Clean Pavers Correctly – Our Step-By-Step Guide

We teach you how to clean pavers and refresh the look of your outdoor space. Our guide will have you cleaning pavers correctly in no time at all.

Many homeowners and tenants tend to neglect their pavers until they become noticeably dirty, often viewing the task of cleaning them as bothersome. However, it’s crucial to recognise that pavers represent a significant investment, making regular maintenance essential to prevent costly damage and potential replacement. Getting your pavers cleaner starts with understand how and why they should be cleaned.

Consider this: the average paver patio can incur costs of up to $20 per square foot, potentially totaling up to $5,000 for a complete replacement, depending on its size. Yet, by prioritising regular cleaning paving, you can mitigate the need for such extensive expenditures down the line.

Furthermore, you don’t need a plethora of specialised equipment or expensive paver cleaners to maintain your pavers. With just following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively restore their appearance and ensure they maintain a polished finish.

If you’re eager to learn the proper techniques for cleaning your pavers and safeguarding your finances in the process, continue reading for invaluable insights. It is a simple process you could incorporate when cleaning other areas on the outside of your home, such as window cleaning!

How to Clean Pavers Correctly

No matter the specific type of pavers adorning your outdoor space, the task of cleaning them is surprisingly straightforward and requires only a modest investment of time. Whether they are outside an office building, school or even aged care facility, by following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll discover how effortless it can be to restore your pavers to their optimal condition. So, be sure to stick around until the conclusion to learn all the necessary insights for revitalising your outdoor surfaces!

Before You Begin Cleaning

For optimal results, it’s advisable to undertake paver cleaning and sealing when temperatures range between 10 to 30 degrees Celsius. Cleaning solutions and sealers may not perform effectively in colder temperatures. Additionally, it’s prudent to avoid these tasks during the rainy season, as moisture can interfere with the process. Plan your cleaning and sealing endeavors for a date on the calendar that aligns with the recommended temperature range to achieve the best possible outcome.

Step 1 – Remove Items and Weeds

Before embarking on your cleaning endeavors, it’s imperative to eliminate any potential obstacles in your path, such as grills, furniture, or other objects. Failure to do so may result in inadvertently damaging these items during the cleaning process.

Additionally, it’s common for weeds to encroach upon your patio over time. Prior to commencing cleaning activities, take care to diligently uproot any weeds present. Be cautious during this process to avoid loosening or damaging the integrity of your pavers.

Should you encounter moss growth on your pavers, employing a soft brush can effectively eradicate it without causing harm to the underlying surfaces.

Step 2 – Cover the Pavers in Water

In this initial phase, it’s essential to saturate the entire area with water, and a standard garden hose will suffice for this task.

Following the thorough watering, proceed to create a cleaning solution by combining dish soap, degreaser, or diluted bleach with water. Utilise a brush to gently scrub the pavers, exercising caution to prevent any inadvertent damage during the cleaning process.

Step 3 – Rinse Water Off and Repeat

Once you’ve completed the cleaning process to your satisfaction, thoroughly rinse the entire area with water. Subsequently, conduct a comprehensive inspection to identify any areas that may require additional attention. Should you encounter such areas, don’t hesitate to repeat the preceding cleaning steps as necessary until you achieve the desired outcome as not all pavers are the same and some may require additional coats.

Step 4 – Replace Damaged Pavers

Should you come across any pavers exhibiting signs of breakage or damage, it’s advisable to enlist the services of a professional to replace them promptly. Prior to proceeding to the subsequent steps, it’s imperative to confirm that all your pavers are in optimal condition.

Conversely, if you’ve utilised sand to fill the gaps between your pavers, it’s crucial to replenish it adequately once the cleaning process is complete. This ensures proper stabilisation and longevity of your outdoor surface. You are able to buy paver sand at any good landscaping store and it is relatively inexpensive.

Step 5 – Apply Protective Sealer

For a gleaming and aesthetically pleasing appearance, it’s advisable to apply a sealant to your pavers once they are confirmed to be in prime condition. Utilise either a paintbrush or a long-handled applicator to evenly distribute the sealant across the entire patio surface.

Exercise patience and allow the sealant ample time to dry completely before proceeding with any further activities.

Remove Mould from Pavers

We understand the frustration that comes with dealing with stubborn mould, we often see it when carpet cleaning offices and know how tricky it can be. Regular cleaning efforts may not always suffice initially. A recommended approach involves using a solution of warm water and dish soap, allowing it to sit on the affected areas for a few minutes.

After the designated time, employ a brush with stiff bristles to gently scrub away the mould. It may be necessary to repeat this process multiple times for effective removal. Should stubborn mould persist, diluted bleach can be considered as an alternative solution.

Should all attempts prove unsuccessful, seeking assistance from professional cleaners is advised to promptly address the issue.

Cleaning Different Type of Paver Surfaces

• While the general process for cleaning pavers remains consistent, specific considerations should be taken based on the type of pavers you have.

• For natural stone pavers, it’s crucial to avoid harsh chemicals as they can cause damage. Instead, opt for a gentle mixture of water and dish soap to preserve the integrity of the stone.

• Brick pavers, being porous, require more frequent cleaning to prevent staining. Their absorbent nature makes them susceptible to discoloration more easily than other types of pavers.

• Concrete pavers can be cleaned effectively with a non-acidic solution. While some may use muriatic acid for cleaning, prolonged use can weaken the concrete, necessitating replacement sooner than expected.

Things to Consider When Cleaning Your Pavers

1. Ensure your gutters remain clear. Although less apparent, blocked gutters can contribute to patio damage. When water accumulates where it shouldn’t, such as on your brick patio, it can result in unsightly stains and damage caused by pooling water.
2. Exercise caution with patio decorations. Plants, pots, and other adornments can promote stains and mildew growth on your patio, complicating the cleaning process. Regularly clean beneath patio decorations or opt for decor that doesn’t foster the growth of algae, mildew, and grime.
3. Be cautious with brush selection. Avoid using wire or steel brushes on certain materials, as they can cause damage. For instance, rough brushes may harm natural stone like sandstone.
4. Opt for gentle cleaning solutions. Avoid highly abrasive cleaners, especially for materials like concrete pavers, as they can cause harm. Similarly, materials abundant in calcium, such as sandstone, limestone, or marble, should not be cleaned with overly acidic solutions.

Cleaning Pavers – FAQs

Final Say

Maintaining the cleanliness and integrity of your pavers is essential for preserving their appearance and longevity. By following the appropriate cleaning techniques as outlined above and using suitable cleaning solutions, you can effectively remove dirt, stains, and debris without compromising the quality of your pavers. Paying attention to specific considerations based on the type of pavers you have, such as avoiding harsh chemicals for natural stone and using the correct pressure when pressure washing, ensures that your cleaning efforts yield optimal results. Regular maintenance, along with periodic inspections and repairs, will help keep your outdoor spaces looking pristine and inviting for years to come.

If you’re still searching for tips on cleaning outdoor pavers correctly, please contact us or check out our blog for more insights. We’re professionals in cleaning and would be delighted to help you in any way we can to help you become the best tile care cleaner you can be.