Spring is here, and it is time to do some spring cleaning. We’re not just talking about the interior of your home, but our outdoor garden pavers too. It could undoubtedly use a bit of tender love and care as well especially if it had been left to the elements during winter.
As the weather warms up and the sun begins to shine, now is the perfect time to do a touch of upkeep before they become totally overgrown with unruly weeds.
Here’s how.
1. Give them a sweep
There’s no point trying to work on your pavers if they’re covered in dirt and leaves. A good sweep with a standard broom will do the trick, although it’s easier to use a leaf blower if you own one.
2. Rinse them off
Once you’ve swept most of the dirt away, hose them off to get rid of the remaining filth. A garden hose will get the job done, although a domestic high-pressure cleaner is best. If using the latter, opt for a broad spray of 1,500 psi or less to avoid damaging the pavers.
3. Evict unwanted visitors
After a long and moist winter, swathes of moss and weeds will have grown in between the paver cracks, particularly in the shadier areas. Scrape them away with a thick thistle brush, or a handheld chisel edge scraper before sweeping away the debris. Alternatively, a high-pressure cleaner negates the need for elbow grease.
4. Scrub away those stains
Leaves, oil, and grease all leave unsightly stains on your pavers. Prevention is always better than cure, so try to clean and sweep them away as promptly as possible throughout the year.
For grease stains, a simple solution of hot water and dishwashing detergent would suffice. Stubborn stains from rotten wood or leaf tannin may require a solution of bleach and water to remove it. A ratio of 1:10 would do the trick.
Pavers underneath a carport will likely be stained from oil. Specialized oil removers are your best bet, which can be purchased from any automotive store. Never use industrial strength cleaners as they can permanently damage your pavers. If in doubt, test the cleaner on an isolated section and wait two days to assess the damage.
5. Inspect and replace
Over the years, you should expect to ruin the odd paver or two through chips, cracks or overly stubborn stains. Thankfully, unlike concrete, individual paving stones can be easily removed and replaced.
6. Add more sand filler
The sand filler between the paver cracks is essential for keeping them in place. Over time, it’ll wear away through wind and general use. Examine your paver cracks and sprinkle a generous dose of refined sand over those which are lacking.
7. Apply a paver sealer
Paver sealers work wonders to prevent moss from growing and keeping those pesky ants at bay. At a minimum, a sealer should be applied once on installation, and every three years after that.
With a little annual maintenance, it’s easier to keep your garden pavers looking fresh. Although spring may be the best time to do a thorough clean, it’s essential to sweep them all year round to avoid the build-up of unsightly stains.
All sounds like a bit much? The professional team at O’Sheas will get your pavers looking like new in no time. Contact them for a quote today.