Comparison

Rotary flat-surface cleaner vs pressure lance: why striping happens

The single biggest reason a cleaned drive looks blotchy — and how it's avoided.

If you've seen a drive with faint parallel bands across it after cleaning, you've seen lance striping. It's a technique problem, not a dirt problem, and once it's in a porous surface it can take a long time to weather out.

What each tool does

  • A rotary flat-surface cleaner spins jets under a shroud at a fixed height, so every square inch gets equal dwell and equal distance.
  • A hand lance concentrates a narrow, high-energy jet at whatever distance and angle the operator holds it.

Why the lance stripes

Held by hand, the jet cleans more aggressively at the centre of its arc and less at the edges, and the operator's speed varies constantly. The overlap between passes gets cleaned twice, the far edge of each pass barely once.

On uniform surfaces such as block paving and concrete, that difference is immediately visible as banding. On heavily soiled surfaces it can even etch the surface where it lingers.

Where the lance is the correct tool

  • Edges, kerbs, steps and the last 100mm against walls where the rotary can't reach.
  • Detailing around gullies, drain covers and awkward returns.
  • Targeted work on a specific stain, at controlled pressure.
  • Rinsing down surrounding areas at the end of the job.
Our promise
100% satisfaction — or we re-clean free.

Common questions

Can striping be fixed?
Usually the surface can be evened out with a full rotary pass, though deeply etched stone may need to weather.
Do you use a lance at all?
Yes — for detailing and edges. The open surface always goes under the rotary.
Is rotary safe on all surfaces?
No. Decking, resin and delicate stone are soft-washed instead.

Something not covered here? Ask us directly — or read the general FAQ.

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