How to Clean Pavers Before Sealing

Not knowing how to properly clean and seal your paver surface can lead to unsightly stains, weed growth, and premature deterioration of outdoor surfaces, costing you time and money in the long run. As paver installation and care specialists, we're sharing some simple tips on how to clean pavers before sealing.

How to Clean Pavers Before Sealing

To thoroughly clean a paved outdoor space, start by removing objects and debris and eliminating weeds and moss. Next, prepare and apply a cleaning solution then scrub the entire surface. After that, rinse and dry the surface before re-sanding and sealing the paver for a pristine finish.

Bird eating from the fallen leaves on a concrete pavement

You can consult with our experts if you have any questions about this process. At Aviara Pavers, we follow ICPI standards and certifications for our paver projects (driveways, patios, swimming pool decks, etc.)

Step 1: Remove Any Objects That Might Be in the Way

You need to have a clear working space to clean your pavers properly. So, before you do anything else, remove any outdoor furniture, potted plants, outdoor lighting, grills, and children's toys. This will protect your belongings and make the job easier.

Step 2: Remove Dirt, Dust, or Debris From the Surface

Now that you have a clear working space, it's time to remove any dirt, dust, or debris from the surface. You can use a broom or leaf blower to do this.

Debris sealed into the patio pavers can eventually break down the sealant or weaken its bond to the paved surface.

Step 3: Remove the Weeds and Moss Between the Pavers

At times, weeds and moss can start to grow along paver joints. There are a few ways to remove them.

Use a weeding tool to dig them out by hand.
Use a chemical herbicide to kill the moss and stop the weeds from growing around your pavers so that you can remove them more easily.
Boil a pot of water and pour it over the weeds or moss.
Pull them out by hand.

Step 4: Prepare a Cleaning Solution

The next step is to prepare a cleaning solution. You can use a commercial paver cleaner such as muriatic acid or bleach solution. To make your own:

Fill a gallon of the warm water bucket.
Add 1/4 cup of dish soap.
Mix it until the dish soap is dissolved.

Apply it to the paver with a garden pump sprayer and let it sit for 10 minutes. This will give the cleaner time to break down any dirt and remove stains on the surface of the pavers.

Step 5: Gently Scrub the Paver Surface

After the time has elapsed, use a stiff-bristled brush to clean the pavers. You may need to do this in small sections, so the broom's bristles can loosen up dirt and stains. Be sure to do this gently to avoid damaging the paved surface.

Step 6: Rinse the Pavers With Clean Water and Leave to Dry

After scrubbing the paver with the cleaning solution, if you don’t have a power washer, you can use a garden hose to rinse them off with clean water. This will help remove the cleaner and any dirt or grime that is removed from the paver surface.

After that, allow the pavers to completely dry. This could take a few hours, depending on the weather.

Step 7: Re-Sand the Concrete Pavers

After doing a thorough cleaning and sealing of the pavers, you may notice low sand levels between them. Before sealing pavers, pour polymeric sand onto dry pavers and sweep it across the surface in multiple directions until the paver joints are filled.

Lightly mist the paver with water to help the sand settle into the joints without washing it away. Aside from being a part of proper maintenance, this process results in an aesthetically pleasing paved surface.

Step 8: Apply the Paver Sealer

Once they're dry, you need to seal your pavers to protect them from the elements and maintain attractive outdoor spaces.

Choose a sealer for your paving stones based on the desired appearance and stain-resistance requirements for your outdoor spaces. Follow the instructions from the paver manufacturer.
Start by applying sealer to the edges and hard-to-reach areas with a small brush.
Use a long roller brush to apply sealer to the main surface, working in sections.
Apply two coats of sealer, leaving adequate drying time between applications as per product instructions.

Pros and Cons of DIY Methods in Paver Cleaning and Sealing

While there are some advantages to cleaning and sealing pavers on your own, you also need to consider some of the downsides and long-term effects on your outdoor spaces.

Pros

Cost-effective compared to hiring professionals
Ability to choose your own cleaning solutions
Can be done on your own schedule
Provides a sense of accomplishment

Cons

Requires proper tools and materials
Risk of damaging the paver surface if done incorrectly
May not achieve professional-level results
Potential exposure to chemicals in cleaning solutions

Conclusion

Knowing how to clean and seal pavers can help you keep your outdoor space stunning, durable, and safe for years to come. However, you don't have to purchase the necessary tools or spend all that time cleaning, as our paver installation and maintenance experts can do the hard work for you!

How to Clean Pavers Before Sealing