How to Clean and Maintain a Paver Patio

Clean your paver patio with regular sweeping, occasional pressure washing, and prompt stain treatment. Maintain it by re-sanding joints annually and sealing every 2-3 years.

1. Clear the Stage First. Remove all furniture, planters, and debris from your patio. Use a stiff-bristled broom to sweep away loose dirt, leaves, and surface grime. Pay special attention to the joints between pavers where debris accumulates. This initial cleaning reveals the true condition of your pavers and prepares the surface for deeper cleaning.
2. Target the Stains. Mix a solution of warm water and mild dish soap for general cleaning, or use a specialized paver cleaner for tougher stains. For oil stains, sprinkle cat litter or baking soda to absorb the oil, then scrub with degreasing dish soap. For rust stains, use a mixture of lemon juice and salt. Apply your chosen solution and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing.
3. Dig Into Tough Grime. Use a stiff-bristled brush or old toothbrush to scrub stained areas and joints between pavers. Work in circular motions and apply firm pressure to break up embedded dirt and stains. For persistent stains, you may need to repeat the cleaning solution application and scrubbing process. Avoid wire brushes which can scratch and damage paver surfaces.
4. Blast Away the Rest. Set your pressure washer to 1500-2000 PSI and use a wide-angle nozzle to avoid damaging the pavers. Start at one corner and work systematically across the patio, maintaining a consistent distance of 12-18 inches from the surface. Keep the nozzle moving to prevent etching. Spray at a slight angle to push dirt away from you rather than straight down into the joints.
5. Stop Growth in Joints. While the patio is still damp from pressure washing, remove any weeds or moss growing between pavers. Pull weeds by hand or use a weeding tool to get the roots. For moss, scrub with a stiff brush and rinse thoroughly. Apply a moss killer if the problem is extensive, following manufacturer instructions carefully.
6. Patience Pays Off. Let your patio dry completely for 24-48 hours before proceeding with maintenance steps. Proper drying is essential for re-sanding and sealing to be effective. Check that no moisture remains in the joints by examining areas that typically stay damp longer, such as shaded spots or areas with poor drainage.
7. Seal the Gaps. Spread polymeric sand across the patio surface using a push broom, working it into all joints until they're completely filled. Sweep excess sand off the paver surfaces, being careful not to remove sand from the joints. Lightly mist the surface with water to activate the polymers in the sand, which will help bind it together and resist weeds and erosion.
8. Lock in Long-Term Care. Choose between a penetrating sealer for a natural look or a film-forming sealer for enhanced color and gloss. Apply the sealer using a pump sprayer or roller, working in manageable sections. Follow the manufacturer's coverage rate and avoid pudding or over-application. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying a second coat if recommended by the product instructions.