what is the best way to clean pavers?

[purbeast0]

last season i used a pressure washer, which was a pain in the ass and completely made all of the grout between the pavers come out in many places. i didn't even do it everywhere once i realized how much was coming out.

i did some searching and tried using some dish soap (non acidic) mixed with water, and then i used one of these brushes to scrub it:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Quickie-Job-Site-24-in-Smooth-Surface-Push-Broom-00863HDSU/202843366

that didn't really do much at all either. i don't know if that is the right kind of brush that i need or not, or if the dish soap is the best way. i read on the paver website that they recommended using that kind of dish soap so i'm wondering if the brush i have is just not the right kind and the bristles aren't tough enough.

so anyone have any suggestions on how to go about cleaning pavers?

 

[DrPizza]

Follow-up question to purbeast's question: can you use oxalic acid, then restain the bricks, at least on the surface, with a concrete stain? My patio pavers have a sort of faded look to them; I'd like to make the color pop a little bit more.

 

[purbeast0]

after a quick bit of research, the brush i have definitely isn't "striff bristled" like they recommend on the pavers website. so i'm going to go get one today as well as some of the simple green cleaner they recommend, and do some test spots and see how it turns out. i'll report back once i do it, probably won't get around to cleaning until tomorrow, maybe this evening.

 

[paperfist]

What kind of pavers, what's dirty on them? If you have the type like DrPizaa I wouldn't touch them with a 10' pole.

There's tons of commercial cleaners for tile and grout depending on what you want to clean. Certain natural stone are sensitive to certain chemicals. Man made stuff not so much, but if they are dyed you want to be careful.

We use a professional version of this tool for hard surfaces, but ours has heat and a vacuum:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Homelite-1800-PSI-12-in-EZ-Clean-Surface-Cleaner-AP31063A/202564517 it's not so brutal on grout.

And what you bought is a broom, really just good for sweeping. If you want to do it manually get a deck brush:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Quickie-Professional-12-in-Wide-Heavy-Duty-Deck-Brush-266/202523589 and not necessarily that one.

 

[paperfist]

Follow-up question to purbeast's question: can you use oxalic acid, then restain the bricks, at least on the surface, with a concrete stain? My patio pavers have a sort of faded look to them; I'd like to make the color pop a little bit more.

I'm in the same boat. I should have sealed them when I installed mine. Even now sealer would give them a little pop.

 

[purbeast0]

these are the pavers i have. (in the same color as the first sample pic at the top)

http://nicolock.com/product_families/stone-ridge/

and this is where i read how they say to clean them.

http://nicolock.com/fyi/product-care/

as for how they are dirty, there are spots where leaves end up after it gets windy and damp leaves have just left a grimy dark look in certain spots. then there are some areas where other stuff where water falls more down my drain and looks almost mildewy. then some spots have green moss color to them in little spots. other areas it's just accumulated dirt.

 

[paperfist]

these are the pavers i have. (in the same color as the first sample pic at the top)

http://nicolock.com/product_families/stone-ridge/

and this is where i read how they say to clean them.

http://nicolock.com/fyi/product-care/

as for how they are dirty, there are spots where leaves end up after it gets windy and damp leaves have just left a grimy dark look in certain spots. then there are some areas where other stuff where water falls more down my drain and looks almost mildewy. then some spots have green moss color to them in little spots. other areas it's just accumulated dirt.

If this is true I wouldn't worry too much about damaging them:

"Superior Paver-ShieldTM Protection

All Nicolock pavers made with our patented Paver-Shield manufacturing technology have an ultra dense surface and richer, more vibrant color throughout the thickness of the paver that will not fade for beauty that will last a lifetime."

But it doesn't sound like they all get that treatment. Mine for example are just dyed at the surface. It fades right off in no time especially after pressure washing them

Their cleaning instructions are pretty kid gloves. Simple Green is a pretty good product and won't kill your surrounding vegetation. Just mix it at the strongest dilution and the key is to let it dwell on the surface for 10 minutes or so before scrubbing with a brush. Don't work in an area bigger then you can keep damp at a time. If you have a pump up sprayer that's the easiest way to put the product down.

You might want to look into a sealer after your done cleaning. It will help keep them from getting dirty as it seals the porous nature of stone and grout.

 

[DrPizza]

The color of mine definitely goes all the way through - I've cut quite a few in half while building the patio. The concrete was stained. But, it seems that whatever stain is sort of fading a bit at the surface or something; they look nice when wet, but not quite as nice when not wet.

 

[Greenman]

The color of mine definitely goes all the way through - I've cut quite a few in half while building the patio. The concrete was stained. But, it seems that whatever stain is sort of fading a bit at the surface or something; they look nice when wet, but not quite as nice when not wet.

They make a clear finish for pavers that gives them that wet look. I used it on my patio 6 or 8 years back. It could use another coat, but I've had no issue with peeling.

 

[purbeast0]

i got the stuff today and just did a small section that was very dirty. i noticed a difference instantly, like way better than with the other brush i had. i think the brush was the big difference. once it dries i will see how it actually turned out though. should have done a before shot but forgot.

also i don't want to seal the patio as it gives it the wet look permanently. i much prefer the color when it's dry than wet so definitely don't want to do that.

 

[paperfist]

i got the stuff today and just did a small section that was very dirty. i noticed a difference instantly, like way better than with the other brush i had. i think the brush was the big difference. once it dries i will see how it actually turned out though. should have done a before shot but forgot.

also i don't want to seal the patio as it gives it the wet look permanently. i much prefer the color when it's dry than wet so definitely don't want to do that.

There's sealers that have a matte finish.

The color of mine definitely goes all the way through - I've cut quite a few in half while building the patio. The concrete was stained. But, it seems that whatever stain is sort of fading a bit at the surface or something; they look nice when wet, but not quite as nice when not wet.

Ok, so we aren't in the same boat

 

[purbeast0]

i went out earlier and it's dried off ant it looks A LOT cleaner, looks really nice. it was one of the dirtiest areas of my patio too. i want to go over it a little bit more putting a little more shoulder into it to get a few remaining spots, but overall i am very happy with the results. going to take a while to do the whole patio though.

 

[3chordcharlie]

Cleaning and sealing/ re-sealing can really make an older patio look a lot better.

If the joint sand is failing and/or lots of weeds getting in the cracks, blasting these out with a pressure washer, then re-sanding with good polymeric sand and sealing can be a lot of work, but it's probably worth it.

 

[purbeast0]

i don't have any weeds or anything growing in the cracks at all. i take care of it during the year and clear it almost weekly with my leaf blower, it's just dirty.

 

[Subyman]

If you don't use a pH based cleaner then the color should be ok. I think they are called enzyme-based cleaners. They use bacteria to clean away grease, oil, and other contaminates. You pour it on and leave it for a few days. It doesn't work instantly like other chemicals. May want to give it a shot.