Cleaning Patio Pavers: 10 Tips for Caring for Your Patio

You invested in patio pavers for a reason. They look amazing, create a defined space in your yard, and they’re durable.

Yet, every year, you can’t get over how they can get so dirty. Patio pavers do require maintenance, but it’s not as hard as you think. Cleaning patio pavers can be simple if you are consistent. With a little bit of work, you can make sure your patio is always stunning at a moment’s notice.

Read on to discover 10 tips to care for your patio pavers and keep them looking brand new.

Why Patio Pavers?

Americans are continuing to invest in their backyards to make them more comfortable and enjoyable.

There are a number of reasons why homeowners are using patio pavers in their yard. The first is that they’re durable. They’ll last many years with the right maintenance.

Speaking of maintenance, they’re also low-maintenance. It doesn’t take a lot to keep them clean. Just a little bit of work regularly will keep them looking great.

1. Sweep Pavers Regularly

The first step to keeping your patio clean is to sweep it regularly. Dirt and dust can easily build up in your space, creating a buildup of debris that can break down your pavers.

Just give them a quick sweep once a week to keep the space tidy and presentable.

2. Use a Paver Sealer

If your patio is exposed to the elements, you should consider using a paver sealer. This is an effective way to protect many types of materials, from concrete to stone pavers.

You should use a sealer as soon as you have your pavers installed. You’re likely to regret not filling them in when your pavers are faded or they seem to require a little more maintenance than you thought they would.

3. Spot Clean Stubborn Stains

Cleaning patio pavers can be a real pain when you’re dealing with really bad stains on some pavers.

You can target these spots with a deck brush and a mild detergent to remove the stains.

4. Replace Broken or Stained Pavers

Do you have any damaged or severely stained patio pavers that you can’t clean or fix, no matter how hard you try?

In some cases, you can remove and replace individual stones without damaging or disturbing the surrounding pavers. This can give your patio a refreshed look, and make sure that your space is always looking brand new.

5. Rinse-Off Pavers with Water

As dirt builds up on your patio, you may be tempted to get out the power washer and blast everything away. This may work in some instances, but in other cases, you can use a simple rinse with detergent.

You also want to be careful about the cleaner that you use. Some cleaners with harsh chemicals will cause your pavers to fade. That’s the last thing you want.

Cleaning patio pavers without causing damage doesn’t require much. Mild dish soap is often enough to do the trick.

6. Use Polymeric Sand

Sand is commonly used to hold the bricks together on your patio. Weeds seem to favor certain types of sand more than others.

They don’t seem to like polymeric sand. It’s the same with ants and other small creatures. This will help you maintain your patio and do a little less work.

7. Use a Natural Solution to Kill Weeds

Weeds are a common problem with patio pavers. Sometimes, they’ll pop up in between the stones. Pulling them seems to make them multiply and pop up faster.

What can you do? You can use a natural solution like vinegar and water to kill the weeds. This type of solution won’t cause harm to your pets or your family.

8. Get the Pop in Color Again

When you first get patio pavers, it’s exciting because you have a lot of new and fresh colors in your yard. The colors of the patio pavers seem to just pop, creating a fun and welcoming environment.

Over time, the patio pavers will fade from sun exposure and general outdoor conditions. You can regain some of that pop by using a gentle cleaner and a stiff deck brush.

In many cases, that will be enough to remove dirt that’s locked in and get your patio looking much better. After you’re done, you may want to consider sealing or resealing the patio.

9. Repair Grout

Just as time and activity can do damage to your patio bricks, the grout can take a beating, too. In some cases, you may need to regrout your patio.

In other cases, doing a simple repair is all you need. All you have to do is either resand areas that seem disjointed.

10. Have a Regular Maintenance Schedule

If you talk to people who have amazing looking patios, they’re going to say the same thing when asked how they’re kept clean.

They clean them regularly. That’s it. There’s no magic formula. It’s just that they stay on top of cleaning and maintenance. If you let them go for too long without taking care of them, there will be a buildup of dirt, debris, and stains. These things will be more difficult to remove as time goes on.

Cleaning Patio Pavers Can Be a Breeze

The main thing to remember with patio pavers is that while they don’t require a lot of maintenance, they still need consistent upkeep. That’s how you keep them looking brand new for years to come.

When cleaning patio pavers, you’ll want to remove dirt and debris often, and you’ll want to have them sealed when you first install them. That will save a lot of headaches down the road.

Would you like to know more about installing patio pavers in your yard? Call us or visit one of our showrooms today.