Caring for your paver patio helps it lasts longer and maintains the stones’ natural beauty. The following guide offers step-by-step instructions for keeping the patio clean so you can enjoy it for years to come.

4 Steps to a Clean Paver Patio

1. Prepare the Area

Remove potted plants, sculptures, and outdoor furniture from the patio. Once the patio is clear, pull up any weeds that have sprouted among the stones. If you decide to use a chemical weed killer instead, wait 14 days before continuing with the cleaning process.

2. Wash Your Patio

First, thoroughly wet the entire surface. The stones should be saturated with water so they don’t dry quickly and absorb the soap. If your patio builders didn’t recommend a specific detergent, use any mild degreasing agent like a dish or car soap.

Add no more than 16 ounces of soap to a full gallon of warm water to create the solution, then pour it over the entire surface of the patio. Gently scrub the stones with a hard-bristled broom or brush.

3. Rinse

Use a hose’s pressure to push the soapy water toward a drain or into a gutter. This keeps the suds from forming an unwanted film over the stones.

If you use a pressure washer, keep the wand some distance from the surface to avoid blasting filler from between the pavers.

4. Replenish the Sand

Whether or not you used a pressure washer, the process has probably resulted in the erosion of the sand between the stones. Mildly dampen new polymeric sand with the mist setting on your garden hose, then fill the spaces. Use a broom or brush to even it out.

Once you’ve successfully cleaned your paver patio, have your landscaper can add a new layer of sealant. Located in Lincoln, NE, Dreamscapes, Inc., has been helping homeowners maintain beautiful patios and yards for more than 30 years. They will help you reshape or rebuild your lawn, add a patio, or perform traditional landscaping services to help you maintain a healthy yard. Learn more about their services online or by calling (402) 421-7496.