Patio & Paver Cleaning
Restore pavers, flagstone, and stamped patios — without blowing out the joint sand
Typical cost
$150–$450
Job duration
2–5 hours
How often
Every 1–2 years
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Paver patios and walkways are among the most satisfying surfaces to have professionally cleaned — years of gray grime rinse away to reveal the original color underneath. But pavers are also one of the easiest surfaces to damage with a rented pressure washer: too much pressure blasts out joint sand, dislodges pavers, and etches the surface. Professional paver cleaning combines controlled pressure, the right chemistry, and re-sanding to leave the patio both clean and structurally sound.
Why Pavers Need a Different Approach Than Concrete
A concrete slab is one continuous surface. A paver patio is hundreds of individual units held in alignment by compacted joint sand — and that sand is the weak point. High pressure aimed into the joints excavates the sand in seconds, which lets pavers shift, rock, and grow weeds through the newly opened gaps.
Professionals clean pavers with a surface cleaner (a spinning-bar attachment that keeps pressure angled down rather than into joints) at moderate PSI, after a chemical pre-treatment has already loosened organic growth. The pressure rinses; it doesn't excavate. Efflorescence — the white chalky haze common on newer pavers — needs a dedicated acidic cleaner, not more pressure.
Re-Sanding and Sealing: The Other Half of the Job
Even careful washing removes some joint sand, so a complete paver job includes re-sanding. Ask specifically whether the quote includes it:
- Standard joint sand: swept into joints after the surface fully dries — the minimum acceptable finish
- Polymeric sand: sand with a binding polymer that hardens after wetting — resists washout, blocks weeds and ants, lasts years longer; adds $1–$2 per sq ft
- Sealing (optional): enhances color, slows staining and organic regrowth; applied 24–48 hours after cleaning once pavers are bone dry
- A wash-only quote that skips re-sanding isn't complete — joints left low invite weeds, ants, and paver movement
Common Paver Stains and What Removes Them
Pavers collect a wider variety of stains than most surfaces because of how they're used. Each has a specific fix:
- Black/gray organic film and green algae: sodium hypochlorite pre-treatment, then surface cleaning — the standard job
- Grill grease and food oils: degreaser with dwell time before the main wash
- Rust from furniture and fire pits: oxalic-acid-based rust remover applied to specific spots
- Efflorescence (white haze): dedicated efflorescence cleaner — bleach does nothing to it
- Leaf tannin and mulch dye stains: usually lighten dramatically with pre-treatment and often fade fully with sun exposure after cleaning
- Polymeric sand haze from a bad install: requires a specialty haze remover — point it out when getting quotes
What a Professional Paver Cleaning Costs
Expect $0.50–$1.50 per square foot for cleaning alone, depending on condition and region. A typical 300 sq ft patio runs $150–$300 to clean. Add re-sanding with polymeric sand and sealing, and the full restoration package for the same patio typically lands between $450 and $900 — still a fraction of the $15–$30 per sq ft cost of replacing a failed patio.
Flagstone, travertine, and natural stone command the higher end of cleaning rates because they're softer and more chemical-sensitive than concrete pavers. Confirm the company has cleaned your specific stone type before booking — travertine in particular is damaged by acidic cleaners that are routine on concrete pavers.
Common Questions About Patio & Paver Cleaning
Will pressure washing ruin the sand between my pavers?
What is the white chalky film on my pavers?
Should I seal my pavers after cleaning?
How long after cleaning until I can use the patio?
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