When considering the upkeep of your block paving, it’s essential to focus on the obvious stains and understand the underlying issues that can arise from inadequate maintenance.
Sometimes, a simple hose-down and quick broom can be enough to pull out surface-level dirt. If you find things are a bit more stubborn, choosing the right tools, like a pressure washer and specific cleaning solutions, can ensure a thorough clean without damaging your block paving.
But before diving in, let’s examine some of the tools you’ll need to make the job easier and how you can protect your paving in the long run.
What tools do you need to clean block paving?
The tools you’ll need will depend on the level of cleaning you’re looking to apply to your block paving. Simple stains and quick cleans can be done with a sturdy brush, some water, and soap. If it’s been a while since the last clean or there are some particularly challenging stains, then it’s best to come prepared.
Consider having the following to hand:
- A sturdy outdoor brush
- Water/water bucket
- Weed killer/deterrent
- A power washer
- Bleach
- Cleaner (specifically for use on block paving)
We recommend reading through the rest of the post first before deciding what avenue to take. It’s always best to start with lighter methods, such as simple soap and water, to see if this can remove the stains and dirt from your block paving. Harsher substances, if used incorrectly, can damage your paving.
Further along in this post, we’ll discuss how to remove oil stains from block paving. If you have some pesky oil stains, then you’ll also need some of the following:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Cat Litter (Seriously, it does work)
- Laundry detergent
Finally, never neglect your own safety. Bring gloves, goggles, and sturdy footwear to help prevent slips and sharp objects and protect against splashing chemicals.
Why is it important to clean and maintain block paving?
Maintaining your block paving’s cleanliness and structural integrity is crucial for aesthetics and lifespan.
Regular upkeep helps keep the buildup of dirt and debris in check, preventing more severe issues like cracking and shifting of the pavers. On the other hand, keeping your paving clean can enhance your curb appeal and boost the attractiveness of your property. Depending on where you are or your current circumstances, such as looking to sell your home, this could be a significant benefit.
Property value aside, having attractive paving could be the reward in and of itself, especially if your vehicle or surrounding areas are important to you.
Maintenance, overall, helps detect early issues and works to prevent damage. Moss and weeds, for example, can grow in joints, causing blocks to become loose and uneven over time. Regular cleaning helps remove these before they can become an issue.
Finally, routine maintenance can offer significant cost savings. While we love working on Essex and Suffolk homes with block paving, maintaining your block paving helps prevent more serious issues, which would likely require someone like us to come and fix them.
How to prepare block paving for cleaning
As they say, failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
Preparing your block paving before you start cleaning is a great way to gauge what tools and cleaning substances you’re actually going to need. You can do this through a pre-cleaning inspection, making sure to check fro cracks or loose pavers and to identify what stains are present, if any.
Next, we move on to surface preparation. Sweep the area to remove loose debris, dirt, and leaves, which helps make cleaning easier and prevents additional stains or scratches. Now, we can look at weed removal, which can cause long-term damage if left alone. Pull out any weeds by hand or use a weed removal tool to remove roots embedded between the pavers.
If there are no specific stains to remove, a simple soap and water wash may suffice. If, however, you’re looking for a deeper clean, such as using a pressure washer or targeting oil stains, read on below for our tips.
Cleaning block paving with a pressure washer
After preparing your block paving using the methods above, you’re ready to tackle more stubborn stains with a pressure washer. A pressure washer isn’t always needed, but it can quickly and effectively clean larger areas. That said, using the wrong setting (usually by setting it above medium) can damage your paving. Low/medium settings can dislodge dirt without recording the sand between the blocks.
Always start on the lowest setting first.
Consider eco-friendly cleaning alternatives when using a pressure washer. Blends of water and mild biodegradable detergent help to minimise environmental impact, preserving surrounding flora and keeping harmful chemicals off your paving.
Once you’ve cleaned, we strongly recommend sealing the block paving. Sealing helps prevent future dirt build-up and shields against weather elements, enhancing the durability and appearance of your paving. Additionally, it helps make maintenance and cleaning more effortless in the future.
Cleaning block paving without a pressure washer
If you don’t have a pressure washer, then don’t worry!
You can still clean your block paving using simple tools and solutions. Like always, start by sweeping the area with a broom and remove all the top loose layers of dirt and debris. For general cleaning and maintenance, mixing hot water with a detergent solution will do the job. Then, dip your scrubbing brush into the mixture and scrub the paving stones to lift grime and stains.
A quick rinse with a garden hose afterwards to wash everything away, and you’re golden.
You can also prepare a vinegar solution (one part water, one part vinegar) and apply it to the paving with a soft cloth, which is a good option for mildew or mould. After leaving it for an hour or so, scrub it away and rinse as usual. This is a more natural approach, but it won’t be as time-effective for larger areas.
How to remove weeds and moss from block paving?
Once general cleaning is taken care of, we can turn our attention to weeds and moss. If left alone, these can quickly get out of hand and cause structural issues with your block paving. Start with a specialised weed killer that’s effective yet gentle on your paving stones.
Apply as instructed by the manufacturer, focusing on areas where weeds are most plentiful. Weed killer helps prevent regrowth by targeting the roots beneath the surface. For moss, using a stiff brush and scrubbing the area helps remove the moss and loosen other debris. Brushing also aerates the gaps, making them less hospitable for future growth.
We then recommend applying a thin layer of kiln-dried sand over the paving to help fill in joints and stabilise the blocks. Doing so also helps prevent seeds from lodging in and sprouting.
How to remove oil stains from block paving?
Oil stains can certainly be one of the bigger nuisances. They’re not impossible to remove, but they’re definitely stubborn.
Homemade remedies can help, such as sprinkling baking soda or cat litter over the oil and letting it sit. This will absorb the excess on the surface. Then, scrub the areas with washing-up liquid and warm water. This is a gentler approach that avoids using harsh chemicals.
If the oil stain is simply too difficult to remove, it would be wise to get in touch. We can use specialised cleaning agents and equipment to maintain your block paving.
If you do manage to get the stain up yourself, make sure you take preventative measures to avoid similar stains in the future, such as applying a sealant that makes the blocks less porous and more resistant to stains or removing the source of the stain away from your paving.
How to remove tyre marks from driveway paving?
Tyre marks can be annoying, especially if you take great pride in your driveway. Fortunately, they’re typically easier to clean than oil stains. Like any block paving or driveway maintenance, start by sweeping off any loose debris and dust to prepare the surface.
For effective stain removal, we return to our old friend warm water and dish soap. This gentle yet effective restoration approach is another DIY solution, but it can tackle the tyre marks without risking damage. Once applied, let it sit for a few minutes to break down the rubber residue, and then, using a stiff brush, scrub the type marks vigorously to lift them from your paving.
Rinse the area afterwards to prevent the soap from settling. You can also purchase a specialised driveway cleaner designed for tyre marks. However, ensure that it is suitable for your driveway.
What to be careful of when cleaning block paving
Now that we know the process behind the cleaning, what do we need to be careful of?
Notice that we’ve included various DIY methods because these can often solve the issue without risking the use of harsh chemicals. Some chemicals can strip the sealing paving, increasing vulnerability to stains and wear. They can also diminish its appearance.
If you’ve had new block paving installed and have never completed maintenance on it before, we highly suggest using DIY methods first. If you do need to use other chemicals, ensure you do your diligence when researching which to use.
Next, protecting the surface of your paving is vital. High-setting pressure washers can dislodge the sand between the blocks, undermining the stability of your driveway. Similarly, metal brushes can scratch and scar the surface, causing unsightly marks and potential structural issues.
Finally, the best approach is to keep on top of your maintenance in general terms. Ensure stains are cleaned up quickly if noticed, regularly seal to help protect against moisture and UV light and perform a maintenance check at least once a month to look for any issues.
Safeguarding longevity of your block paving involves regular maintenance and gentle cleaning techniques to keep it looking its best for years to come.
Your next paving clean awaits
You’re now equipped with the knowledge to clean, maintain and treat your block paving.
Use the many DIY methods we’ve mentioned to provide a softer cleaning option, only turning to harsher chemicals if necessary. That said if there is a stain you simply can’t remove and don’t want to risk damaging your block paving or driveway, make sure to get in touch if you’re in the Essex and Suffolk area. Our team of experts can help resolve the issue.
Also, if you’re gaining knowledge in advance for future paving projects and are looking for the right installer, consider a free quote from our team.
