Your driveway is the first thing people see when they visit your home, and keeping it clean makes a huge difference. Paver cleaning doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive – with the right approach, you can keep your driveway looking amazing for years.
Whether you have concrete pavers, brick pavers, or natural stone, regular cleaning protects your investment and keeps your home looking great. The best part? Most paver cleaning can be done with simple tools you probably already have at home.
Most homeowners spend around $400 to have their pavers professionally cleaned and sealed, with prices typically ranging from $300 to $550. But with regular DIY maintenance, you can save money and keep your pavers in excellent shape between professional services.
Why Cleaning Your Pavers Really Matters
Think of your pavers like your car – they look great when they’re clean, but they need regular care to stay that way. Dirt, leaves, oil stains, and weather can make even the most beautiful pavers look dull and worn out.
Here’s what happens when you skip regular cleaning:
- White chalky buildup (called efflorescence) appears on concrete pavers
- Stains from leaves, grass, and tree sap set in permanently
- Oil and grease from cars create ugly dark spots
- Weeds start growing between the pavers
- Colors fade from sun exposure and built-up dirt
- Sand between pavers washes away, making them loose
The good news? Regular paver cleaning prevents all these problems and keeps your driveway looking like new.
The Money Side of Paver Maintenance
Professional cleaning services charge between 25 to 50 cents per square foot for basic cleaning. That means a typical 200 square foot driveway costs $50 to $100 to clean professionally. When you add sealing, the total project usually runs $300 to $550.
Compare that to replacing damaged pavers or redoing your entire driveway, and regular cleaning is definitely worth it!
What You’ll Need to Clean Your Pavers
You don’t need fancy equipment to get great results with paver cleaning. Most of what you need is probably sitting in your garage or utility closet right now.
Your Basic Cleaning Kit
- Stiff broom (not wire bristles – they scratch)
- Garden hose with a spray nozzle
- Dish soap like Dawn
- Large bucket for mixing soap and water
- Rubber gloves and safety glasses
- Knee pads (trust us, your knees will thank you)
For Tougher Jobs
If your pavers need deeper cleaning, these tools help:
- Pressure washer (keep it under 1,500 PSI)
- Surface cleaner attachment for even results
- Sand for refilling joints
- Weed puller or natural weed killer
- Special cleaners for oil stains
Store-Bought vs. Homemade Cleaners
| What to Use | Best For | Cost | How Well It Works |
| Dish soap + water | Regular cleaning | $3-8 | Great for everyday dirt |
| White vinegar + water | Mold and green stuff | $5-12 | Excellent for organic stains |
| Store-bought paver cleaner | Tough stains | $15-40 | Works better on deep stains |
| Oil stain remover | Car drips | $20-35 | Perfect for grease |
Pro tip: Only use white vinegar – other types can stain your pavers. And since vinegar is acidic, save it for tough stains only.
How to Clean Driveway Pavers: Step-by-Step Guide
Learning how to clean driveway pavers is easier than you think. Follow these steps and you’ll get professional-looking results without the professional price tag.
Step 1: Get Ready
Clear Everything Out Move your cars, any furniture, plants, or decorations off your driveway. You want complete access to clean every single paver.
Look for Problems Walk around and check for cracked, loose, or damaged pavers. Sometimes pavers around the edges sink when people step on them repeatedly. Fix any big problems before you start cleaning.
Deal with Weeds Pull visible weeds by hand or spray them with a natural weed killer 2-3 days before cleaning. Baking soda, salt, and vinegar all kill weeds naturally.
Step 2: The Deep Clean
Start with the Basics
Sweep your entire driveway with a stiff broom, paying extra attention to the spaces between pavers where dirt loves to hide. Then rinse everything with your garden hose to wash away loose dirt.
Mix Your Cleaning Solution
For regular cleaning, fill a gallon bucket with warm water and add about 16-20 ounces of dish soap. Mix it up until you see suds.
For specific problems, try these:
- Green stains or mold: Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water
- Oil stains: Use a commercial degreaser or oil stain remover
- General dirt: Mild dish soap works great
Scrub Time
Work in sections, pouring your soapy water over the pavers and scrubbing with your stiff broom. The stiff bristles help break up dirt and stains that have built up on the surface.
For really dirty spots, let the soap sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing – this gives it time to break down the grime.
Step 3: Rinse and Finish
Wash It All Away After scrubbing each section, rinse thoroughly with your garden hose. Use enough pressure to wash away all the soap and loosened dirt, but don’t blast directly at the joints between pavers – you’ll wash away the sand.
Final Check Walk around and look for any spots you missed. Take care of them now before everything dries.
Pressure Washer vs. Hand Cleaning: What’s Best?
When you’re figuring out how to clean driveway pavers, you might wonder if you need a pressure washer. The answer depends on your situation.
When a Pressure Washer Makes Sense
A pressure washer (set to 1,500 PSI max) works great for:
- Large driveways that would take forever to scrub by hand
- Heavy dirt buildup from skipping regular cleaning
- Mold and algae in shady spots
- Your yearly deep clean
Using a Pressure Washer Safely
- Test a small hidden area first
- Keep the same distance from the surface for even cleaning
- Use a surface cleaner attachment for better results
- Never point directly at the joints between pavers
When Hand Cleaning Is Better
Hand cleaning gives you more control and is safer for your pavers. It’s perfect for:
- Smaller driveways or patios
- Light to moderate dirt
- Newer pavers or recently sealed surfaces
- When the sand between pavers is loose
Making the Right Choice
| What to Consider | Pressure Washer | Hand Cleaning |
| Size of area | Large (over 500 sq ft) | Smaller areas |
| How dirty | Really dirty | Light to moderate |
| Age of pavers | Older, established | New or recently sealed |
| Sand condition | Stable sand | Loose sand |
| Time available | Need it done fast | Can take your time |
Getting Rid of Tough Stains
Even with regular paver cleaning, some stains need special attention. Here’s how to tackle the most common problem stains.
Oil and Grease Stains
Car drips are probably the most annoying stains you’ll deal with. Here’s how to handle them:
Act Fast for Best Results
- Soak up fresh spills with paper towels or cat litter
- Squirt dish soap directly on the stain
- Let it sit for 15-20 minutes
- Scrub with a stiff brush in circles
- Rinse with clean water
For old, set-in oil stains, you’ll need a commercial oil stain remover. These products are designed to pull oil out of concrete and work much better than home remedies.
Green Stains from Leaves and Grass
Leaves, grass clippings, and other plant materials can leave brown or green stains. Here’s what works:
- Clean up organic stuff right away
- Use a 50/50 white vinegar and water mix for light stains
- Try a commercial organic stain remover for deep stains
- Pressure wash with the right cleaners
Rust Stains
Metal furniture, tools, and fixtures can leave orange rust stains. For these:
- Use a commercial rust remover made for concrete
- Try cleaners with oxalic acid (be careful and follow directions)
- You might need to treat tough stains several times
- Always rinse really well when done
Important: Always test any stain remover on a hidden spot first to make sure it won’t damage your specific type of pavers.
Keeping Sand Between Pavers in Good Shape
The sand between your pavers does more than just look nice – it keeps everything stable and stops weeds from growing. Taking care of this sand is a big part of successful paver cleaning.
Why Joint Sand Matters
The sand between your pavers:
- Locks the pavers together so they don’t move
- Controls water drainage
- Stops weeds from growing
- Keeps ants and other bugs away
When sand settles or washes away, pavers can shift and become loose, creating trip hazards and bigger problems.
Types of Sand You Can Use
| Type of Sand | How Long It Lasts | Stops Weeds | Cost | Best For |
| Regular sand | Not long | Not really | $5-10/bag | Quick fixes |
| Polymeric sand | Long time | Yes | $15-25/bag | Permanent fixes |
| Stabilizing sand | Medium | Pretty good | $10-20/bag | Budget option |
When to Check and Fix Your Sand
Every Spring
- Look for low spots in high-traffic areas
- Check for erosion where water runs
- See if weeds are growing between pavers
- Plan where you need to add more sand
Twice a Year (Spring and Fall)
If you see areas where sand has washed away, sweep in new polymeric sand. Fill it to about 1/8 inch below the top of the pavers.
Complete Redo (Every 5-7 Years)
For a complete refresh:
- Use a pressure washer to blast out the top layer of old sand
- Let everything dry completely
- Sweep in fresh polymeric sand
- Spray lightly with water to activate the sand
Natural vs. Store-Bought Cleaners
When choosing products for paver cleaning, you can go natural or buy commercial cleaners. Both have their place.
Natural Cleaning Options
More people are choosing eco-friendly options for good reasons:
White Vinegar
- Kills mold and mildew naturally
- Safe for plants and pets
- Cheap and easy to find
- Great for breaking down organic buildup
White vinegar works great for killing mold, and while it smells strong, it’s not toxic like bleach.
Baking Soda
Make a paste with equal parts baking soda and water for:
- Gentle scrubbing power on tough stains
- Getting rid of odors
- Safe use around plants
- Works on different types of surfaces
Store-Bought Cleaners
Commercial products work better for some jobs:
- Stronger formulas that work faster
- Made specifically for certain stains
- Professional-quality results
- Save time on big areas
Safety First, No Matter What You Use
Whether you choose natural or commercial products:
- Always wear gloves and safety glasses
- Test on a small hidden area first
- Follow directions exactly
- Make sure you have good air flow
- Keep all products away from kids and pets
Warning: Don’t use harsh chemicals, bleach, or straight vinegar on your pavers – they can permanently stain or damage them. Gentle dish soap like Dawn is your safest bet.
Your Year-Round Cleaning Schedule
Creating a regular paver cleaning routine keeps your driveway looking great all year and prevents expensive problems.
Spring Deep Clean (March-April)
Spring is your most important cleaning time – you’re fixing winter damage and getting ready for the busy outdoor season.
What to Do in Spring
- Clean up all the winter debris
- Check for damage from cold weather
- Do a thorough deep clean
- Check and refill sand between pavers
- Treat any stains that set in over winter
Spring cleaning after winter is absolutely necessary. Summer maintenance keeps dust and organic growth under control.
Summer Upkeep (May-August)
Summer cleaning is all about staying on top of regular maintenance:
Monthly Summer Tasks
- Sweep weekly to prevent buildup
- Clean up spills right away
- Remove leaves and plant debris regularly
- Spot-treat weeds as needed
- Check that sprinklers aren’t causing water problems
Fall Prep (September-November)
Fall cleaning gets your pavers ready for winter:
Essential Fall Tasks
- Remove leaves before they stain
- Do a final deep clean before cold weather
- Check and fix sand between pavers
- Make sure water drains properly
- Apply sealer if it’s time
Winter Care (December-February)
Winter requires less active cleaning but some important protection:
Cold Weather Tips
- Remove snow gently to avoid scratches
- Don’t use ice melt chemicals that damage pavers
- Watch for ice buildup and drainage problems
- Plan spring repairs based on what you see
Quick Reference Schedule
| Season | Main Focus | How Often | Key Jobs |
| Spring | Deep clean & fix problems | Once | Complete restoration |
| Summer | Regular maintenance | Weekly/Monthly | Remove debris, spot clean |
| Fall | Get ready for winter | Once | Final clean, sealing |
| Winter | Protect & plan | As needed | Gentle snow removal |
DIY vs. Hiring Professionals
Knowing when to handle paver cleaning yourself versus calling in the pros can save you money and prevent damage.
When DIY Makes Sense
Most homeowners can handle how to clean driveway pavers when:
- You’re doing regular maintenance cleaning
- Your driveway is small to medium size (under 1,000 square feet)
- The sand between pavers is in good shape
- You’re dealing with common stains
- You have time and can physically do the work
When to Call the Pros
Professional service makes sense when:
- You have specialized equipment needs
- There are complex problems that need expert diagnosis
- Your warranty requires professional maintenance
- You’re too busy to do it yourself
- You have insurance coverage for potential damage
Professional service also gives you documentation that maintenance was done correctly – important if you ever need to use your warranty.
Cost Comparison
DIY Costs
- Basic tools and supplies: $75-150 (one-time)
- Cleaning products: $25-50 per year
- Equipment rental: $50-100 per project
- Your time: 6-12 hours for average driveway
Professional Costs
- Basic cleaning: 25 to 50 cents per square foot
- Complete clean and seal: $300 to $550 for most driveways
- Special stain removal: $100-300 extra
- Annual maintenance contracts: $200-500 per year
Making Your Decision
Think about professional service when:
- Your warranty requires it
- You have complex stains that need special treatment
- There are structural problems that need expert assessment
- You don’t have time for DIY
- Buying equipment doesn’t make sense for occasional use
Mistakes That Can Damage Your Pavers
Learning how to clean driveway pavers means knowing what NOT to do. These common mistakes can cause permanent damage:
Equipment Mistakes
Pressure Washer Problems
Don’t use your pressure washer on too high a setting – you can create lines, pits, or other damage. Other mistakes include:
- Using the wrong spray tip
- Holding the nozzle too close
- Keeping inconsistent distance
- Ignoring the manufacturer’s recommendations
Chemical Mistakes
- Using acidic cleaners that permanently damage surfaces
- Mixing products that shouldn’t go together
- Using too much product and creating residue
- Not testing on a small area first
Timing Mistakes
Weather Problems
- Cleaning in direct sunlight (solutions dry too fast)
- Working when it’s freezing (cleaners don’t work)
- Ignoring weather forecasts (rain ruins your work)
- Rushing the drying process before sealing
Sand and Structure Mistakes
If you use a pressure washer, never point it directly at the joints between pavers. You’ll blast away the sand that keeps everything stable.
Other structural mistakes:
- Ignoring loose pavers that show bigger problems
- Not checking edge restraints that keep pavers in place
- Using too much water when activating polymeric sand
- Using the wrong type of sand for your pavers
How to Avoid Problems
Always start with the gentlest cleaning method and only get more aggressive if needed. Test all products and techniques on a small, hidden area first. Follow all instructions exactly as written.
Common Questions About Paver Cleaning
Here are answers to the most common questions about paver cleaning.
How often should I clean my driveway pavers?
Clean your paver driveway thoroughly every couple of months. But this depends on:
- High-traffic areas might need monthly attention
- Shaded spots with less use can go 6-12 months between deep cleans
- Sweep weekly no matter what
- Clean up spills and stains right away
Can I use bleach on my pavers?
Be very careful with bleach on pavers. Strong bleach can stain and change the color, making your pavers look uneven. Better options:
- White vinegar solutions for mold
- Mild dish soap for general cleaning
- Commercial paver cleaners made for your paver type
- Baking soda paste for gentle stain removal
Why do my pavers have a white film after cleaning?
That cloudy white film is usually moisture trapped under sealer. This happens when you don’t let pavers dry completely (24-48 hours) before sealing.
To prevent this:
- Let pavers dry completely before sealing
- Don’t use too much cleaning product
- Prepare the surface properly before sealing
- Get professional help for persistent white film
Should I seal my pavers after cleaning?
Sealing your pavers is one of the best ways to maintain them. Benefits include:
- Better color protection from sun damage
- Stain resistance for easier cleaning
- Stronger sand between joints
- Longer paver life
What’s the best cleaner for different types of pavers?
| Paver Type | Best Cleaner | Don’t Use |
| Concrete | Mild dish soap + water | Acidic cleaners, bleach |
| Natural stone | pH-neutral stone cleaner | Vinegar, acidic products |
| Brick | Dawn dish soap solution | Wire brushes, harsh chemicals |
| Travertine | Special stone cleaner | Acidic or rough cleaners |
How do I know if I need professional cleaning?
Consider calling professionals when:
- Stains won’t come out despite repeated DIY attempts
- You have structural problems like loose or uneven pavers
- Weeds have taken over and need herbicide treatment
- Your warranty requires professional maintenance
- You don’t have time for DIY cleaning
Ready to Get Your Driveway Looking Amazing?
Paver cleaning doesn’t have to be scary or expensive. With the right approach and regular care, you can keep your driveway looking brand new for decades. Whether you do it yourself or hire professionals, consistent maintenance is the key to protecting your investment.
The secret to successful how to clean driveway pavers is understanding what type of pavers you have, using the right cleaning methods, and staying on a regular schedule. This prevents small problems from becoming expensive repairs.
Remember that paver cleaning isn’t just about looks – it’s about keeping your pavers structurally sound and long-lasting. With the right knowledge, tools, and approach, your driveway will stay beautiful and functional for years to come.
If you’re ready to take your paver maintenance to the next level, or if you’re thinking about installing new pavers that will give you decades of beauty with minimal upkeep, contact Panda Pavers today. Our team knows both installation and maintenance inside and out, so your investment will deliver maximum value and enjoyment for years to come.
Key Things to Remember
- Start gentle and only get more aggressive if you need to
- Clean regularly to avoid expensive restoration later
- Use the right tools for your specific paver type and stains
- Fix problems quickly before they become permanent
- Consider professional help for complex issues or warranty requirements
- Invest in proper maintenance to protect your investment
Follow seasonal schedules to handle weather-related challenges