Spring Cleaning pavers

As you Spring clean your home and yard, also take a look at your pavers and hardscapes. They also benefit from cleaning and maintenance. Patio cleaning not only maintains the aesthetic but can also help extend its life and maximize its use. A good cleaning will help remove dirt, debris, and stains which can accumulate over time and detract from the beauty of your outdoor spaces. It can also help prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and weeds. By keeping a patio clean and properly maintained, homeowners can ensure that their outdoor space remains a safe and enjoyable area for years to come.

How to Maintain Your Patio

• Sweep: Use a broom or a blower to remove dirt, debris, and weeds from the surface of the pavers. Remove leaves and plant debris to avoid staining, especially before winter.
  
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• Wash: Use a pressure wash to clean off any dirt, grime, and algae from the pavers. When pressure washing, avoid using high power. Use a gentle wash with the nozzle pointed at a 30-degree angle, 12” away from the surface. If a pressure washer is not available, a nylon-bristled broom and a mild solution of dish soap and water can be used to remove dirt and debris. Avoid wire brushes and strong acids. WARNING: Improper use of pressure washer can damage pavers!
  

Clean and Seal (depending on your product): Use a paver cleaner to remove any stains and seal the pavers with a paver sealer to protect them from future damage and staining. It also helps to keep the pavers slip-resistant and safe and prevents weeds, moss, and other contaminants from growing in between the pavers.

Treat Stains

Food and Wine - Remove stain as soon as possible, rinse with water, liquid dish soap

Oil and Grease stains -Treat as soon as possible with degreasers safe for pigmented concrete.

In some cases, it may be simpler to replace the stained pavers with new ones.

Unilock concrete pavers don’t require regular sealing, but some choose to use sealing to enhance or deepen the color of the paver. This process will further protect the surface from staining. Once sealed, it is recommended to reapply every 3-5 years.

Unilock EasyClean™ Technology

Unilock EasyClean™ pavers have a special sealant infused all the way through the paver during the manufacturing process. Spills do not permeate into the pavers and can be wiped away, protecting from stains.

Inspect: Look for any cracks, chips, or other damage and arrange for repaired as soon as possible. This will help to maintain the beauty of the pavers and prevent further damage.

Weeds and Moss - Weeds may grow between the pavers. Polymeric Sand or Easy Pro Jointing in-between pavers prevents weed growth. If you have an older patio without these products you can arrange to have it re-sanded.

What is that white haze on my pavers?

Efflorescence is a white powdery substance created by moisture entering the pores of the paver, bringing to the surface salt deposits in the paver material, which reacts with the carbon dioxide in the air. It is most commonly seen on brick or concrete pavers and can occur even when proper sealing is implemented. It can occur randomly over the surface, and will show up more on dark pavers. Efflorescence does not harm the pavers, but can be unappealing. The efflorescence stops when the salts have all come out, which can sometimes take several months. It can usually be removed with a chemical cleaning solution or muriatic acid. WARNING: Careless or improper cleaning can create damage or discoloration!

Hiring it Out

Patio cleaning services by a landscaper or specialized cleaning service provides thorough cleaning of outdoor spaces. By utilizing professional cleaning services, you can ensure that your outdoor space remains free of dirt and grime, as well as any other potential hazards, while also maintaining its aesthetic appeal and providing a safe, comfortable area to relax and entertain.