Can You Pressure Wash Paver Patios?

Machines

• You can rent or buy pressure washers in a variety of sizes and styles. Some pressure washers don't have a motor in them, and the only pressure they have is from the water system that you hook them up to. These are unlikely to have enough power to clean your pavers. More expensive and larger pressure washers pressurize the water themselves and deliver a lot more power. Be careful with industrially sized or commercial power washers; they may have enough power to damage your pavers.

Materials

• Some pavers respond better to pressure washing than others. Depending on the materials that your pavers are made of and how they were manufactured, they may be at risk of damage if hit directly with a power washer. Natural stone pavers that have a grain, such as slate, can have pieces chipped off by the power of the water if the jet gets in under a protruding edge. Concrete pavers may have loose bits knocked off if the power washer is too powerful. Begin washing in an inconspicuous area or on a test piece to find out what the effect of your power washer will be.

Technique

• Aim the power washer at the patio at an angle rather than directly. This will reduce the risk of damage to your pavers by providing an even, diffuse washing effect rather than a pointed and uneven one. Set the spray nozzle to clean with a broad spray rather than a single point. The ideal setting is focused enough to deliver the necessary power, but not so focused that it leaves distinct lines on your patio. Work systematically, beginning in one corner and completely cleaning a distinct area before moving on to the next one.

Things to Avoid

• Don't aim the power washer directly into the joints between pavers. If the joints are mortared, this can break the mortar and blow bits of it out of the joints. If there is only packed sand between the pavers, hitting the joints directly with the nozzle spray will blow the sand out of the joint. It may also drive water in under the pavers, where it can cause problems, especially if it freezes. Move patio furniture and other objects out of the way before washing. Keep children and animals away from the area.