Concrete pavers, especially those which are architectural-grade and of higher quality, are extremely tough, durable options for both interior and exterior flooring. They can be used on kitchens, patios, pool decks, driveways, bathrooms, and more, depending on your needs for the job. Though pavers are an efficient and reliable option for your flooring jobs, they still need to be sealed and cleaned to keep them performing at optimal condition for decades. Here’s everything you need to know about sealing and cleaning your concrete pavers.

Sealing

Before you clean your pavers, you should seal them. Even the highest quality pavers should be sealed to prevent discoloration, grime, and staining from various sources. This is a preventative measure that is equally as important to cleaning to keep your pavers in top shape. Sealant should used on pavers directly after installation and should be reapplied about every five years, though this timeframe should be shortened if you use your pavers frequently. Enhance Architectural Products make high quality sealing that’s guaranteed to last several years.

Cleaning

Once sealed, paver upkeep becomes a simple process. Your pavers should be swept, mopped, and spot-cleaned with a gentle, non-acidic cleaning solution. There are many products available for this purpose available online and at home improvement stores. The process to clean outdoor concrete pavers is slightly more involved, but still simple and quick. There are six steps for a thorough, deep clean on your outdoor concrete paver.

First, clear the space of any furniture or potted plants. There should be no obstructions in your way or obstacles to a quick, simple clean. Next, remove any weeds or excess vegetation present in the pavers. Moss, lichen, and other plants can obstruct the cleaning process so ensure everything’s been removed from in between the joints of the flooring. Next, you’ll next want to wet the pavers. This is as simple as it sounds, just grab a hose or bucket, and wet the flooring surface; make sure to do this before you apply cleaning solution. After you’ve prepped the floor, now’s the time for cleaning.

As stated above, a mild, non-acidic cleaning solution is the best choice to clean pavers. You can use a brand-name product or make your own solution from a combination of warm water and a mild degreasing dish detergent, stirring the solution. Either way, you’ll want to distribute the solution evenly over the pavers then gently scrub the flooring with a stiff-bristled scrub brush or push broom. Wire bristle brushes and scouring pads can damage your pavers and should be avoided. After the pavers are thoroughly scrubbed, simply rinse down the area with the hose or bucket you used to wet it at the beginning of the process. Make sure the water stream is gentle and take care not to dig up joint sand when rinsing.

Stain Removing and Prevention

The sealing and cleaning process is great for removing dirt and debris from your pavers, but there may be stains left over which are more deeply ingrained into the flooring. To remove these, you’ll want a spot-on cleaner to remove the remaining unsightly spots. Your flooring can also rust, which you’ll need to remove quickly to avoid permanent damage. There are a number of products on the market today to remove tough stains and rust, the Peacock Pavers brand is especially effective in these areas.

That’s it, you’re finished! Your concrete pavers should be thoroughly cleaned and ready to be used again without issue. The process is quick and simple, so make sure to clean deeply and often to ensure longevity of your pavers.If you have any questions or are looking for a professional to handle this task for you, contact us today!