How to Clean Pavers

Pavers are a beautiful way to make an outdoor space more functional, but they also require some level of maintenance to keep them looking fabulous. This includes knowing the best way to clean pavers and how to remove stains from pavers. 

In this step-by-step tutorial, we'll walk you through how to clean pavers to create a beautiful yard. From initial preparation to the weeding and products used, our team will help create a beautiful space and restore pavers to their former glory with the best paver cleaner techniques and supplies while preventing damage in the process.

Tools and Materials Needed


Step-by-Step Guide to Basic Paver Cleaning


Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools for the Job

This includes a hose or pressure washer, scrub brush or broom, paving joint compound (we recommend the Xtreme Easy), and replacement pavers. If you're using a paver cleaner to make the job go quickly, you'll want to have goggles and rubber gloves to protect your skin and eyes.

Step 2: Clear the Area

If there's anything on the pavers, you'll want to remove it, whether it's potted plants, furniture, grills, or any other items that are keeping you from accessing the surface of the pavers.

Step 3: Remove Weeds & Greenery

Weeds should be pulled and discarded or composted, but intentional greenery should be pulled aside or protected so that it isn't damaged by any paver cleaner.

Step 4: Scrub Your Pavers 

Apply your paver cleaner and let it sit on the pavers for 1-10 minutes. After it has set, you can use a pressure washer to remove the cleaner and any loose dirt. For any persistent stains or deep soiling, use a scrub brush or scrubbing broom to further clean the pavers. This manual scrubbing ensures that tougher stains are effectively addressed.

Step 5: Rinse Down your Pavers

Once you’re done scrubbing, it’s time to rinse the pavers thoroughly using a pressure washer set to moderate pressure. Make sure to direct the rinse water towards drainage points to facilitate safe drainage away from the paved area.

Step 6: Replace Pavers as Needed

Sometimes it can be difficult to see damage on pavers before the cleaning process. Once you've replaced your pavers, don't forget to add paving joint compound to the joints to keep them firmly in place.

 

The Don'ts of Cleaning Pavers

Don't use bleach or toxic acids

These compounds are not only harsh on the pavers, which you're trying to protect and preserve as part of your paver maintenance service but also on the surrounding greenery. As an example, muriatic acid or vinegar is sometimes recommended, but these can weaken your pavers.

Don't use steel brushes

Metal brushes, especially something as stiff as steel, can etch into the surface of the pavers, scratching them and removing parts. Stick with nylon or similar plastic-type brushes to avoid causing damage to the surface of your pavers.

 

Special Cleaning Processes for Different Types of Pavers

Concrete tends to get a specific compound that forms on the surface known as efflorescence, a powdery white compound that forms from the calcium and other compounds in the aggregate. An efflorescence remover is your best bet in this situation.

Natural stone is beautiful, but it's also more sensitive to cleaners and scrubbing. Avoid anything abrasive and stick with nylon or plastic brushes to avoid damage to the surface of natural stone pavers.

Brick is a naturally porous material that tends to collect dirt and grime more easily than other compounds, and therefore should be cleaned more frequently. A thorough scrubbing will often get the brick clean much more easily.


Paver Cleaning Solutions

Specialized Cleaning Products

Though it can be tempting to simply go at the pavers with water or a bit of dish soap, the best paver cleaner is going to be the one that gets you through the process faster while cleaning out the dirt, debris, and algae from the porous of the stone (something a pressure washer or other methods of cleaning just can’t do). Paver cleaners are designed to quickly strip off dirt and grime so that you can get the job done quickly.

Soap and Water

Soap and water are cheap, but it's also not as effective as specialized paver cleaner products. For example, if you can use dish soap for a few cents versus a dollar's worth of paver cleaner, are you saving anything if you have to spend an extra hour on the project?

Pressure Washer

A pressure washer can do a good job cleaning off pavers, but it can also cause harm to your paver joint compound. If you use a pressure washer, keep the pressure fairly low, and don't use a nozzle at less than a 30-degree angle to avoid damage.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my pavers look new? 

To make your pavers look new, regularly sweep off debris and dirt, and clean them with a product suited for their material. Adding a protectant to the pavers will help prevent dirt and debris from penetrating the stone’s pores, keeping them looking fresh and new.

Is it okay to pressure wash pavers? 

Yes, it is generally safe to pressure wash pavers, but it's important to use a low-pressure setting and a suitable nozzle to avoid damaging the surface or dislodging the joint compound. Test on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure no harm is done.

How often should I clean my pavers? 

Cleaning frequency for pavers depends on their exposure to dirt and weather conditions. Generally, it's recommended to perform a thorough cleaning at least once a year to maintain their appearance. However, applying a protectant can extend the interval between these thorough cleanings to every three years, preserving the pavers while reducing maintenance efforts.

Back to Pave Tool Blog