Can You Pressure Wash Pavers? [And How to Without Damaging Them]

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There are many ways to keep your concrete pavers clean, one of these methods is pressure washing. Due to the amount of force associated with this type of cleaning method, you might want to know if it is safe for pavers. You've come to the right place as we have consulted cleaning experts to answer your question, and here's what we gathered.

Pressure washing is an effective cleaning method for your pavers. If your pavers have lasted for years, stubborn stains can accumulate over time. High-pressure washing is stronger than regular scrubbing, and you might not need to add extra chemicals or cleaners for effective results.

Keeping your pavers clean makes your home look more attractive and increases your property's value. Read on to discover several ways to safely pressure wash your pavers, including other methods to keep your pavers neat.

Is Pressure Washing Suitable For Cleaning Pavers?

Concrete paving stones are durable and long-lasting, which means you can use them for decades without worrying about replacing or repairing them. But for it to last, you have to wash and maintain them from time to time.

Pressure washing pavers is the process of using a high-pressure water spray to clean and remove dirt from the surface of concrete, brick, or other porous paving material. The benefits of keeping your pavers clean are numerous. First, it will help you avoid the appearance of mold, algae, and other undesirable growths.

Second, it will help you avoid the need to replace your pavers because they have become stained from dirt or moss. Finally, it will make your property look more attractive and inviting to potential customers.

How Many PSI Do I Need I Need To Clean Pavers Without Damaging It?

PSI or pound per square inch is a unit of measurement for pressure. It is used to express the force per area and is often used to calculate water pressure. A pressure washer’s PSI determines how much force the water will have when it hits a surface. The higher the PSI, the more power the water flow has.

The recommended PSI for pressure washing pavers is 1000 to 1500. This pressure level is easy to control while cleaning and will also help avoid damage to your paving stone. You can also use a much lower pressure setting, especially if you have aged pavers.

Pressure washers are powerful machines that can be used to clean various surfaces. However, they can also damage your pavers if you're not careful. An excessively high amount of pressure from the water can break the mortar between the joints of the pavers and cause them to fall apart.

Benefits of Pressure Washing Pavers

Fast And Effective Method of Cleaning

Pressure washers are an excellent alternative to regular brushes when cleaning pavement. They clean faster than regular brushes, and they are less labor-intensive as they blast away the dirt without scrubbing it off.

A pressure washer can remove the dirt in one go instead of multiple rounds with a brush or scrubber. This way, you can be done with cleaning in minutes instead of hours, depending on the size of your yard. Pressure washers can be used for cleaning sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, patios, decks, and other hard surfaces.

Increases Lifespan of Pavers

Pavers are a popular choice for patios and walkways because of the natural look, durability, and ease of installation. However, pavers can become dirty over time, and leaving them unattended can lead to deterioration.

Cleaning pavers is vital for maintaining a beautiful paver patio or walkway. Pressure washing is one of the best ways to clean pavers as it removes dirt without damaging the surface.

Pavers are made of cement, which can be challenging to clean. Pressure washers have a strong spray that will penetrate deep into the stone's pores to remove the dirt accumulated on the surface over time. So cleaning pavers this way will increase their lifespan and make them look newer for longer periods.

Avoids Health Hazards

Pavers are a commonly used surface for patios, driveways, and other outdoor areas. They are attractive and durable, but they can accumulate dirt if not taken care of. This is why it is essential to clean your pavers regularly.

A dirty paver can be a health hazard for the people who live or work near it. Mold can worsen or lead to breathing problems such as asthma or allergies, while algae can make the pavers slippery, causing falls. This is especially dangerous if you have young kids playing around.

Regularly cleaning your pavers will help avoid these health hazards. You should use a pressure washer or garden hose with a nozzle attachment to remove dirt from the top of the pavers without damaging the sealant.

Maintains Property Value

The first thing potential buyers see when they come to see your house is the exterior. Outdoor spaces, such as a patio, porch, or deck, can be a significant selling point for your home. Cleaning and maintaining your pavers is a great way to make your property look more beautiful and increase its value.

If you want to make your home stand out, you need to make sure that it looks good from the outside. Using pressure washers to clean your pavers would leave them neat and inviting. A clean paver makes a big difference in how quickly your property will sell.

Should I Seal Concrete Pavers? [Before and After Washing]

Sealing concrete pavers is an important step to take before pressure washing. This will prevent the paver from getting damaged by the force of the water.

You can apply a sealant on the surface of the pavers using a paint roller or a brush. Use any sealant as long as it is appropriate for outdoor surfaces like your pavers. The most common types of sealants for paving are gloss or matte finish sealants.

Lastly, you need to dry the surface before pressure washing or walking on them with shoes. Alternatively, you can also apply sealant after pressure washing to ensure you remove every dirt and debris before applying a new coating.

Other Ways To Make Your Pavers Look New Again

Pavers are one of the most popular ways to cover up an exterior surface. They are easy to install and maintain and can be made from different materials like stone, concrete, or natural stone. You can choose from a wide range of colors and textures for your paver installation, so it matches your home’s design and style.

Pavers can be expensive to install, depending on the size of your yard. Maintaining them is essential, and apart from using pressure washers, there are other ways to ensure the longevity of your pavers. The following are some examples of these methods:

Use White Vinegar + Water

Vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that can be used in many different ways. Mixing it with water is one of the most popular and in-expensive methods for cleaning pavers. The mixture of vinegar and water will remove dirt from the pavers and kill any bacteria present.

Remember to use white vinegar as colored vinegar would leave a stain on your pavers. With this mixture, remove any grease or grime that may have accumulated on your pavers over time. Pour the mixture on the surface of your pavers and leave it to settle for about an hour. After that, you can scrub it gently with soap and a brush.

Soap and Water

Cleaning pavers is not a very difficult task, especially if you’re dealing with minor stains. You can mix soap or dishwashing liquid with water and scrub the paver. This can remove mild stains easily without damaging your paver's sealant. If you want to get rid of stubborn stains, you can opt for a stronger cleaning solution like a pressure washer.

Restoring Color To Fading Pavers

Pavers are a common material for outdoor areas. Over time they can become faded in color or stained by oil or liquid food items. If your pavers have faded or lost their color, there are a few ways to restore them. The best way is first to clean them thoroughly then apply a sealant.

Polymeric sand can also be added between paver joints for an extra layer of protection against weeds and moss. Cleaning the pavers and adding sand before applying a sealant will help maintain their fresh look for years to come. Check out this article for other ways you can make your pavers look new again.

To Wrap Up

Cleaning pavers is a very tedious and time-consuming task. The best way to clean your pavers is by using pressure cleaners. Any type of pressure cleaner you use should be able to clean the surface without damaging them. But they should also have a high enough water pressure to clean off any debris stuck on the surface.

If you have read up until this point, you might also enjoy this article: Can You Pressure Wash Exposed Aggregate [How To Clean It: 5 Simple Steps]