When warmer weather rolls around, it is normally the time of year when you can start to appreciate the outside space again.
It is also when you are most likely to notice how unclean the pavers actually are, especially if you live in an area with cold winters.
Whilst you might be thinking about having them all replaced, the investment in doing so is quite huge, with the average patio pavers costing a few thousand dollars to replace – obviously dependent on what size the space is.
Instead of handing over the cash, just clean them. It can make a big difference to dull and dirty pavers, and you can save money whilst doing so.
Below you will find a handy guide by CLEANA’s commercial cleaners that will help you clean patio pavers in a number of ways. So, what are you waiting for?
Why Clean Pavers?
We all love to have a nice-looking home, especially when we have guests over.
When it comes to the patio, it makes sense that we would like that to look great too, especially because it is the first thing everyone sees at the front of the house – even strangers walking by.
Even at the back of the house, it will likely be what is stood on during BBQ season, and maybe it surrounds a pool.
Wherever it is, keeping the pavers in good shape will put a positive impact on the home’s curb appeal, and that means it will stay safe and durable without causing anyone an accident with broken stone.
Also, if you do a thorough clean every so often, perhaps a couple of times a year, the small clean in between will be less time-consuming and easier to manage.
Can You Clean Mold-Off Pavers?
Mold is not uncommon in outside spaces, and it should be removed from pavers – it looks ugly, after all. If your chosen cleaning method does not work, then there are other options to try. One of the simplest involves warm, soapy water.
In a bucket, fill it with warm (not hot) water and add a few drops of dish soap. Once mixed, pour it where the mold has formed and let it sit for around 10 minutes.
Once that time has passed, use a stiff-bristled brush to lightly scrub the area to remove the mold completely.
If the mold is stubborn, instead of dish soap add a few drops of bleach. If you do this, always wear gloves and protective clothing in case it splashes.
Cleaning Methods Of Cleaning Pavers
There are a number of different cleaning methods when it comes to pavers, so all you have to do is choose the right one for you. If one does not work very effectively, you could always try a different way.
- Warm water and Dish Soap – one of the most gentle ways to clean pavers and highly recommended. It involves a lot of elbow grease but it is a good way to protect the pavers.
- A broom – okay so this is a lot more gentle than dish soap, however, this method should only be used as a daily clean, not to give it a thorough wash.
- Pressure washing – this method is a quick way to give the pavers a blast of water to get rid of everything. The pressure washer must be used with caution due to its potential to damage pavers.
- White vinegar – commonly used within the home, it can also be used to clean pavers too. Just like with the pressure washer, it must be used with caution. Vinegar can stain and wear down pavers over time, so only use this method if it is really necessary.
What To Avoid
When it comes to generally looking after your pavers, there are a number of ways during the day that you can take care of your patio just by avoiding certain things.
One of the ways to keep the pavers in good condition is by sweeping them with a soft brush rather than anything abrasive that might damage the material. Sandstone will especially not be thankful if you use a steel brush.
Do not ignore plant pots and items that sit on the pavers. Mold and mildew love warm and damp spaces and will find a home under them. Clean them regularly as the bacteria can stain pavers.
Always clean the gutters. If they are too full, water will spill over and damage the pavers due to sitting water.
And lastly, never use harsh chemicals on pavers. Whilst it might be tempting to do so, it can damage the material over time. You especially do not want to use anything acid or calcium-based.
How To Clean Pavers?
This method is great for working the soapy water into nooks and crannies. Whilst it might seem time-consuming, it is worth it in the end due to it being gentle, yet effective.
What you will need are gloves, a scrubbing brush, a bucket, warm water, and a few drops of dish soap mixed in. You are ready to go!
Remove Items
Before you can start, you will need to remove all of the items that cover the patio pavers. You will need access to every last one. Do not cut any corners when it comes to cleaning the full amount of pavers.
Another reason is that you do not want to accidentally damage items. It is always safer to store them out of the way in somewhere like a garage.
Remove Weeds
You may find that weeds grow in between the pavers. Use your gloved hand to pull them up, but make sure you are not too heavy-handed with this process otherwise you may damage the pavers.
If you find some have moss growing on them, use a stiff-bristled brush to remove it.
Start The Garden Hose
Using the garden hose, wet the entire area. If you do not have a garden hose, you may need to keep filling up the bucket of water and pouring it all over the pavers until you have covered the entire area.
Once the pavers are fully wet, add a few drops of dish soap to a bucket of warm water. You can either pour the soapy water bit-by-bit onto the pavers, or you can put the brush into the water and then scrub the pavers.
Whichever you do, make sure once the soapy water has touched the pavers, scrub gently with the brush and work your way across them all.
Always make sure not to scrub too hard as this can damage the surface of a paver. Also, be mindful that the pavers may become slippery.
Analyze
Now that you have cleaned the pavers, you will need to look them over to make sure that every area has been cleaned.
It is also a good time to see if you need to add more sand between them if you have lost some from the process, for example.
If the odd paver is damaged, it might be worth getting them replaced, rather than all of it. It will be much cheaper, and it will keep the pavers looking uniform.
Sealing
If everything is fine and the pavers are dry, then it is time to add the sealant. This will help to keep the pavers in good condition, but a thorough cleaning will be needed at the very least once a year.
You can purchase a sealant that is intended to be used for a patio, and then apply it with a brush or roller. It all depends on how much time you have. Do keep in mind that you will need to use a brush on the edges still.
Add another coat once the first one has dried. Now the pavers are ready!
Final Words
Save some money and clean those pavers yourself. Not only is it easy to do, but it is also much cheaper than if you were to call in the professionals to replace the whole lot.
All you need to arm yourself with is a bucket, dish soap, and a scrubbing brush. Whilst it might take a bit of time and a lot of elbow grease, it is a surefire way to get those pavers clean before BBQ season is upon us.
