Pavers add to the beauty of your landscape. A well maintained pavement reflects on the beauty of your house. Therefore, it is essential that you maintain it well. Cleaning pavers would be easy once you know about pavers. Choosing wrong cleaning materials and faulty cleaning methods spoil the look of pavements. Therefore it is important that you learn about pavers before venturing into cleaning.

Understand Pavers

Concrete or limestone is generally used in making pavers. Often bricks and natural stones are also used. You should ensure that pavers are sealed as soon as they are laid in your backyard, driveways or patio. If you do not seal it, stains and cracks on the surface of the pavers can damage your pavements soon. Sealing pavers will enhance the color of the pavers giving a new look. Once applied a sealant, the surface will remain stain free and it will also be easy to clean it.

Cleaning of bricks

Bricks absorb oil and stains fast, making your pavement dirty and slippery. High pressure cleaning is not recommended for brick pavers as it can damage the bricks. Always clean it using a low pressure cleaner.

Cleaning concrete pavers

Color pigments are often used in concrete pavers. Rampant usage of chemicals can cause fading or discoloration of the pavers. Consult a professional before start cleaning concrete pavers. After cleaning you can apply a sealant so that the color remains protected for a long time.

Use simple methods

Your job does not end with sealing pavers. You have to clean pavers regularly because damp weather makes pavers absorb moisture from the environment along with dust and can spoil the show of your pavement. So, clean them and mop them regularly. Avoid using any highly concentrated chemicals that damage the environment. Always look for natural formulae for cleaning. You can use a high pressure cleaner and spray the pavers with salt water. For cleaning stains that are lighter, a solution of detergent and warm water would be advisable. However, stains of petrol or oil will not dissolve in water or soap. You can use a commercial product available in the market under the guidance of a professional. Another way of cleaning oil or petrol stains is the use of kitty litter on pavers on the previous night and sweep off the next day.

Use of chemicals

A solution of bleach powder and water in a proportion of 1:10 can also be used for cleaning pavers. Apply the solution over the pavers with a brush and then scrub. Remember that bleach can cause discoloration. Therefore try it on one of the pavers in a corner and see the result before you start cleaning. For removing paint from pavers, paint thinner can be applied on the pavers and then scrape it out with a rag carefully. The most difficult job is to remove rust stains from pavers. When the normal methods do not work, use an appropriate chemical with the help of a professional. After cleaning pavers allow it to dry.

Safety

You should take adequate safety precautions before starting cleaning pavers. Always wear hand gear and safety goggles if you are doing the cleaning yourself using a chemical agent.