The company just completed your paver project and it looks amazing. Months down the road after the project is finished, you realize that the pavers are looking dirty and not as clean as the day they were installed. Don’t panic just yet. How to clean brick pavers? There is a step-by-step process that we will go over, including using baking soda and detergent to clean the pavers.
This is something that can be accomplished by any weekend warrior. Let’s take a look at the best practices for cleaning those brick pavers.
The Step By Step Process
Believe it or not, you will want to follow a certain process when you want to clean your brick pavers. Preparation is key to accomplishing any home project.
- Prepare the area by removing all patio furniture
- Remove all weeds from the area
- Get your cleaning solution ready
- Wet the paver area
- Put your cleaning solution down
- Use a wire brush to scrub the surface
- Pressure wash the area of the pavers
- Place new sand in the paver joints
- Moisten the new sand so it stays in between the pavers
Following this process will give you a renewed-looking paver patio, driveway, or walkway.
Consistency of Cleaning Solution
Dish Detergent
There are various types of cleaning solutions that can be used. If you are looking to use something more environmentally friendly to clean your brick pavers, then look no further than dish detergent. You can mix the detergent with water and do this in small amounts.
Baking Soda
Another idea is using baking soda. Add a cup of baking soda to some warm water and mix. Then, add a few drops of detergent. Mix it together.
Last Resort- Use Bleach
Try the baking soda and dish detergent first before you use bleach. If you are not concerned about the area around the brick pavers, then you can use bleach. It is recommended that you use a gallon of water per 4 cups of bleach to make your cleaning solution.
Whichever cleaning solution you choose to use, remember to always use it in small areas. This allows you to work more thoroughly on that area to ensure it’s clean. This also keeps the cleaning solution from drying on the brick paver and becoming less effective as you scrub the brick paver.
Type Of Brush to Use
When it is time to clean your brick pavers, you will want to make sure that you have a strong bristle brush. This type of brush will allow you to get dirt and stains off the surface of the paver and give you a much cleaner look.
You will also consider the type of cleaning solution that you will use, to see if the solution should be left on the surface for a longer period of time. Most of the time, letting the cleaning solution sit for a longer period of time will ensure that the dirt and grime is loosening from the paver surface and easily removed.
Concrete Sand or River Sand
Imagine what happens when you pressure wash the dirt and grime off of the brick pavers surface. The sand that is in between the paver joints will disappear with the water pressure. It is best to reapply sand to your brick paver joints after you have cleaned your brick pavers.
It is highly recommended that you use concrete sand or river sand. These two sand types are angular and will interlock with each other in the brick paver joints, thus keep the sand from blowing out of the joints.
Let’s take a look at how the professionals maintain a brick paver patio.
Other Maintenance
While you are cleaning your pavers, there are other areas to take care of as well. One of those is the vinyl siding on the home. You can also use a pressure washer to clean it or a hose. However, while you are cleaning if you notice it is warping or there are cracks or holes or damage to the siding, you may need to replace or repair it.
Another good idea is to check inside and outside the home to make sure water is not getting inside the house. If you see wet or dark spots, running water, bubbling in the paint, or an increase in the water bill then you may have a leak.
When Should I Call a Professional
Fortunately for you, this project is very simple. It is time-consuming and you do require a few tools like a pressure washer, scrub brush, and buckets for your cleaning solution. Lastly, if you aren’t capable of physical labor or just don’t feel that you have the time, it is always a good idea to call the professionals.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, cleaning your brick pavers is a labor-intensive task. It takes a special kind of homeowner to want to tackle this project. Keep in mind that the professionals are a phone call away. You could reach out to a pressure washing company or even call the paver company that installed your pavers to come out and assist.
Keeping your pavers looking neat and clean is a great attraction to any home. Clean pavers will make it easier for Avalon Home Inspections to determine if there are any issues leading up to the foundation of your home. Avalon services the McDonough, Ga area.
