How to Clean Stone Patios

Stone patios can last for decades. They are durable and attractive and can add a traditional flair to your home. However, to keep them looking good is another matter. Periodically, they will need to be properly cleaned and maintained. Another issue that needs to be addressed relatively quickly is weeds. Once weeds start appearing between the stone pavers, they will quickly spread and can eventually overwhelm the patio making it look unattractive and causing damage to the stones. To clean a stone patio effectively and keep it looking good for many years to come, follow the steps outlined below.

Tools and Materials

• Weed killer
• Power washer
• Trash sacks
• Broom
• Chemical cleaner for stone pavers

Step 1 – Prepare the Patio

First, remove any furniture or fixtures from the patio. Using a stiff broom, thoroughly sweep the patio. This will also get rid of some of the moss that may have grown on the surface as well as any dirt.

Step 2 – Get Rid of the Weeds

Weeds are the bane of any stone patio and need to be removed before you can effectively start cleaning the surface. This can be a labor-intensive job though there is nothing overly complicated about it. It is important to remove these thoroughly, including the roots otherwise they will grow back. In addition, weeds suck up water from the soil beneath which can eventually cause paving stones to rise and make the surface unleveled. To begin with, pull up the weeds by hand and dispose of them. With a bit of luck, you may be able to pull out the roots with a single, firm tug. However, it is highly unlikely that this will always be the case. To solve the weed problem completely, spray weed killer in any location where you remove weeds from.

Step 3 – Wash the Pavement

For this step you will need a power washer which you should be able to rent at many hardware stores or garden centers. Using a garden hose is possible, but nothing like as efficient and may not be appropriate for using with certain cleaning products. To start, spray down the whole patio with clean water to rinse it thoroughly. Next, apply the stone paving cleaning product to the power washer, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Once again, clean the entire patio, holding the sprayer at an angle to loosen any remaining dirt and debris. This step should thoroughly clean the surface. Once you are done, leave the cleaning product to soak into the stone for about 15 minutes. Finally, rinse the patio with only water and leave it to dry thoroughly before putting the furniture back and using it again.

Step 4 – Maintaining Your Patio

To keep your patio always looking good and to save more work in the future, always clean it regularly. Sweep it whenever needed and exterminate any weeds as soon as they appear. A full clean as described in the previous step should not be required more than twice per year.