Paver patios that are constructed properly need very little care. Once a year, we recommend cleaning the patio with a mild, plant-safe detergent to remove dirt, debris, and build-up. Although not required, this keeps your patio looking like new.
Mix Solution of dish soap and water, and use a brush to scrub the pavers clean. Make sure to rinse the pavers thoroughly afterward. This process may need to be repeated for tough stains. A recommendation is to do this every few months.
There are useful tools for cleaning paving stones, such as joint scrapers, sweepers, and pressure washers. In addition, pavers can be cleaned with a small pickaxe, broom, and garden hose.
Can you power wash pavers? Power washing (also known as pressure washing) is also a very effective method by which you can remove dust deposits and various stains from your pavers. Just make sure that the water jet is not directed directly at the joints between the paving stones.
To clean paver slabs, you can use a detergent, such as Dawn, or a vinegar-water solution that is gentle enough to effectively clean without causing damage to your concrete pavers.
The acetic acid in vinegar is a little stronger than acid rain, so exposing your pavers to this substance can lead to bleaching, corrosion and the loss of protective sealant.
Use a specialist cleaner
Try a specialist cleaner like Wet & Forget, at Walmart, which you spray onto the surface of the paving and leave. It can also be used on steps, fountains, patio umbrellas and other smaller outdoor areas. It's bleach-free and non-acidic but will remove mold, moss and grime without any scrubbing.
To keep pavers looking their best, plan to clean and reseal them every three to five years. Clean your pavers each Spring with a coarse-bristle “stable” broom and a paver cleaner to keep them looking like new. Some weeds, if left unaddressed, can shift pavers apart over time.
Should you re-sand brick paver joints? Brick pavers absolutely, 100% need to be re-sanded prior to sealing. The sand in the brick paver joints serves MANY integral purposes.
The good news is that pavers are known for their durability and lifespan. Made of clay, concrete, natural stone, or even porcelain, pavers can last 20-25 years without any major repairs with proper care and maintenance. If they are properly cared for and sealed, concrete pavers can last upwards of 50 years.
The basic rule of thumb is every 3-5 years. For film-forming sealants, you will be able to notice when the physical barrier is showing signs of wear. For non-film-forming sealants, you will begin to see a significant color change of pavers during a rain when the sealant is wearing thin.
Pavers should be resealed every 3 to 4 years on average. You will know when your pavers need to be resealed because water will stop beading on the surface and the sheen will diminish. In addition, you may notice weeds starting to grow in between joints and the pavers may start to lose their color.
It's recommended that the scheduling of these projects should be in early spring, right after the winter frost has melted. Here, you will find a few important reasons behind this guidance. Working outdoors is easier when it's not too cold or warm for comfort.
Try Concrete Stain
The simplest path to reviving tired pavers is to apply an acrylic-based semitransparent concrete stain, such as Behr Premium Semi-transparent Concrete Stain ($27/gal.; Home Depot) or Valspar Semi-transparent Concrete Stain ($28/gal.; Lowe's).
Make up a 50:50 vinegar and water solution, and apply to the paving – using a watering can will help you get even coverage. Leave the solution to soak for around 20 minutes, then use a stiff brush to remove stains. Once you're done, mop with clean water. Leave to dry before you put anything back on to the patio.
It is common to mix bleach with water; however, you can also add other ingredients to make it more effective. Avoid an intense concentration of bleach, as it can damage the pavers.
Simple Green is one of the best cleaning products for dirty pavers. It doesn't have any harmful chemicals that could possibly warp your precious driveway. Less chemicals mean there's a less likely chance your paver stones will change to a weird-looking color.
You can't cover your patio with copper sheets, but you can spray on a liquid solution of copper that will soak into the top surface of the concrete pavers. This copper will stop the growth of the pesky green and black organisms in their tracks. The easiest way to apply the copper is to buy copper sulfate crystals.
Will Vinegar Damage Pavers? Yes, vinegar is NEVER safe to use on pavers. It can cause a lot of damage, and you may have to replace a lot of the pavers if you try this. I know that vinegar is often used for household cleaning projects, but when it comes to your patio, it's a big no!
Depending on the material of the paver (non-coloured concrete is safe), CLR may be suitable. Always spot test in an inconspicuous area first. Make sure the pavers are not coloured, stamped, sealed or coated.