A shady story....

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by Trunky, Aug 1, 2011.

  1. Trunky

    Trunky ...who nose about gardening

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    About 3 or 4 years ago we decided to splash out and have the area to the front and side of our house block paved. I knew someone 'in the trade' who came in and did an excellent job.
    Having spent a considerable sum on this, I like to keep weeds and moss to a minimum to keep the paved area looking good.
    The area to the side of the house is in deep shade for most of the time, so inevitably after a couple of years, moss began to grow in the cracks between the paviours.
    No problem. Out comes the watering can, treat the affected area with Armillatox, moss eradicated, job done. :thumbsup:
    However.......despite the rapid and efficient removal of said moss, Mrs. Trunky is not impressed, "What's that horrible smell outside?"
    I explain that in order to be effective, the mosskiller is best applied during a dry spell and the odour will only last for a few days, or until the next rain.
    OH remains unimpressed however and for the next week or so I am duly reminded of that "horrible smell" every time she sets foot outside the back door.
    So, a year on and the moss has reappeared. This time I decide to break out my handy little 'block paving weeding tool' which has proved quite efficient in removing the moss, although it does take a bit longer of course.
    So, it's Sunday afternoon, I'm happily scraping away whilst listening to the cricket on the radio (and yes, I do realise how sad that sounds :o).
    OH appears on the scene and immediately says "It'll take you ages to do it like that, haven't you got something you can spray it with?" :mad: :gaagh:

    I will never understand the workings of the female mind. :scratch:
     
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    • watergarden

      watergarden have left the forum because...i'm a sad case

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    • ARMANDII

      ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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      what about one of the gas fueled Torch Guns, Trunky? She won't dare say anything while you've got that in your hand:D
       
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      • catztail

        catztail Crazy Cat Lady

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        OK I found that funny cause it sounds like MY git...... I'm the female though!!!
         
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        • *dim*

          *dim* Head Gardener

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          a karcher powerwasher does the trick ... I use only water (connected to the hose) .... takes a few minutes to sort ... I don't bother with chemicals when cleaning paving

          you can buy 2nd hand ones on ebay for as little as £30 .... a 'must have' if you wash your own car

          you will be amazed when washing paving blocks .... recently done a patio .... the blocks were grey in colour .... after a few minutes of powerwashing, they were cleaned and their colour was red ... the owners have been living there for approx 20 years and when they moved in, the blocks were grey in colour

          I have one of these, but there are more powerful ones for cheap
          Karcher K2.19 Pressure Washer + manufacturer guarantee | eBay

          saw a guy clean his greenhouse windows using one of these and he used jeyes fluid connected to the chemical inlet tube ....

          a few minutes of washing, and all the brown stains were removed off the glass and the greenhouse was sterilized at the same time.... he used a nozzle that sprays the water in circles (not the power nozzle)
           
        • Jack McHammocklashing

          Jack McHammocklashing Sludgemariner

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          Power washers are good, but need to be used with knowledge if on car bodywork, or it will strip the paint

          Jack McH
           
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          • Phil A

            Phil A Guest

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            I'm very fond of moss and liverworts so I can't really get involved with this one:DOH:
             
          • Sheal

            Sheal Total Gardener

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            I agree with you Jack. I wouldn't take a power washer anywhere near my car.
            I used it once on a red car some years ago and it took the colour out of the paintwork. Never again! :(
             
          • ARMANDII

            ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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          • watergarden

            watergarden have left the forum because...i'm a sad case

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            When I wash my car I use a pressure washer, yes it has a rotating brush to get the dirt off, but to rinse I use it normally, never had a problem and neither has my neighbour who also brought one.

            oh, and we both have the karcher brand
             
          • *dim*

            *dim* Head Gardener

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            suppose if you have an older car with rust and flaking paint, it is not advisable to use a pressure washer

            however, I think there is not much of a problem with newer cars ... the Karcher spray nozzle is adjustable to give a finer spray if need be
             
          • Sheal

            Sheal Total Gardener

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            Armandii, I have a confession.

            That car was a beautiful carmine red Triumph 2000 in near pristine condition. Luckily I realised what was happening before I ruined the whole car. We eventually sold it to someone who was going to maintain and show it. I think it's still around.

            As I've already said I would never go anywhere near my car with a pressure or jet washer now. I hand wash mine and the body work gleams, no scuff marks from brushes either. :)
             
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