How to Clean Pavers in 6 Easy Steps

Patio chairs, potted plants, concrete cherubs, fire pits—it all needs to get moved. You want to clear the entire area of obstacles before you begin cleaning your brick pavers.

If you have any nearby decor, landscaping, appliances, or anything else that you can’t move easily, cover these up with a tarp.

Weeds are a common problem with pavers. Over time, the cracks of your pavers create tiny gardens for weeds and moss, as well as other natural growths. An important tip for cleaning paver stones: clear the surrounding area of these stray plants.

Don your gardening gloves and pull out the big weeds by the root, then use a stiff brush to loosen any moss. If necessary, follow up with a weed killer and wait for the recommended time period before continuing.

If you spy any tree roots that might uproot your pavers, you might want to get in touch with a local patio paver to discuss installing concrete footing as a barrier. You can also contact a local tree removal contractor to learn more about your options.

As a preliminary method of soaking, use your garden hose to completely saturate the paved area with water. This will help clean the brick pavers and loosen any dirt and debris while also preventing them from soaking up the cleansers and forming an unsightly residue.

Part of keeping your outdoor space at its best is choosing the right pavers for the area, but another major factor is cleaning those pavers with the right solution. That said, be sure to do a spot test on an inconspicuous area (maybe one usually covered by your grill?) before moving forward with your solution of choice.

Here are a few great solutions for cleaning brick pavers:

• White (not dark) vinegar diluted with water

• Simple Green, a gentle and chemical-free soap that is unlikely to ruin your paver stones

• Dishwashing soap and water

"These solutions are great for cleaning pavers and are deemed environmentally safe," says cleaning expert Asya Biddle.

Once you’ve determined your preferred paver cleaning solution, fill up a bucket’s worth. For large areas, fill up a five-gallon bucket; for smaller areas, a one-gallon bucket should suffice.

Working in one area at a time, pour out some of your paver cleaning solution. Take a stiff, long-handled broom and scrub the area to clean the pavers. If your knees can take it, you can also use a scouring pad or wire hand brush to loosen up any dirt, stains, and grime.

How to Clean Stains Off Pavers

Pavers are porous and will absorb any spills quickly. But different stains require different cleaning methods. 

• Oil stains: Use dish soap and warm water to wash the stain (either with a mop or a small handheld brush). For tougher stains, use a concrete cleaner or baking soda paste. If you catch the stain immediately while it’s wet, you can also sprinkle cat litter on the oil and let it soak for 24 hours, sweeping away when the time is up. 

• Food and drink: Most stains on consumable goods can be scrubbed away with soap, water, and a toothbrush. 

• Hard water: Remove limescale buildup with a 50:50 ratio of water and white vinegar. Spray the solution on the surface of your pavers and let it sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing with a scrubber brush and rinsing the pavers off.

Depending on how dirty your pavers really are, you might only need to rinse the area off with your hose. But for removing stains from pavers that have set, you might want to enlist the help of a local power washing service. Alternatively, you can rent a power washer for around $70 to $300 per day. If you plan to regularly wash your pavers, exterior windows, and siding, purchasing a power washer may be the route to go. 

However, power wash with caution. "Depending on the type of paver installation you have, power washing can possibly be too aggressive, destroying polymeric joint sand that is used in-between the paver joints," says Tara Dudley, owner of Plant Life Designs.