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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think it’s antisocial to power wash the patio today

184 replies

AirborneElephant · 25/02/2026 15:36

Where I am today is a beautiful sunny day. It’s warm enough to sit out with a jumper. The first sunny day ALL YEAR, and tomorrow and for the rest of the week it’s going back to being wet and dreary. So I made my lunch, sat outside, and revelled in the sun and birdsong. Until about an hour later when my neighbour started pressure washing his patio, and he’s still at it now.

Yes, I know it’s the middle of the day. I know it needs doing, I will do mine at some point. I know I am privileged to have a nice garden to sit in. But TODAY? The only sun we’ve had for months? AIBU to think that’s fucking selfish?

OP posts:
GreenWheat · 25/02/2026 16:05

Oh lord, has the seasonal moaning started up again already? Normally we get more of a break between people griping about fireworks and Christmas before moving onto sunshine moaning!

Rainydaycat · 25/02/2026 16:05

I wouldn’t care less. I probably wouldn’t even notice.

crazeekat · 25/02/2026 16:04

It might be the only time he has to do it, get off ur high horse fun neighbour

Brightlittlecanary · 25/02/2026 16:03

BorgQueen · 25/02/2026 15:58

DH always uses our pressure washer when it’s pissing down, you get soaked anyway.
It’s a dirtier job when it’s dry too.

No way makes it all the filthier, I always do it in the sun, albeit about April.

Schtush · 25/02/2026 16:03

missbish · 25/02/2026 15:52

He didn’t steal the sun though ? He made some noise maybe but that’s just life

Of course it’s just life. It’s always been the case that as soon as the sun makes an appearance people start preparing their outdoor spaces ready to enjoy the spring and summer -and then complain like OP about other people doing the same re: barbecues and kids jumping too high on trampolines and birthday parties and paint spraying and music and DIY and chatting too loudly on their phones and lawn mowing and on and on and on-

Brightlittlecanary · 25/02/2026 16:02

AirborneElephant · 25/02/2026 15:44

It’s the fact that we have had no sun for months. I don’t care in the summer, he does his garden when he wants and I do mine when I want, no big deal. It just feels like the only possible chance for any sun for what feels like forever has been stolen.

Are you ok? He hasn’t stolen the sun, he took the perfectly normal opportunity to get the power washing done. Yoh can’t control what your neighbours do if you live In close proximity to others. So as to live your life in silence when you please.

WhatATimeToBeAlive · 25/02/2026 16:01

You'd hate us. Just been cutting the grass and using hedgecutters. Been waiting bloody months to get in the garden. YABU,

purpleygrey · 25/02/2026 16:00

I fear you might be my neighbour. Sorry! 🫣

today was the perfect jet washing day!

MyThreeWords · 25/02/2026 15:59

It's lovely to be out power washing on a sunny day. I bet it was the sunshine that drew him out as much as it drew you out.

I've been power washing my drive today. I wouldn't have done it if it was rainy or cold.

LVhandbagsatdawn · 25/02/2026 15:58

AirborneElephant · 25/02/2026 15:44

It’s the fact that we have had no sun for months. I don’t care in the summer, he does his garden when he wants and I do mine when I want, no big deal. It just feels like the only possible chance for any sun for what feels like forever has been stolen.

It's not stolen. If you feel that strongly about it you could always go for a lovely peaceful walk in the sunshine.

BorgQueen · 25/02/2026 15:58

DH always uses our pressure washer when it’s pissing down, you get soaked anyway.
It’s a dirtier job when it’s dry too.

Nofeckingway · 25/02/2026 15:55

Ridiculous. Why do you think you are so special that other people have to live their lives around your wants and needs . Baby

ISpyNoPlumPie · 25/02/2026 15:54

Is it exhausting being you OP?

Barnsleybonuz · 25/02/2026 15:53

Not remotely selfish, perfect day to do it

missbish · 25/02/2026 15:52

He didn’t steal the sun though ? He made some noise maybe but that’s just life

frozendaisy · 25/02/2026 15:50

Stick some headphones on then

CaptainMyCaptain · 25/02/2026 15:49

AirborneElephant · 25/02/2026 15:44

It’s the fact that we have had no sun for months. I don’t care in the summer, he does his garden when he wants and I do mine when I want, no big deal. It just feels like the only possible chance for any sun for what feels like forever has been stolen.

Stolen! Completely OTT.

CaptainMyCaptain · 25/02/2026 15:47

There would be no point snd pretty unpleasant washing the drive in the pouring rain and even worse if it was icy. He'll be wanting to mow his lawn soon, will you also be complaining about that.

ValidPistachio · 25/02/2026 15:47

AirborneElephant · 25/02/2026 15:44

It’s the fact that we have had no sun for months. I don’t care in the summer, he does his garden when he wants and I do mine when I want, no big deal. It just feels like the only possible chance for any sun for what feels like forever has been stolen.

Stolen‽ Get over yourself.

DappledThings · 25/02/2026 15:47

AirborneElephant · 25/02/2026 15:44

It’s the fact that we have had no sun for months. I don’t care in the summer, he does his garden when he wants and I do mine when I want, no big deal. It just feels like the only possible chance for any sun for what feels like forever has been stolen.

Or you are just more annoyed by general noise than other people. Him doing a job doesn't block out the sun

foreversunshine · 25/02/2026 15:46

There will be other sunny days, OP. I suspect you're having a hard time more generally and this is the last straw for your patience. Put some music on, have a cuppa and catch some vitamin D.

Schtush · 25/02/2026 15:45

When did we become so intolerant of other people that perfectly normal everyday things are causing such an influx of ‘antisocial’ & ‘selfish people’ tirades?

AirborneElephant · 25/02/2026 15:44

It’s the fact that we have had no sun for months. I don’t care in the summer, he does his garden when he wants and I do mine when I want, no big deal. It just feels like the only possible chance for any sun for what feels like forever has been stolen.

OP posts:
DappledThings · 25/02/2026 15:43

AirborneElephant · 25/02/2026 15:39

I’d much rather Sunday 8am. I’m not wanting to sit outside then.

I'd be much more annoyed about being woken up by the noise at 8am on a Sunday than by it going on during the working day.

Just goes to show how you can't please everyone

foreversunshine · 25/02/2026 15:42

AirborneElephant · 25/02/2026 15:39

I’d much rather Sunday 8am. I’m not wanting to sit outside then.

But what your neighbour chooses to do with their property on any given day, is nothing to do with what you want. Surely you see that?

Maybe you can't see the selfish woods for the selfish trees 😉