How to Clean Concrete Pavers

Dirty pavers can be a nuisance as they come with many challenges. They can reduce the value of your home by diminishing curb appeal, or they may be a health hazard.

As a homeowner, I have encountered these challenges and never want anyone to go through them. Therefore, I want to use my experience to help other homeowners understand how to clean concrete pavers easily and faster.

How to Clean Concrete Pavers

Cleaning pavers is an easy process if you decide to go the DIY route. What you need to do is prepare a cleaning solution, clear the area you want to clean, sweep, and apply the cleaning solution. Next, scrub the area using a bristle brush, rinse, and apply a sealant.

Gray concrete pavers installed in a driveway

Cleaning your concrete pavers regularly is vital to ensure longevity. This way, you will ensure that your pavers remain clean, increasing the value of your home. That said, here is a detailed step-by-step guide that will help you clean the pavers thoroughly:

Step 1: Prepare for Cleaning

The first thing to do is to prepare for cleaning, which involves gathering the materials needed for the job. You will need the following:

A bucket: You will need this to mix the washing detergent with water. Get a good size bucket to avoid mixing the detergent with water after a short cleaning time.
Stiff bristle or broom: The broom or bristle broom will sweep and clear the weeds that might have grown between the pavers.
Detergent: Get a mild or specialized paver cleaner to help remove stubborn stains. You use vinegar, soap dish, laundry detergent, or multipurpose soap.
A pressure washer or hose with a high-pressure nozzle: This will help you remove mud, dust, mold, dust, and loose paint from the pavers. Ensure you use ideal pressure to avoid damaging the pavers.
Safety materials: Ensure you have gloves and eye-protective materials to help protect your body from harsh chemicals that may be present in your detergent.
Fan (optional): This will help speed up the drying time of pavers after cleaning. It is a great material, especially if you are cleaning pavers that experience frequent traffic.
Sealant: Applying a sealant after cleaning your concrete pavers is advisable to help protect them from UV light and prevent molds from growing.

Step 2: Clear the Area and Sweep

The next thing to do is to ensure the area is clear. You can do this by removing any obstacle, such as furniture, clay pots, or any other material that could make cleaning difficult.

Man installing white concrete paver pieces on a bed of gravel and sand

After that, take your broom and sweep the area to remove the coarse dirt and debris. This helps reduce the unnecessary spread of dirt during the washing process. Ensure you use the bristle brush gently to avoid damaging the surface of the pavers.

Step 3: Pre-wet the Concrete Pavers and Apply a Cleaning Solution

After clearing the area, it is time to start the cleaning process. The first thing to do is to pre-wet the area.

You can use a pressure washer to apply water to the entire area or a bucket.
Start from the higher area (if your area is tilted to enhance drainage) as you move downwards.
Next, apply the cleaning solution and leave it to sit for about 30 minutes. This helps loosens the tough stains on the pavers, making cleaning easy.
Ensure you use a recommended ratio to mix the cleaning solution with water. You can get the information on the back of the package.

Step 4: Scrub and Rinse the Pavers

Concrete pavers are fairly easy to scrub and rinse using the following steps.

After the recommended time (30 minutes), use your bristle brush or broom to scrub the entire area. You can add a cleaning solution to help remove the tough stains while washing. Ensure you apply a gentle force when scrubbing to avoid damaging your pavers.
Adjust the pressure washer (1000 PSI is recommended) and start the rinsing process. Start from one corner to the other. This will help you know which areas are yet to be rinsed.
Pay attention to the joints between the pavers, as overcleaning these areas using a pressure washer may make the pavers lose and chip.
If, during the cleaning process, you notice many pavers are chipping, then the installation was not done correctly. Get quality services from a reputable paving company like Aviara Pavers. At Aviara Pavers, we ensure proper paver installation that lasts longer, reducing repair costs.
Aviavra also follows ICPI standards and certifications related to pavers (driveway depth, patios, swimming pool, and pathways).

Orange and red concrete pavers installed outdoors

Step 5: Dry and Apply a Sealant

The next step is to let the pavers air dry before people start using them. If you live in a frequently visited area, you can use a fan to speed up the dying process. You will need more than four fans strategically placed to speed the process.

After the pavers have dried up, apply a sealant. Sealants are very important to pavers since they help protect pavers from fading due to UV lights. They also prevent molds and other weeds from growing.

Conclusion

Cleaning pavers is the first step in having beautiful and functional pavers. Regular cleaning of pavers ensures they remain clean and last longer. It’s advisable to follow the correct procedure of cleaning pavers to ensure they don’t crack or chip out.

How to Clean Concrete Pavers