Pressure Wash Pavers Without Destroying Them

While pavers offer an affordable and aesthetic alternative to concrete, they can also get pretty dirty over time. Grease from a grill, fallen leaves, moss, tree sap, and mineral deposits can all leave your once beautiful pavers looking the worse for wear. The easiest way to return those pavers to their former glory is with a pressure washer. But, you have to do it right. Use the wrong nozzle or wrong technique and you could end up doing more harm than good. Ahead, I break down the proper way to clean pavers with a pressure washer.

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Proceed with Caution

Unlike a driveway or sidewalk, pavers have joints with filler that can easily be blasted away by a pressure washer if you’re not careful. Pavers are also softer than concrete. Use too aggressive a nozzle or the wrong technique and you can end up etching them or removing their protective seals. 

Tools:

• Flathead spade or string trimmer (for edging)
• Pressure washer w/ 40 degree nozzle
• Screwdriver or hand tool weeder
• Broom or leaf blower

Edge the Pavers

If it’s been a while since you’ve cleaned up your pavers, then grass is probably encroaching at its borders. There are a couple of ways to clean up the edge. You can use a flat ended spade or edging tool to cut away the encroaching turf. I like to use my string trimmer turned on its side to function as an edger. It’s quicker and easier on your back. Edging creates a mess, so you’ll need to sweep up the debris or use a blower to send it back into your yard to serve as fertilizer. 

Remove Weeds

Do a check of the pavers and remove any unwanted moss or weeds growing up through the seams. A slotted screwdriver or weed removal tool works well for this. 

Pro Tip: You can apply a herbicide a week or so before cleaning, but be careful when doing so. Some products are safe but others can discolor pavers or even remove their protective sealants. You can make your own paver safe weed killer by combining a gallon of white vinegar with 2 teaspoons of dish soap and 2 cups of salt. 

Choose a Nozzle

Attach a gentle 40 degree spray nozzle to your pressure washer. Anything more aggressive will remove dirt from the seams between the pavers. Test the pressure washer out over a small area. Let the area dry completely then examine it for damage. Examine the stones for etching or cracks and check to make sure the pressure washer hasn’t removed any filler in the joints. If all is good, move on to cleaning. If there is damage, you’ll need to wash the pavers by hand. 

Treat Stains

Check the pavers for stains, such as motor, grill grease, or tree sap. Apply degreaser to the stains using a stiff bristled brush or by using your pressure washer with a downstream injector. Allow it to soak for a few minutes before proceeding. 

Wash the Pavers

Pressure wash the pavers using a back and forth motion working from one end to the other. Keeping the nozzle eight inches from the pavers to prevent the pressure washer from damaging the surface. Don’t linger on any section for more than a couple of seconds or spray directly into the joint lines. 

FAQs

Can I Seal Pavers?

Most pavers aren’t sealed when you purchase them. If you want them to stay clean for longer and better resist stains, it is a good idea to seal them.