How Not To Clean Your Paving: Actions You Should Avoid At All Costs

Are you worried about damaging your paving while cleaning it? Well, this is an understandable concern, as many people harm their paving with incorrect cleaning methods without even knowing it. You’re not alone if you’ve been given bad advice or simply don’t know the best ways to clean your paving area. That’s why we have prepared this article.

This post was written with the help of Natural Stone & Timber, a trusted landscape supplier in the UK. Our goal is to help you avoid common mistakes and protect your paving. Once you finish reading it, you’ll know exactly what actions to avoid when cleaning your paving.

1. Stop using harsh chemicals

We’ve all heard that acids can clean tough stains. However, using strong acids like hydrochloric or sulfuric acid on your paving is a bad idea. These acids can deteriorate the stone, causing cracks and discolouration over time. For natural stone, such as marble, limestone, travertine, also forget even mild, diluted household acids. Those are vinegar and lemon juice. They can also bring you only damage. 

Using bleach or diluted bleach is another common mistake. While bleach can clean, it can also discolour and weaken your paving stones. Instead, start with soapy water. If that doesn’t work, use a cleaner designed specifically for your type of paving. This way, you avoid the risk of damaging it.

2. Stop being aggressive with power washing

Power washing can seem like an easy way to clean your paving, but using a high-pressure setting can cause damage. High pressure can strip away the protective sealant on the stones and cause surface damage like cracks and pitting. Instead, use medium pressure and keep the nozzle at least a foot away from the surface. In this way, you can clean it without damaging your paving.

Frequent power washing might seem like a good way to keep your paving clean, but it can erode the stone surface over time. Washing it once a year is a good and normal frequency. Combine this with gentle cleaning methods to keep your paving in good condition without causing harm.

3. Stop using improper brushes

Using the wrong type of brush can cause more harm than good. Hard bristle brushes or wire brushes can scratch and wear down your paving stones. This leads to surface damage, discolouration, and less resistance to weather. Instead, use soft-bristle brushes. These are gentle on the stones and still effective at cleaning dirt and debris.

4. Stop ignoring quick spill cleanups

It’s easy to think that rain will wash away spills on your paving, but this can lead to permanent stains. Spills, like ketchup or wine, can soak into the stone if not cleaned right away, making them hard to remove. Always clean up spills immediately to keep your paving looking clean and stain-free. Especially if you get some spills after using the barbecue. Fat from meat is also problematic to clean, so don't delay cleaning it.

5. Stop forgetting to rinse after cleaning

After you clean your paving, it’s crucial to rinse off any remaining cleaner. Leaving cleaner residue can dull the finish and cause discoloration over time. Always rinse thoroughly with clean water once you’re done cleaning.

Bonus: best cleaning advice for your paving

Different paving materials require different care. Using a generic cleaning method can damage specific types of stones. For example, sandstone is more delicate than granite and needs gentler cleaning methods. If you use the wrong method, you can cause permanent damage.

It’s important to research the specific type of stone you have. Find out if it’s limestone, sandstone, granite, porcelain paving or another type. Each stone has unique properties and care requirements. For instance, limestone is porous and can be easily stained, so it needs a sealant and gentle cleaning. Granite, on the other hand, is harder and more durable but can still be damaged by harsh chemicals.

Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for your paving material. These guidelines will tell you the best cleaning practices and products to use. If you don’t have the manufacturer’s guidelines, look for reputable sources online or consult with a landscape professional.

By understanding your paving material and using the right methods, you’ll keep your paving in good condition and avoid costly repairs.

Final word

Taking care of your paving doesn’t have to be difficult, but it’s important to avoid these common mistakes. By following our advice, you can keep your paving looking great and lasting longer. Remember, a little knowledge goes a long way in protecting your outdoor space.