How to Clean Block Paving

Block paving has been a go-to option for driveways, patios, and garden paths for a long time, thanks to its variations in patterns, hard-wearing surface, and relatively low upkeep. Over time, however, dirt, lichen and weeds can dull its colours, affect its drainage, and even loosen the joints.

To bring your block paving back to its best performance and keep your investment looking as fresh as the day it was first laid, a thorough clean is needed. In this article, we’ll show you how to safely remove dirt, moss, imperfections that develop over time, tackle stubborn weed growth, and protect your paving for the years to come!

 

Contents

• Why Is It Important to Keep Block Paving Clean?
• Tools and Materials You Will Need to Clean Block Paving
• 4 Best Ways to Clean Your Block Paving
  • Method 1: Washing By Hand
  • Method 2: Pressure Washing
  • Method 3: Using a Paving Cleaning Solution
  • Method 4: Using a Steam Cleaner
• How to Clean Tyre Marks Off Block Paving
• How to Clean Moss Off Block Paving
• How to Control Weed Growth
• How to Remove Efflorescence From Block Paving
• How to Remove Oil or Grease From Block Paving
• How to Stop Sand From Washing Out of Block Paving
• How Often Should You Clean Block Paving?

 

Why Is It Important to Keep Block Paving Clean?

When you invest in a new patio or driveway, you want to ensure it stays in top condition. While it’s important to keep block paving clean to keep it looking good, there are also health and safety factors to consider. Here’s why you should keep your paving clean:

• Controls Weeds & Moss: Prevents slippery surfaces and reduces trip hazards.
• Extends Lifespan: Stops joint erosion and surface wear, so your paving lasts longer.
• Health and Safety: Keeping block paving clear of lichen and algae can help prevent slips and falls.
• Maintains Appearance: Keeps colours bright and patterns sharp for lasting aesthetics.
• Repels Pests: Removes dirt and damp spots that attract insects and rodents.
• Supports Effective Sealing: Clears away grime so any protective sealant can bond and perform properly.
• Prevents Stain Damage: Stops grease and spills from setting in and causing permanent marks.

 

What Tools and Materials Will You Need to Clean Block Paving?

• Stiff-bristle brush or broom
• Deck brush or scrubbing brush
• Safety gear (such as gloves and goggles)
• Weed preventative
• Warm water
• Bucket
• Garden hose
• Washing-up liquid (method 1)
• Pressure washer (method 2)
• Block paving cleaner, e.g. ECOPROTEC Intensive Cleaner (method 3)
• Steam cleaner (method 4)

 

4 Best Ways to Clean Your Block Paving: From the Experts

Here are 4 highly effective methods to clean your block paving, helping it look as good as new:

 

Method 1: Washing By Hand

1. Sweep your patio, driveway, or pathway clean of any loose dirt.
2. Mix warm water and mild washing detergent in a bucket.
3. Use a stiff-bristled brush to work your soapy water into the blocks and joints.
4. Gently rinse off all soap residue, directing water toward a drain or lawn.
5. Allow the paving to dry properly before replacing furniture or applying a sealant.

 

Method 2: Using a Pressure Washer

While pressure washing can be one of the most effective ways of cleaning your block paving, if done improperly can cause damage. We recommend keeping your pressure washer on a low PSI and testing it on a small section of block paving to see the effect on the stone.

1. Sweep away loose dirt and leaves and cover any nearby plants.
2. Attach a wide-spray nozzle and test on a small area of paving at low pressure.
3. Carefully pressure wash the rest of the paving at roughly 1500 – 2000 PSI or below.
4. Leave the surface to properly dry, and inspect the success of the cleaning.
5. If any joints have been damaged, repoint your paving following our detailed guide.

 

Method 3: Using a Paving Cleaning Solution

1. Select a cleaner designed for outdoor paving. We recommend ECOPROTEC Intensive Cleaner, which we’ve found works great for block paving.
2. Follow the manufacturer’s mixing ratio in a watering can or light sprayer.
3. Coat the entire surface and work it in using a deck brush or scrubbing brush.
4. Scrub clean any stubborn spots, then gently rinse off the solution with a hose.
5. Wait for the paving to completely dry before placing any furniture back on it.

 

Method 4: Using a Steam Cleaner

1. Choose a hot water steam cleaner with a wide nozzle accessory.
2. Remove loose dirt and other debris, then lightly mist the paving.
3. Steam in 1 m² areas, holding the nozzle around 5 cm away to loosen grime.
4. For a heavier buildup of dirt or oils, follow steaming with a quick brush.
5. Allow the surface to fully dry and then repoint any displaced joint sand.

 

How to Clean Tyre Marks Off Block Paving

1. Mix warm water with a strong patio cleaner or degreasing solution.
2. Coat the tyre stains thoroughly and let them sit for roughly 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Use a stiff brush in circular motions to lift the rubber residue.
4. Wash away all cleaner and loosened marks with a hose or low-pressure washer.
5. Tackle any remaining tyre marks with another short soak and scrub.

 

How to Clean Moss Off Block Paving

1. Sweep away leaves, dirt and any loose moss from the paving surface.
2. Spray or pour moss killer or a 50:50 mix of water and white vinegar onto affected areas.
3. Allow the solution to sit for 15 to 20 minutes to kill and loosen the moss.
4. Use a stiff broom or brush to dislodge dead moss from the blocks and joints.
5. Wash away debris and treatment residue with a hose or low-pressure washer.

 

How to Control Weed Growth

1. Uproot mature weeds by hand or with a weeding tool, getting as much root as possible.
2. Use a commercial weed killer or water and vinegar directly on cracks and joints.
3. Lightly brush the solution into the joints to reach weed roots.
4. After 7 to 10 days, pull out any dead or dying weeds and hose down the surface.
5. Refill joints with kiln-dried sand and apply a sealant to block new weed growth.

Explore our guide for more information: How to stop weeds growing between paving slabs.

 

How to Remove Efflorescence From Block Paving

1. Use a stiff, dry brush to sweep away loose salt crystals.
2. Mix one part white vinegar (or proprietary efflorescence cleaner) with four parts water.
3. Wet the paving lightly first, then pour or spray on the solution.
4. Allow 5-10 minutes for the acid to dissolve the salts, and use a brush to work the solution into the blocks.
5. Wash away the solution with plenty of clean water, and let the block pavers fully dry.

 

How to Remove Oil or Grease From Block Paving

1. Absorb the spill using paper towels or absorbent materials such as cat litter or sawdust.
2. Remove the absorbent, and use a bucket to mix warm water with soap or patio degreaser. Avoid using bleach, which can harm your paving!
3. Pour the solution over the oil stain and allow 10 to 15 minutes for the cleaner to break down grease.
4. Use a stiff brush to work the solution into the pores of the blocks.
5. Wash off all soap and loosened oil with a hose or low-pressure washer.

 

How to Stop Sand From Washing Out of Block Paving

1. Use fine, kiln-dried jointing sand for best compaction and water resistance.
2. Run a plate compactor or tamper over the surface to settle sand deep into the joints.
3. Add more sand to any low joints and compact again until they’re solid.
4. Lightly spray the sand-filled joints to help stone dust bind and lock the grains in place.
5. Let the paving sit for 24 to 48 hours, keeping it dry if possible, to let the sand set.

 

How Often Should You Clean Block Paving?

A general rule is to give your block paving a thorough clean at least once a year – ideally in the spring, after winter’s grit and grime have built up – and a light refresh every six months to tackle surface dirt, lichen, or weeds before they become more problematic.

In high-traffic areas, such as garden paths, you may need spot-cleaning quarterly to prevent stains and growth from becoming stubborn. Regular checks and minor touch-ups as and when they’re needed will keep your paving performing and looking its best year-round!

 

Shop Today for Beautiful Block Paving!

If you’re cleaning your old patio or driveway to try and get it looking its best, you may be overdue for a repaving!  Here at Minster Paving, we stock some of the best block paving around: From 60mm Permeable Block Paving in colours such as Red Brindle & Charcoal, to 50mm Chartres Tumbled Block Paving in shades like Vendage & Purbeck, we’ve got something to suit every garden style!

Explore our full block paving range today to start building your dream garden design. Got any questions? Simply contact us today or visit our Oxfordshire-based premises, and our outdoor experts will be more than happy to help you.