Sweep and wash the deck or driveway regularly. Removing nature's debris from the pavers keeps them clean and reduces the risk of staining to the paver’s surface. Wash away grime by spraying the pavers with a hose. Avoid directing the water spray straight into the joints, as it can disrupt the sand. Areas of high traffic, such as doorways, may require cleaning more often. Scrub stains using a mild detergent mixed with water. Use a nylon brush to remove the dirt. Test out the nylon brush and detergent on a paver in a hidden area to make sure it does not damage the pavers before using it in a highly visible area. Wash away the detergent completely after cleaning.

Sweep the deck or driveway and pressure wash the total deck or driveway surface. Spot clean any stained areas using procedures described in the section “Cleaning Heavily Soiled Areas.” Use caution when using a pressure washer. Be sure to angle the spray so that it is not parallel to the joints as the intensity of the water stream may be too harsh and may dislodge the joint sand. Limit the pressure as not to damage the surface of the paver. Only use enough pressure to clean the surface. Check pavers for rocking, low or high edges, joint spacing, alignment and broken or chipped pavers. If minor settling or movement has occurred, pavers can be easily leveled and adjusted. Many installers do routine repairs if necessary.

 Heavily soiled areas should be cleaned as soon as possible to avoid staining. The type of material causing the stain will determine the correct cleaning procedure. When using a cleaning product, the product must be thoroughly rinsed from the surface and channeled to suitable drainage points. Once the area has been cleaned, it should be inspected to ensure the integrity of the sand joints. Any eroded joints should be resanded as necessary. Please be sure to follow the product manufacturer’s instructions regarding the use of any equipment or cleaning materials described here. When using a garden hose to clean a paved area, avoid directing the water parallel to the joints, as the intensity of the water stream may be too harsh and may dislodge the jointing sand. A power washer may be used but you must exercise caution to avoid damaging the surface of the pavers. Many pressure washers have enough power to expose or dislodge the aggregate on the surface. Nozzle style, distance from the surface and pressure (psi) are all factors which can affect the outcome. We recommend that you always test the cleaning on several spare paversleft over from the original installation. If spare pavers are not available, always test on a paver in an inconspicuous area to make sure the paver will not be damaged by the cleaning process. Be sure to angle the spray as per manufacturer’s instructions and limit the pressure, as not to damage the surface of the paver when using a pressure washer. 

• 3.1 Oil or Petroleum Products
  

  Stains left by oil leaking from cars will not damage the paver’s strength, but the stains can be difficult to remove. Stains should be treated as soon as possible, since the longer they remain on the surface, the deeper they penetrate and the harder they are to remove. In the event of an oil spill, act to remove it promptly with a granular oil absorbent. Spills should be soaked up, not rubbed. Rubbing will drive the stain deeper into the concrete. Remove as much of the material as possible with an absorbent rag or paper. Then apply the degreaser cleaner directly to the soiled area. Follow the product manufacturer instructions on how long the product should soak and how the product should be lifted from the paver. In some cases, more than one application may be required.
  

• 3.2 Oily body lotions
  

  A very common source of greasy stains around pool entrances is a result of swimmers not rinsing off sun tan lotions before entering the pool. The excess of these oily products creates a layer on the pool water surface. This oily film is carried out by the person exiting the pool and drips off on the deck, especially around the entrance/exit area of the pool. To clean the area, use a heavy degreaser and carefully follow the manufacturer instructions. The best practice to avoid such stains is to remove the excess of lotions before entering the pool.
  

  Note: When using any product to remove stains or to clean the deck or driveway, a test should always be performed in a paver in an inconspicuous area to confirm the product gives the expected result with no damage to the paver. Always follow the cleaning product manufacturer instructions.
  

• 3.3 Rust Stains
  

  The source of rust that can cause stains on a deck or driveway vary. Rust stains are always challenging to remove if they have penetrated deeply into the material. The intensity and age of the stain will affect the outcome of the cleaning. Cleaning the stains in a timely manner is essential to achieve satisfactory results. If using a commercialized product, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s precautionary directions. No matter which method you choose to clean the rust stain, always test first on a paver in an inconspicuous area to confirm the product gives the expected result with no damage to the paver. In most cases (depending on the cleaner), pre-wet the paver to reduce the absorption of the chemical deeper than necessary into the paver.
  

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  3.3.1 Rust Caused by Metal Objects
  

  One the most common causes of rust stains is when metal objects are left sitting on the deck or driveway for a period of time, i.e. barbecues, patio furniture, metal toys, etc. Soak the area with water. Scrub rust stains with masonry cleaner products as per manufacturer’s recommendations. (Be extremely careful around any metal surfaces). Rinse area thoroughly.
  

  Note: When using any product to remove stains or to clean the deck or driveway, a test should always be performed in a paver in an inconspicuous area to confirm the product gives the expected result with no damage to the paver. Always follow the cleaning product manufacturer instructions.
  

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  3.3.2 Rust Caused by Fertilizer Applications
  

  Another very common source of rust stains is when applying lawn fertilizers that contain metal in its formula. Some particles may spill and remain on the top of the deck or driveway and will eventually stain the deck or driveway. Check the composition of the fertilizer you are planning to apply. If it contains metals, avoid getting it on the deck and rinse the deck or driveway thoroughly with water after applying the fertilizer. Stains caused by previous applications of such fertilizers would be more prominent in lighter decks or driveways. Rust on light colored pavers is also more difficult to clean than stains on darker pavers. Carefully spot clean the stains with a cleaning solution and usually water. Let it soak and rinse thoroughly with water to push any residue away from the deck or driveway. Repeat the process until the stains are satisfactory cleaned out. Deeply embedded rust stains may require the application of a rust remover designed to dissolve and remove rust stains. If you decide to use a rust remover, consult the stain remover product manufacturer for application instructions.
  

  Note: When using any product to remove stains or to clean the deck or driveway, a test should always be performed in a paver in an inconspicuous area to confirm the product gives the expected result with no damage to the paver. Always follow the cleaning product manufacturer instructions.
  

• 3.4 Soiling from normal foot traffic, road salts and everyday use
  

  Wash area thoroughly with a pressure washer. On heavily soiled areas, spray the area with a commercial grade cleaner and scrub with a nylon brush. Rinse thoroughly
  

  Note: When using any product to remove stains or to clean the deck or driveway, a test should always be performed in a paver in an inconspicuous area to confirm the product gives the expected result with no damage to the paver. Always follow the cleaning product manufacturer instructions.
  

• 3.5 Gum or Tar
  

  Apply dry ice directly on top of the gum or tar. After freezing, use a putty knife or scraper to remove the gum or tar from the surface. There are also gum removers on the market to purchase.
  

• 3.6 Tree Droppings
  

  The intensity and age of the stain will affect the outcome of the cleaning. Cleaning the stains in a timely manner is essential to achieve satisfactory results. Carefully spot clean the stains with a cleaning solution and usually water. Let it soak and rinse with water thoroughly to push any stain residue away from the deck or driveway. Repeat the process until the stains are satisfactory cleaned out. Deeply embedded stains may require the application of a commercial remover designed to dissolve and remove stains. If you decide to use a commercial stain remover, consult the stain remover product manufacturer for application instructions.
  

  Note: When using any product to remove stains or to clean the deck or driveway, a test should always be performed in a paver in an inconspicuous area to confirm the product gives the expected result with no damage to the paver. Always follow the cleaning product manufacturer instructions.
  

Concrete pavers offer outstanding freeze-thaw resistance. They endure de-icing salts much better than most pavement surfaces. Snow and ice are removed with shovels or plows like any other pavement. Electric or liquid snow-melting systems work well under concrete pavers, eliminating plowing while reducing slip hazards. Further information can be found in ICPI Tech Spec 12—Snow melting Systems for Interlocking Concrete Pavements.

During normal use, the sand-filled joints receive dirt from traffic on the pavement. Dirt settles into the top of the joints, helping to hold the sand in place. Installations exposed to driving winds or runoff, however, may lose some joint sand that can be simply replenished with dry fine sand. New sand should be applied and leveled below the paver bevel. The proper sand to use would be a very fine and clean play sand. Leaving the joint sand too high can retain water and spur algae growth.