How to Clean Brick Pavers and Maintain Brick Patio for Lasting Beauty

Posted on August 25th, 2015 by Devine Bros

For those of us who are lucky enough to have a backyard patio, you know how much of a luxury they are. They provide a place to enjoy the warm weather and soak up the sun, and they can also add visual appeal to your landscaping.

Many homeowners prefer brick patios instead of concrete because they are a more attractive option. While it certainly does have its benefits, they do have a big downside: maintenance.

Keeping your brick patio looking like new takes a little bit of time, but it doesn’t have to take a whole lot of effort. Just clean it every two months using these step-by-step instructions.

Removing Weeds and Polymeric Sand for Paver Care

1. Remove all furniture from the patio.
2. Eliminate all weeds growing in the cracks by pulling them from the base to ensure they don’t quickly grow back. If you can’t access the base of the weed, recommend using a chemical weed killer. For an eco-friendly option, you can also consider using a polymeric sand solution, which helps reduce weed growth between pavers.
3. Sweep away all leaves, grass, dirt, and other loose debris with a stiff-bristled broom. It’s important to keep the surface clean to avoid moss or mold buildup.

Using a Power Washer to Clean Your Paver Patio and Driveway

1. Using a stiff-bristled brush, remove any visible stains from the patio. You can use a one-part bleach to ten-parts water cleaning solution to do this.
2. If you want to tackle tougher stains, consider power washing your patio. Use a power washer to clean the surface effectively, but make sure to use a low-pressure setting to avoid damaging the brick pavers.
3. After scrubbing away your stains, rinse the patio with a garden hose and allow to dry.

Sealing Your Pavers for Long-Lasting Protection

1. If there are still unsightly stains, head to your local hardware store and purchase a stain remover. Make sure to by the one specially made for your surface type: stone, brick, flagstone, pavers, etc.
2. Consider applying a masonry-grade sealcoat to your patio to help preserve its look and durability for years to come.

Restore Your Brick Paver Patio with Quality Masonry Supplies and Polymeric Sand from Devine Bros

Sometimes, years and years of no maintenance will lead to the premature deterioration of your patio. If this happens to you, there is no amount of cleaning that will restore its brand-new look; your only option is to reinstall it. If you live in Norwalk, Connecticut or the surrounding area and are looking for high-quality masonry supplies at a reasonable price, look no further than Devine Bros. We have a wide variety of masonry and landscaping products available for pickup and delivery – visit our website to view our inventory or call us at (203) 866-4421.

FAQ About How to Clean Brick Patio

What is the best thing to clean brick patios with?

The best way to clean a brick patio is by using a stiff bristle brush, broom, and a mild cleaning solution like a mixture of bleach and water (one part bleach to ten parts water). For more eco-friendly options, use dish soap or a specialized detergent made for brick pavers. Always rinse thoroughly with a garden hose after scrubbing to avoid efflorescence and buildup.

How do you make a brick patio look new?

To make a brick patio look new, start by removing weeds, falling leaves, and dirt using a stiff broom. Next, scrub with a cleaner to remove grime, mold, and mildew. For tougher stains, pressure wash the surface with a power washer on a low setting. Apply a sealer afterward to restore color, prevent discoloration, and maintain your brick pavers’ natural beauty and integrity.

Should you pressure wash a brick patio?

Yes, you can pressure wash a brick patio, but it must be done carefully. Use a pressure washer on a low to medium setting with a wide nozzle to avoid chipping or damaging the porous surface of the bricks. Pressure washing is effective for removing deep stains, gunk, and built-up moss or mildew, especially in high-traffic outdoor living areas like patios, walkways, and driveways.

What is the best cleaner for brick?

The best cleaner for brick depends on the type of stain you’re dealing with. For general cleaning, a mixture of bleach and water works well. For oil stains or efflorescence, use specialized brick cleaning solutions or detergents—just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the brick’s surface. Natural or pH-neutral cleaners are often best to clean and maintain old brick or historical structures.

How to make your bricks look new?

To refresh and revive old bricks, follow a full cleaning process: sweep with a broom, scrub with a cleaning solution, power wash, and then apply a sealer. This helps restore the brick’s original color and protects it from future stains, weed growth, and mildew. Regular maintenance and the right paver maintenance strategy will keep your brick patio and walkway looking new and boost your home’s curb appeal.

What is the best way to clean bricks?

The best way to clean bricks is to gently scrub them using nylon bristles and a safe cleaning solution, then thoroughly rinse with a garden hose. For stubborn mold, mildew, or grime, a pressure wash with the right nozzle can be very effective. Always use a broom to sweep beforehand and avoid high-pressure streams of water that could damage the brick pavers. This approach works well on outdoor spaces like outdoor kitchens, patios, and driveways.