How to Clean Pavers With Muriatic Acid

At times, mold and mildew can become a problem on pavers, making them look dirty and unkempt. One effective way to remove these unsightly growths is to use muriatic acid. That's why you need to know how to clean pavers with muriatic acid, so your outdoor space always looks great.

How to Clean Pavers With Muriatic Acid

To clean pavers with muriatic acid, remove the dust from the pavers using a leaf blower or a broom. This will ensure that the acid will not just sit on top of the dirt and will be able to penetrate and clean the pavers more effectively. Next, remove metallic objects such as nails or screws from the pavers as these can react with the muriatic acid.

Gray textured paver stone installed for a walkway

Once you have prepared the area, mix one part of the acid with ten parts of water in a large bucket. This acid is very corrosive, so it is essential to wear gloves, goggles, and a respirator when handling it. Once the solution is mixed, use a garden spray to spray a small area of the pavers and wait for at least three minutes before scrubbing with a stiff brush.

After scrubbing, rinse the area with clean water from a hose or a power washer. If the mixer has worked well without damaging the pavers, spray the entire area and leave for at least 10 minutes. After this time, scrub the entire area using a stiff brush and rinse with clean water. Let it air dry, or use a leaf blower to speed up the process. Your pavers will now be clean and free of mold and mildew.

Step by Step Guide on How to Clean Pavers With Muriatic Acid

Cleaning your pavers using this acid is a simple process that requires no special equipment. However, taking the necessary safety precautions is essential as the acid is very corrosive. Follow these steps to clean your pavers:

Step 1: Assemble Your Materials

Assembling your materials beforehand will make the process go more smoothly. You don't want to rush around looking for things while dealing with the acid. Make sure you have the following items:

Muriatic acid: This is the primary cleaning agent and can be bought at most hardware stores
Stiff brush: This will be used to scrub the pavers so that the acid can do its job
Water hose: You will need this to rinse the pavers after they have been cleaned
Goggles and gloves: This acid is corrosive and can cause skin irritation. It is essential to protect your eyes and hands while working with it.
A large bucket: This will be used to mix the cleaning solution. You may already have a suitable one, or you can buy one at a hardware store.

Brown pavers in a circular design in the middle with bigger gray paver stones installed around it

Step 2: Remove the Dust From the Pavers

Removing the dust from the surface of the pavers is the first step in cleaning them with muriatic acid. It makes it easier for the acid to come into contact with the stains. You don't want the acid to soak in the acid and prevent it from working.

There are a few ways to remove the dust from the pavers. One way is to sweep them with a broom. Another way is to use a leaf blower. If you have a large area to clean, you may want to rent a power washer.

Step 3: Mix the Solution

Once you have removed the dust from the pavers, it is time to mix the cleaning solution. The rule of thumb is to mix one part of acid with 10 parts of water. However, you may want to use a more robust solution if the pavers are particularly dirty.

It's also essential to follow the safety instructions on the acid. Start by pouring water into the bucket and then adding the acid. Never pour water into acid, as this can cause a dangerous chemical reaction. Instead, always add the acid to the water.

Step 4: Apply the Solution

Now that your solution is mixed, it's time to apply it to the pavers. You can do this using a brush or a sponge. You can start by applying a small amount of solution to a small area. This will help you understand if your mixture is too strong or needs to be diluted further. If it works well, then you can apply it to the rest of the pavers.

Ensure you apply the solution evenly so that all the pavers are cleaned thoroughly. After applying, let the solution sit for at least 30 minutes so that it can work its magic. This ensures the acid has time to break down the dirt, mold, and mildew.

Pavement wet from application of muriatic acid on its surface

Step 5: Scrub and Rinse the Pavers

After the solution has had time to work, it's time to scrub the pavers. You can do this with a stiff brush. The brush will help to loosen any dirt or stains on the pavers' surface and remove all the mold and mildew.

You may need to apply more solutions and scrub more vigorously in dirty areas. Be sure to scrub all the pavers evenly so they are all the same color when you finish. Once you have scrubbed the pavers, it's time to rinse them with water. Use a hose to rinse all the dirt and debris and allow it to dry.

Step 6: Apply a Sealant

The sealant will help to protect the pavers and make them last longer. It will also give them a nice shine. You can consult the experts if you don't know how to apply the sealant. At Aviara Pavers, we use a high-quality sealant designed to last. We also follow ICPI standards and certifications for all things (driveway depth, patios, swimming pool coping, etc.) related to pavers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Muriatic Acid Remove Sealer From Pavers?

No, muriatic acid will not remove sealer from the pavers. This is just a myth. The acid will only remove stains on the pavers' surface. It cannot penetrate through the sealer to remove stains.

When Should You Acid Wash Pavers?

You should use acid wash if your pavers are stained with dirt, grime, or other outdoor elements. Acid washing is also effective for removing moss, mold, and mildew.

Conclusion

Using acid is an effective way to clean pavers since it can remove even the toughest stains. Just be sure to follow the safety instructions and dilute the acid properly. You should also test it on a small area first to ensure it does not damage the pavers.