How to Clean Pavers – A Guide to Cleaning Patio Pavers

March 29, 2022

Give your home's curb appeal an instant boost by blocking off some time this weekend to clean your patio pavers. Clean patio pavers will keep your yard looking brand new and fortunately, it's easier to do than you might think. Ready to get started? Let the experts at Nicolock Paving Stones teach you how to clean patio pavers the right way.

Cleaning Patio Pavers Will Keep Your Yard Looking Brand-New

Outdoor paving stones are one of the most versatile, durable, and cost-effective ways to make your hardscape shine. From pool patios, driveways, walkways, steps, and more, Nicolock pavers will look amazing as part of any home.

However, some maintenance is needed to keep them looking new. Nicolock paving stones with paver-shield™ technology are designed to resist fading - but dirt, stains, efflorescence, moss, and other grime can still build up. Knowing how to clean patio pavers will restore their vibrant colors and increase curb appeal.

Preparation for Pavers Cleaning

Before you get started cleaning patio pavers, there's a little bit of prep work that needs to be done. First, clear the area you'll be working on. That means removing patio tables, chairs, toys and even vehicles if you're cleaning a paving stone driveway. Pull any weeds that you see and use a broom or leaf blower to remove any loose debris. Next, grab the hose and rinse the paving stones down.

Pick a Cleaning Solution

Once your paving stones are prepped for cleaning, you'll need to pick your cleaning solution. There are various products on the market designed for this purpose, but the one you choose will depend on how dirty your paving stones are and what you have available. Some common options are:

• Soap and Water: There's no mystery here. Regular dishwashing soap and water are all you need to remove mild to moderate dirt, stains and grease. Dish soap is particularly good at removing greasy messes during paver cleaning.
• Simple Green: The chemical-free paver cleaner is a popular choice for outdoor use and is made specifically for paving stones. Just follow the instructions on the bottle to dilute and get to work.
• Diluted Bleach: Bleach is one of the strongest options on our list for cleaning pavers and should be diluted 10:1 before use (10 parts water). Use this to remove any stubborn stains that can't be removed by other methods. Always test a small section before using bleach over a larger area.
• Vinegar: Concentrated vinegar (not the kind in the kitchen) diluted 1:4 with water makes a powerful paver cleaner. You can also use it at full strength for really tough stains.

Cleaning paving stones is easy when you have the right paver cleaners and a little bit of know-how. Learn more about how to clean Nicolock pavers and find helpful tips in the Nicolock Paving Stones blog.

Methods for Cleaning Pavers

Pressure washing pavers is something many customers ask us about. The short answer is that, while this can be a good way to help remove stubborn grime, it must be done carefully so that you don’t damage the surface of the paving stones or wash out joint sand. You may even want to leave this method to a professional cleaner.

If you do decide to pursue this method, we recommend putting the pressure washer on the lowest setting. A round brush attachment is a safer method for using pressure washers.

Our Preferred Cleaning Method

Once you've wet down the pavers as described in the prep section, pour some of your cleaning solution onto the pavers, then use a stiff-bristle scrub brush or push broom to gently scrub them. (Don't use wire brushes or scouring pads as these can damage the pavers and/or sealant.) After scrubbing, rinse the pavers thoroughly with the garden hose. Repeat as needed until your patio pavers are clean.

Knowing how to clean old patio pavers will ensure you have a beautiful outdoor yard for years to come. No longer do you need to worry about the changing seasons or party guests doing damage to your pavers. Once the warm seasons hit, you can clean up your pavers and have them looking as good as new.

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