After a few months of rain, dust and footfall, even the nicest patio starts to look tired. The pavers turn grey and patchy, green moss creeps along the edges, and that oil mark from the barbecue never seems to go away. A pressure washer can blast it all off, but you don’t need one. With a stiff brush, some elbow grease and a few household items, you can bring your pavers back to life, and you’ll have far more control over what you’re cleaning. Here’s a simple five-step approach.
For oily patches, baking soda is a good friend. If the stain is fresh, sprinkle baking soda on it and leave it for about half an hour so it can soak up the oil. Then make a thick paste with warm water, spread it over the stain, scrub with a stiff brush and rinse. For older, stubborn grease, a good degreasing dish soap can also help. You may need to repeat the treatment a couple of times, so be patient.
For everyday dirt and light stains, plain soap does a surprisingly good job. Mix a few tablespoons of dish soap into a bucket of warm water, wet the pavers first, then scrub in small sections with a stiff-bristled brush or broom. Don’t use too much soap, or you’ll spend hours rinsing away the bubbles. Work from the top of the slope down, so dirty water doesn’t run across the clean bits. This article is intended for general informational purposes only. Cleaners and results vary depending on the type of paver, stone and any sealant, so always test on a small area first. Wear gloves and eye protection, never mix different cleaning products, and keep children and pets away while cleaning. Wet pavers can be very slippery, so take care, and consult a professional for natural stone, delicate surfaces or severe stains.
Rinse each section with a hose before the soap dries.