In brief: Choose the right cleaning method for the type of dirt on your patio pavers. A broom and garden hose are enough for loose dirt. Specialty cleaners, brushes, or a steam cleaner can help remove moss and green growth. Use a degreaser to tackle grease and oil. Always test strong cleaners in an inconspicuous area first.
How to Clean Patio Pavers: The Right Preparation
Preparing before you clean your patio pavers saves time and helps prevent damage. First, identify the material. Are your pavers made of concrete, natural stone such as granite or sandstone, ceramic, or brick?
Each material responds differently to cleaning products and pressure. Next, assess the type and severity of the dirt. Is it loose debris such as leaves and soil, or have moss, algae, or lichen taken hold?
Remove loose debris with a broom or leaf blower. Cover nearby flower beds and delicate plants with a tarp to protect them from cleaning products. Find suitable accessories for many jobs in the Garden + Outdoor section.
Important note
Always test a new cleaning product or method in an inconspicuous spot first, such as a corner or an area beneath a piece of furniture. This helps ensure the pavers' color and texture won't be affected.
The right tools make cleaning easier. Along with a broom and shovel, you may need a stiff brush, scrub brush, garden hose, and possibly a pressure washer, depending on the method. For specialty cleaners, browse the Commercial Supplies category.
Which Cleaning Method Is Right for Your Type of Dirt?
Not every cleaning method works for every type of dirt. Choose the right one to get the best results while protecting the material.
Loose Dirt and Coarse Debris
A broom is usually all you need for leaves, soil, and sand. Start by sweeping the entire area thoroughly.
Then rinse the pavers with clean water from a garden hose. Use a spray nozzle with a strong jet to flush fine dust out of the joints. Regular basic cleaning helps prevent debris from building up and creating a growing medium for moss.
“Regular basic cleaning is the best way to prevent moss. If you don't leave leaves and organic debris lying around, algae and moss have less to feed on.”
Removing Green Growth, Moss, and Algae
Green growth can make patio pavers slippery and unsightly. For light growth, vigorous scrubbing with a brush and warm water is often enough. Add a little environmentally friendly soap or mild all-purpose cleaner.
For heavier growth, use a specialty cleaner. These products often contain algaecides or biocides that kill the growth. Apply the product as directed, let it work, and then scrub the surface. Find a wide range of tools in Garden Tools.
Pro tip
When using a cleaner to remove green growth, work in dry, overcast weather rather than direct sunlight. This helps keep the product from evaporating too quickly so it can penetrate deeply. Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water when you're done.
A pressure washer can tackle stubborn growth. However, don't set the pressure too high, especially when cleaning soft natural stone. Hold the nozzle at an angle to the surface and keep it moving to prevent damage.
Removing Grease, Oil, and Barbecue Stains
Stains from a grill area or splashes of outdoor furniture oil can be difficult to remove. They attract more dirt and look unsightly. Act quickly while the stains are fresh. Sprinkle sand, cat litter, or cornstarch over them to absorb the grease.
After a few hours, sweep up the powder. Use a commercial degreaser or a grease-cutting soap to remove any residue. For very stubborn, baked-on stains, a specialty
can help.
Apply the product, let it work for an extended period, and then scrub thoroughly. Repeat if needed. After cleaning the grill area, remember to care for your grill, too. Find inspiration in the BBQ + Smokers category.
Additional advice
A strong degreaser isn't suitable for delicate patio pavers, such as aged concrete or some natural stones. Instead, use a
. This gentle cleaner removes stains without damaging the patina or surface.
Special Challenges: Lichen, Rust, and Mold
Some types of dirt need special attention. Lichen is a combination of fungus and algae that clings tightly to surfaces. The best way to remove it is with a joint scraper or wire brush after softening it with a cleaner.
Use a specialty rust remover to treat rust stains from iron-containing stone or old furniture. These products convert rust into a soluble compound. Make sure the product is approved for your paver material.
Mold often appears as black spots in shady, damp corners. In addition to specialty mold removers, a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide can help. After cleaning, improve drying conditions—for example, by trimming back shrubs.
“Lichen is a sign of very clean air, but unfortunately it can also point to persistent moisture. Along with cleaning, check whether better airflow or more sunlight could improve the microclimate on your patio.”
Aftercare: sealing and maintenance
Once you have cleaned your patio pavers, the patio is clean. To keep it that way for longer, proper care is essential. The most important step is sealing. A sealer forms a water- and dirt-repellent protective layer in the pores of the pavers.
This makes it harder for moss, algae and stains to stick. Rainwater beads up and dries more quickly. Apply sealer only to pavers that are completely dry and clean. The patio should remain dry for several hours afterwards.
Regular sweeping and occasional rinsing with water greatly extend the sealer’s effectiveness. Also consider the right base. A stable but permeable installation on crushed stone or sand prevents standing water.
As a precaution, always take care when working with electrical equipment in damp conditions. Keep a
Which tools are right for each type of paver? A material guide
Concrete pavers are durable and generally stand up to pressure washers and brushes. For colored or painted concrete pavers, check that the color won’t fade. Older concrete pavers may be porous, so use a lower pressure setting.
Natural stone pavers such as granite and basalt are very hard and generally tolerate mechanical cleaning well. Softer stones such as sandstone, limestone, and slate are more sensitive. Don’t use stiff metal brushes or high pressure on these materials. Use a specialty stone cleaner instead.
Ceramic and porcelain pavers are very dense and durable. They can generally withstand pressure washers and many cleaning products. Take care not to wash out the joints. Clay pavers are durable but can develop efflorescence (white salt deposits). Simply brush these off when dry.
For all materials, proper care starts with choosing the right accessories. From watering equipment to supplies, you can find everything you need for your home in the shop.
Common mistakes when cleaning patio pavers—and how to avoid them
The biggest mistake is using the wrong chemicals or ones that are too harsh. Household cleaners containing chlorine or hydrochloric acid can permanently dull and etch natural stones such as marble. They can also harm the environment and nearby plants.
Using too much pressure when pressure washing is a common cause of damage. It can wash out the joints, damage the surface of softer stones, and drive dirt and moisture deeper into the material. Always start with the lowest pressure setting and increase it only if needed.
Many people neglect the joints. Organic material collects there, allowing new moss to grow. Clean the joints with a specialty joint scraper or brush. After cleaning, you can refill them with sand or a specialty jointing compound.
Don’t clean in the blazing midday sun. Water evaporates too quickly, and cleaning products can bake onto the surface and leave white residue. Work on a cool, overcast day or in the morning.
Finally, a thorough spring cleaning is the best way to kick off patio season. It removes winter residue such as dirt, road salt, and moisture. Then you can enjoy the summer on a clean, well-maintained patio.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use a pressure washer on all patio pavers?
- No, not all pavers can withstand high pressure. For soft materials such as sandstone or old concrete pavers, a pressure washer is often too harsh and can roughen or damage the surface. Use a brush and specialty patio cleaner instead. A pressure washer is generally suitable for hard, dense concrete or ceramic pavers.
- What household remedy works best for removing moss from patio pavers?
- Vinegar cleaner or a mixture of water and denatured alcohol are common household remedies for moss. Apply them in sunny weather and leave them to work for several hours. However, these acids can damage calcareous natural stones such as marble or travertine. For sensitive stones, a gentle specialty patio cleaner is a better choice.
- How can I keep my patio pavers from getting dirty again so soon after cleaning?
- Sealing the pavers after cleaning provides the most effective protection. The sealer penetrates the pores and makes it harder for dirt, moss, and moisture to stick. This keeps your pavers clean for longer and helps protect them from stains. Choose a sealer from a specialty retailer that’s suitable for your paver material.
- Does road salt damage patio pavers in winter?
- Yes, road salt can cause considerable damage to patio pavers, particularly those made of concrete and natural stone. The salts penetrate the material, crystallize when they freeze, and dislodge fine particles from the surface. This leads to flaking and a porous, rough texture. For winter maintenance, use materials such as grit or sand for traction, and remove salt residue thoroughly in spring.
- How do I remove stubborn grease stains from my patio barbecue area?
- For baked-on grease stains, it’s best to use a specialty degreaser or gall soap. Apply the product generously, leave it to work for several hours, and then scrub with a stiff brush. Very old stains may require repeating the process. Then rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any cleaning residue.
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