Paver restoration is removing the old seal coating down to the original brick and then re-sealing it correctly with a quality, breathable sealer. This is in fact fixing a problem that exists because the pavers were sealed improperly the first time around, usually by a homeowner or another contractor.
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).
Brick pavers absolutely, 100% need to be re-sanded prior to sealing. The sand in the brick paver joints serves MANY integral purposes.
If you still think they need to be enhanced, you could use paver sealant to bring out the color of faded pavers. The use of paver sealant is a bit controversial because it blocks water from evaporating on the surface of the pavers. This could lead to problems down the line if you're in an area with heavy rainfall.
Simply put, black stains on flagstones are caused by certain types of mold and mildew. These fungi find their way onto the stones either from their spores landing on the stones or from simply extending onto the stones from patches of mold or mildew right beside them—a pretty common occurrence for garden pavers.
The Scrub Method
Regular scrubbing with a stiff brush and water will help to loosen and wash away some of the deposits, shortening the time it takes for the stains to disappear. A power washer will also remove staining, although too much pressure can damage the pavers, so care is needed.
Cleaning your pavers with bleach has a lot of benefits: Disinfecting the Surface: Bleach is an effective disinfectant and can kill any bacteria or mold on the surface. This will help to prevent any health hazards from occurring. Removing Tough Stains: Bleach is also effective in removing tough stains from the surface.
For human-made colored concrete paving slabs or concrete pavers, we don't recommend the use of bleach for cleaning. That's because the substance could fade your paver colors if regularly cleaned with bleach over a long period.
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.
Without sand, the pavers are likely to shift and sink over time, resulting in an uneven and messy surface. The sand keeps the pavers in place, preventing unnecessary replacements and repairs, as well as keeping your patio free from tripping hazards.
The average cost to clean and reseal pavers is around $400, and most paver sealing projects fall between $300 and $550. This is a relatively affordable home improvement project that can add a lot of value and enjoyment to your outdoor entertaining space, so it's often well worth the investment.
The longevity of the overall installation of this paving material is typically higher than that of other materials. The best thing about pavers is that they are designed to last a lifetime. They may develop cracks at some point, but that's not a problem because they can easily be replaced.
However, some types of pavers can last from 50-100 years if they are treated with care! And one of the best things about pavers is that they can be easily repaired or replaced without having to make drastic changes to the entire structure.
Baking soda is an amazing household cleaner, and it can work really well on your pavers too.
Use Vinegar or Bleach
If you are going to try this approach to remove mold or algae, first try a mixture of white vinegar and water to spray down the area and kill the mold.
Cleaning pavers with bicarbonate soda and vinegar
Fill the bucket with lukewarm water and then add the bicarbonate soda, making sure it dissolves properly. Then add a little bit of white vinegar. Pour the solution onto the stained areas on your paver surface and use the scrubbing brush to apply it thoroughly.
Vinegar and water.
This is an excellent option if you're looking for a more natural way to clean your pavers. Vinegar is known for its cleaning properties, and you can use it as a household cleaner on a variety of surfaces. Plus, it's more eco-friendly than other cleaning options since you're not using harsh chemicals.
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.
Vinegar is extremely effective against efflorescence, and you don't have to worry about rinsing dangerous acids into the soil around your pavers. Pour vinegar that is 6% acid over the pavers, scrub them with a brush, then rinse it away with a water hose. Vinegar may not remove large buildups of efflorescence.
OxiClean is a powerful concrete cleaner that works well on various materials, including pavement and grout. This concentrated solution provides excellent cleaning without leaving residue.
Although bleach is great at the whitening effect, you can use peroxide to achieve this. Hydrogen peroxide is an oxygenated bleach. It is safe for plants, so when you rinse this solution, it won't harm anything. It works together with the dish soap and baking soda to remove dirt and whiten dirty concrete.