An outdoor space paved with pavers can be an elegant addition to any home. Whether a patio, walkway, or driveway, pavers lend aesthetic appeal and lasting durability when properly maintained. However, cleaning and caring for pavers presents unique challenges for homeowners. If not addressed regularly, pavers become subject to staining, weed growth, and premature deterioration. Fortunately, with the right approach and techniques, keeping your pavers looking like new isn’t difficult. This comprehensive guide will equip you to care for your outdoor pavers and preserve their enduring beauty.
Understanding the Composition of Pavers
The first key to unlocking effective paver care is understanding what they’re made of. The three most common types of pavers are concrete, brick, and natural stone.
Concrete Pavers
Concrete pavers are affordable, durable, and versatile. They hold up well to heavy foot traffic and last for decades. Typical stains and growths are easy to remove with proper cleaning solutions. However, constant exposure can lead to fading of color.
Brick Pavers
Classic-fired clay brick pavers bring timeless elegance to outdoor spaces. Their porous surface is more prone to staining, but less likely to fade over time. Cleaning agents and techniques must be compatible with the clay material to prevent discoloration or damage.
Natural Stone Pavers
Milled from granite, bluestone, travertine, or other quarry stone, natural stone pavers provide unmatched beauty with unique natural variations. However, the delicate mineral composition requires gentler cleaning approaches to avoid etching or eroding the surface.
Preparing for the Cleaning Process
With an understanding of your paver type, next prepare the space for an effective cleaning routine. Gather all necessary supplies you’ll need beforehand so the process isn’t interrupted once started.
Supplies
- Garden hose with pressure nozzle
- Stiff bristle broom or brush
- Bucket, sponges, terrycloth rags
- Concrete cleaner or degreaser
- Weed torch (for stone and concrete pavers only)
- Rubber gloves, safety goggles, mask
- Pressure washer (optional for stubborn stains)
Preparation
- Sweep loose debris from the surface using a broom or leaf blower
- Use a garden hose to soak pavers completely before applying any cleaning agent
- Cover nearby plants and grass to protect from overspray
With prep work complete, it’s time to reveal the true, vibrant colors of your outdoor pavers.
Cleaning Concrete Pavers
The molded texture of concrete pavers traps fewer contaminants compared to porous surfaces. However periodic deep cleaning rejuvenates the color and prevents long-term staining.
Cleaning Process
- Pre-soak the concrete pavers with a regular garden hose, then apply a degreaser or concrete cleaner as directed
- Let it soak for 5-10 minutes so enzymes can break down soil and grime
- Scrub all surfaces with a stiff brush to lift stains
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all cleaner residue
- Check for remaining stained spots and repeat scrubbing to remove
- Once fully rinsed, let the concrete dry completely
A thorough scrubbing followed by a complete rinse cleans concrete pavers effectively without using high pressure. This prevents water from flooding the underlying base and drainage system.
“Pavers look fabulous when newly installed but quickly get dirty and stained. Taking time once or twice a year to deep clean makes a huge difference. A well-maintained paver patio or walkway keeps your whole outdoor space looking its best.” – Chris Wallace, Landscape Designer
Cleaning Brick Pavers
Fired clay brick pavers accentuate surrounding plants and landscapes with their rich red hues. However, the porous material requires gentler cleaning methods than concrete to avoid damage.
Cleaning Process
- Use a garden hose to soak bricks thoroughly, then let soak for 10-15 minutes
- Mix a mild detergent like Murphy’s Oil Soap with warm water in a bucket
- Dip a soft bristle brush in the solution and scrub bricks in a gentle circular motion
- Rinse thoroughly with a low-pressure garden hose sprayer
- For remaining stains, make a baking soda and water paste and gently scrub spots
- Rinse the cleaned area fully and allow bricks to dry over 24 hours
Repeat this routine twice per year—in spring and fall—to prevent long-term staining or mildew growth between brick pavers.
Cleaning Natural Stone Pavers
Granite, bluestone, travertine, and other natural stones create an elegant Old World look. Each stone boasts unique natural variations that soft cleaning methods will keep intact for decades.
Cleaning Process
- Sweep away loose debris with a soft bristle broom
- Pre-soak the entire area thoroughly with a garden hose
- Fill a bucket with warm water and add a small amount of mild pH-neutral soap
- Dip a soft cloth or sponge mop in the solution and gently scrub
- Use a stiff nylon brush only for extremely stubborn stains
- Rinse entirely with garden hose, careful to avoid flooding joints
- Let air dry. Never power wash natural stone pavers
Repeat every year or whenever heavy staining appears. Avoid abrasive brushes, strong chemicals, or pressure washing which can etch or erode surfaces.
Removing Oil Stains from Natural Stone
Baking soda paste also works well to lift oil stains without harsh chemicals. Allow the paste to sit for 5 minutes before gently scrubbing with a soft bristle brush.
Preventing Weeds Between Pavers
Nothing detracts from the beauty of pavers faster than sprouting weeds in the joints. Vigilance is needed to prevent weed seeds from germinating and taking root.
For concrete pavers, boiling water is an effective natural weed killer. Pour slowly over joints during dry weather and repeat whenever weeds sprout up. Avoid pouring on extremely hot days which can cause cracks.
Vinegar or hydrogen peroxide works similarly to kill newly emerging weeds. Use a funnel applicator to target the weed-prone joints.
For stone or clay pavers, a propane weed torch provides the best defense. Torch weeds for 20-30 seconds until they wilt and shrivel. Sweep away the dead remains before they decompose back into the joints.
Another option is to fill paver joints with sand. This deprives seeds of the soil they need to take root while allowing rainwater drainage. Use polymeric sand which hardens like cement to resist erosion.
With vigilance, keeping weeds at bay is possible without using harmful weed killers. A routine application of boiling water, vinegar, or flame torching will keep ugly weeds from invading the cracks between your beautiful pavers.
Removing Stubborn Stains from Pavers
Even well-maintained pavers eventually succumb to staining from motor oil leaks, rust, leaf tannins, mildew, and other common paver enemies. Identifying the type of stain determines the best removal method.
| Type of Stain | Cleaning Solution |
|---|---|
| Oil/Grease Stains | Degreaser or citrus cleaner |
| Rust Stains | Oxalic or phosphoric acid cleaner |
| Leaf Stains | Sodium percarbonate oxygen bleach |
| Mold & Mildew | Chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach cleaners |
| Hard Water Stains | White vinegar and water solution |
| Berry/Food Stains | Baking soda paste with warm water |
| Wine Stains | Hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice |
Refer to the paver or cleaning product manufacturer’s recommendations for dilution ratios and dwell times for the various solutions. After applying, agitate gently with a stiff nylon brush then rinse thoroughly.
For stubborn oily stains, a pressure washer on a low setting may be necessary during the rinsing stage but test first on an inconspicuous area.
Sealing Pavers – Worth the Time and Cost?
Sealing pavers creates an impervious barrier preventing stains from penetrating the surface. It also enhances color vibrancy and protects from freeze-thaw cycles and salt damage.
However, sealing does require stripping off old sealant every two to three years for reapplication. This involves using a chemical stripper and pressure washing—risking damage to the pavers if not done properly.
For concrete pavers, a penetrating non-gloss sealant can minimize appearance changes while allowing vapor transmission. Though maintaining the original color isn’t a priority, skipping the sealing step eliminates the periodic hassle without sacrificing durability.
Natural stone pavers should always be sealed but with a breathable stone-specific sealant only. This prevents water or salts from infiltrating pores while allowing vapor transmission. Reapplication every other year ensures maximum stain protection.
Maintaining the Beauty of Pavers
Once your paver surface is thoroughly cleaned and weeds have been eliminated from joints, just a little regular maintenance keeps them looking fresh. Here are helpful tips:
- Sweep or blow leaves and debris from the surface frequently
- Remove newly emerging weeds by pouring boiling water or torching
- Use outdoor mats to wipe shoes to minimize dirt-tracking
- Re-sand joints if washout channels appear causing unevenness
- Clean up spills immediately to prevent staining
- Scrub mildew, algae, or lichen growth early before staining occurs
- Consider re-sealing pavers every 2-3 years if needed
Staying vigilant by adhering to these simple habits preserves the beauty and enjoyment of your outdoor pavers for decades to come.
Avoiding Damage During Paver Cleaning
It’s easy to cause irreparable harm to delicate surfaces when attempting do-it-yourself paver cleaning. Keep these common mistakes in mind:
High-Pressure Washing
The intense water pressure blasts out joint sand, damages adjoining walls, and etches away the surface. Instead, always use a garden hose on the fan setting for gentle, effective cleaning.
Oil-Based Cleaners
Harsh degreasers may lift some stubborn stains, but residues attract even more soil if not completely rinsed away. Water-based oxygen bleach cleaners work just as well without the environmental impact.
Acidic Mixing
Never mix muriatic acid (hydrochloric) with strong bases like sodium hypochlorite (bleach). This creates toxic chlorine gas. Always test combinations on unused material first.
Conclusion
Cleaning and caring for outdoor pavers doesn’t require a high cost or significant effort. By understanding your paver type and using proper materials and techniques, maintaining beautiful outdoor living spaces is simple. Natural cleaners provide an earth-friendly way to fight stains without resorting to toxic chemicals.
Most importantly, keeping a consistent maintenance routine prevents pavers from ever appearing dingy, stained, or overrun by weeds. A little time invested in enjoying your outdoor space pays dividends for years to come. So pull on your work gloves and get ready to reveal the true beauty lying just below the surface of your weathered pavers.
