain. It is heavy (as in really heavy) concrete, has a beautiful sound, is the right size for our courtyard, and has a classic shape. When we went on a week-long bicycle trip in Virginia last week, I pulled the plug so it wouldn’t run while we were away. However, I did not empty out the water. I knew that could create a problem, but I did it anyway.
I think this problem developed since I bought the floor model, and I’m not sure how clean they kept it when it was in use in the store.
Courtyard Fountain Before
You know what’s coming next, right? Yep! It was loaded with algae and slime when we returned. No worries, though. About a month ago I bought this power washer here because I knew it would come in handy. We selected light colored tiles for our courtyard’s floor, and leaves and limbs create stains on it. Since I don’t want a stained courtyard, I knew that the power washer would come in handy.
I should tell you that I am the most awkward/dumb/no common sense person alive when it comes to tools. However, by following the directions (I also hate to read directions), I was able to assemble it. Mike just had to do one little tweak.
The power washer eliminated all of the crud in about 60 seconds. You can see how clean our courtyard fountain is compared to the before parts. I did empty out the water before I started cleaning it.
Courtyard Fountain After
I then filled it up with fresh water and added an organic birdbath and fountain treatment (buy it here) that I will add once a week. I selected this particular brand because it will not harm birds when they stop by for a drink. I love when they do that. It is now perfectly clean. The discoloration you see in the photos is from shadows and water splashing over the edge.
So, I learned two good lessons: 1 – Unplug and empty the courtyard fountain before we leave for a few days and 2 – Every home needs a power washer even when you think you don’t. Jordan has the same brand. In fact, she inspired me to buy one. She uses hers on her outdoor pillows and cushions, porch furniture, porch floor, driveway, and her wood fence. In fact, Charles spent part of his Father’s Day power washing their fence.
Do you have a power washer? What do you use it on?
Take care.
Affiliate links used.
What is the treatment you added?
Nancy, here’s the link for the treatment: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HRHEOJC/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=the2sea-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00HRHEOJC&linkId=3ab803598136873c5c6ac704e61bf15d
I do have a power washer. First thing in spring I clean the staining from all the maple leaves and seeds left on the patio and composite deck. It also does a great job on the white resin wicker chairs on the front porch.
Rick, Jordan used it on her white rockers, and they looked almost new.
I have a power washer and a fountain, but it never occurred to me to use my power washer to clean my fountain — i have been scrubbing it by hand! Now I will use it to clean my fountain and my two birdbaths. Thank you so much for the tip.
Dena, it will be so much easier.
Love the fountain!!! Yes, before we left for any extended time, we always unplugged our little fountain on the front porch….I truly want a couple of them in the new house…and yes. power washers seem to be a must for the homeowners….have a great day!
Shirley, I can’t wait to see your new place.