Paving stones are one of the best investments for those looking for the balance between elegance and cost-benefit in hardscape. However, it is an investment that needs to be maintained to be worthwhile. So what are the right cleaning products for paving stones?
Good maintenance always starts with good cleaning habits, and using the right products makes all the difference. Not all products are made to be used with paving stones.
In the best-case scenario, the right products will simply not work properly and end up being a waste of money. In the worst cases, they can even damage your paving stones.
So let’s talk about products that actually make a difference and can help you maintain a clean paver patio without any hassle.
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Cleaning Products for Paving Stones – What to do First?
Before talking about the actual products you can use, let’s discuss some general rules to follow.
It is imperative that you brush your paving stones regularly. Leaving leaves, other organic matter, and spills resting on top of it for long periods of time can sometimes cause an irreversible situation,
Brushing your paver patio constantly prevents the growth of moss and weeds and rinsing spills immediately after they happen prevents them from sipping into the stone and stain them permanently.
A broom is your best friend when it comes to cleaning and maintaining your paving stones. Ideally, you want to sweep your patio at least once a day. Besides that, you want to remove moss and weeds as soon as they appear to prevent further damage. You can do that by using a hard-bristled brush.
Just by doing this, you will already be helping yourself a ton with the cleaning and maintenance of your paving stones. But, before we get to the products, there’s one more thing we need to talk about.
Pressure Washer – Can I Use It?
Yes, you can. However, you should be extremely careful with it.
Pressure washing, when not handled properly, can damage not only the joint sand between the pavers but the pavers themselves.
Ideally, if you sweep and clean your pavers regularly and use the right products, you will never need to pressure wash them. But if you have to, the best option is to ask for professional help.
Cleaning Products for Paving Stones – Everyday Products
- Soap and Warm Water
Let’s start with the simplest product possible: mild dish soap. A simple mix of dish soap and warm water is often enough to give your paving stones a good cleaning.
Simply pour the mixture on the pavers and brush them with a hard-bristled brush. To finish, rinse the patio with water. - Bleach
Bleach is an alternative when soap and water don’t work. But be careful! The use of bleach is not recommended on men-made stones! Use it only on natural stones. Also, bleach can damage the plant life around your paver, so protect them as best as you can.
Bleach should be mixed with water in a measure of one part bleach and five parts water. Again, carefully pour the mixture and start brushing.
This time, instead of rinsing it right away, leave it to rest for about 15 minutes. Only then you can rinse it with water, being mindful of the drainage towards any plant life.
Cleaning Products for Paving Stones – Designed Products
Ultima-Plus XP Patio Cleaner
The Ultima-Plus XP is designed to be diluted first. It can create 25L of a very good cleaning product, designed to clean and prevent the build-up of moss for the next six months. It is one of the best options in the field if you don’t mind having to dilute it first.
Pro-Kleen Simply Spray
If you want a product that is ready to use, the Pro-Kleen Simply Spray is your best choice. Not only that, it does what it promises. You simply apply it with a garden spray and wait for it to work on its own. No need to scrub or dilute.
It is a more expensive alternative, as it is not meant to be diluted and, therefore, has less coverage. But is a very good option if you don’t have enough time and are willing to make the cleaning process easier.
Wet & Forget Mould Lichen & Algae Remover
This is the option to go if you have a large area to cover. It can be diluted in a mix of one part product in five parts water to create around 30L of cleaning product. You can then apply to the patio and leave it there to work. No need to scrub or even rinsing.
Wet & Forget Rapid Application
This is the simplest option of all. The product comes with a built-in nozzle that you can attach to your garden rose. It will automatically mix the product as you use the rose.
However, you will pay for the practicality of this product. It is the most expensive option on our list, but it is well worth it due to its unbelievable simplicity and functionality.
Ready to Clean Your Paving Stones?
Now that you have some good options, do you feel ready to tackle the cleaning of your paver patio?
Just remember, maintenance is part of the cleaning. Regular cleaning habits go a long way to prevent the accumulation of the most resistant types of dirt, like moss and weeds.
Don’t forget also that pressure washing is better when done by professionals. If you happen to be around Sarasota, FL, the best professionals can be found at JS Brick.
They’ve been providing Sarasota for 10 years with the best in paver installation and maintenance.
Get in contact right now through the number +1 941 586 9140 or the email [email protected].
