How to Clean Paver Stones: Step-by-Step Instructions

Concrete pavers lock together neatly, adding a stunning decorative element to any home’s landscaping or driveway. Pavers were designed specifically to eliminate stormwater runoff, no matter the climate. So not only do they look great, but they also serve a significant purpose.

Since they sit outside day and night, and deal with constant wear and tear resulting from changing weather, vehicles, and constant treading, they require thorough cleaning.

While they might appear resilient, paver stones are delicate and must be properly washed to maintain their lustre and colour. If your driveway is embellished with paver stones, Reno Quotes is detailing ways to deep clean for a worthwhile revamp!

How to Clean Concrete or Stone Pavers: Preparation Stage

Source: Canva

Cleaning your pavers correctly will vary depending on the material of the stone, so make sure to test out a small area with the cleaning method you choose before going forward on the entire paved surface.

Before you begin cleaning, make sure to prepare the surrounding area by clearing off any furniture and plants that might be resting on the stones. Also, cover or remove all metal objects, as there is a chance they could be tarnished in the cleaning process.

Look for and brush away any moss and weeds that have accumulated between paver joints, as leaving weeds unattended will shift pavers apart over time. It is recommended that you periodically apply a granular weed preventative product between joints as part of your paver routine. 

If you are finding that the growth cannot be removed by hand, use weed killer. Try to choose an environmentally-friendly brand and something that does not have harsh chemicals in case it damages the stones. Unfortunately, if you use any form of weed killer, it is important to wait weeks before moving forward with cleaning your pavers.

Following the removal of weeds in the area, hose down pavers to prepare them for cleaning. Be careful to clean them gently, as using any form of high water pressure will damage the pavers and cause them to deteriorate as well as exposing the aggregate on the pavers' surface.

However, the pavers need to be slightly wet before you can move on to the next steps.

Everything Prepped? Time to Clean Your Paver Stones!

As we stated earlier, depending on the material of the stone, the cleaning solution you choose may vary. However, there are a few tried and true DIY options that will work on most materials.

The simplest method is found in our home's kitchen. Make your way under the sink and grab that soap you use to wash dishes. Regular dish soap works as a degreasing detergent, and can easily remove most stains found on pavers.

Mix the soap in a very large bucket of water to make a cleaning solution that is made from just soap and water. Then grab a clean, stiff bristle brush to scrub the dirty pavers.

Work in small areas at a time, making sure to be extra precise, move the brush in small circular motions to remove the stains.

source: Flickr, denisbin

Paver Stone-Designed Maintenance Products

 Another at-home method for cleaning pavers is also found in your kitchen. Go to your cupboard and grab some white vinegar. This natural disinfectant does an excellent job cleaning and is also an environmentally friendly option that won't ruin the surrounding vegetation.

However, avoid dark vinegar, as you risk the possibility of further staining your pavers depending on how porous the material. Let the white vinegar and water solution soak on the stone for 1 hour, then gently scrub away the stains in the same manner that we suggested previously. 

Whenever possible, try to avoid chemical treatments, as many of these are highly toxic and can be a risk to children, pets or surrounding vegetation. There are definitely environmentally-friendly options out there, so if you've got some tougher stains and want to invest in a paver cleaner, check your local hardware store for chemical free and eco-friendly choices.

Also, the harsher the chemicals, the more likely a chance that the colour of stones fade or materials disintegrates.

If you are finding there are tougher stains on pavers, such as tire marks from your car or excess oil, these can be cleaned off with a rubber remover or a granular oil absorbent, also found at your local hardware store. Make sure that if you are cleaning a spill, it should be soaked up and not rubbed, as rubbing will drive the stain deeper into the paver.

Your pavers are all clean, what's the next step?

Following cleaning, hose the pavers thoroughly, as built-up film will need to be removed. Although it is not recommended, if you choose to clean your paving stones with a high-pressure hose or power washer, be careful not to remove the all-important joint sand, as this acts to maintain the longevity and placement of the stones.

If you are concerned that you lost a significant amount of sand in the cleaning process and feel it needs a touch-up, go ahead and replace the sand between the paving stones.

Sweep the sand over the paved surface with a dry/stiff bristled broom, pour sand and sweep over the pavers until the joints are filled. Following this, use a misting or very light hose setting to mist water over stones.

Remember to keep in mind that the joints between pavers are the most sensitive areas, so do not saturate pavers, as the sand-bedding will deteriorate and cause the stones to do the same. 

It is also recommended that you use a sealer following cleansing, as this will make future cleaning ventures much easier. Further, it enhances the colour and helps to maintain the appearance of stones over a long period.

However, do not apply a sealer more than once in three years, as too many applications can create a film on the surface of the stones, and it may discolour in the sunlight. 

How to Clean Paver Stones: Rundown

1. Choose the cleaning product(s) you will be using;

2. Assemble all the necessary equipment;

3. Remove any weeds that are in the way;

4. Prepare the surface;

5. Wait the appropriate time before the stones are ready to be cleaned;

6. Wet the surface;

7. Work on small areas at a time and move the brush in circular motions;

8. If necessary, let the cleaning solution rest on the surface for a certain amount of time;

9. If applicable, remove tougher stains using other appropriate techniques described in the article;

10. When using a power washer, be careful not to remove the joint sand.