Whereas concrete patios easily absorb stains that can be difficult to get out — even after scrubbing the surface with chemicals or power washing with high pressure — patio pavers are much easier to clean.

Here’s a helpful step-by-step guide on how to get rid of common stains and keep your paver patio looking good as new year-round.

A Simple Tutorial on How to Clean Patio Pavers

1. Absorb Any Excess

When you first notice a stain on your paver patio — whether it’s barbecue sauce or oil grease — the first thing to do is dab the affected area with an absorbent material like a paper towel. This will help soak up some remnants of the stain and clear off the patio surface for further cleaning.

Tip: Be careful to blot, not rub, the stain with the paper towel. Rubbing it can cause the stain to be further absorbed into the paver as well as spread to other areas of the patio.

2. Clear the Area With Water

Now, it’s time to add water. Applying a high-pressure spray to the affected area can help lift stains to the surface and, by doing so, make them easier to remove from patio pavers.

Keep in mind the importance of the distance at which you spray the stain. If you get too close to the paver surface, it’s possible that the pressure from the spray could damage its appearance. It’s recommended you stay at least 1 foot from the surface, and angle your nozzle at 30 degrees.

3. Apply a Mild Dish Soap

The final step is to apply a household cleaner to treat the stain. Dish soaps are ideal for this job. While they feature surfactants that are able to remove tough grime like oil and grease, they are also safe enough to use on paving stones without compromising their integrity or appearance.

Dish soap should be applied directly to what remains of the stain, and then left to sit for 10-15 minutes before it’s hosed off. For tougher stains, a plastic bristle brush may be needed to lift the stain from the patio.

We Bring Together Paver Patio Installation & Maintenance

At Green Impressions, we value low-maintenance landscape design for our customers. That’s why we’ve installed paver patios from Unilock across the Northeast Ohio area, and provided our customers with maintenance advice and services to preserve their investment.

Thinking about adding a paver patio to your Northeast Ohio backyard? Learn more about our paver patio installation services.

Could you use our help with the maintenance of an existing paver patio? Take a closer look at our approach to landscape maintenance.