Restore Your Pavers to Look Like New
Over time, any type of exterior paver or natural stone will suffer weathering from continual exposure to the elements. While some people prefer a weathering look, others favor the clean look of freshly installed stone. Paving stones can be restored to their original state.
First, clean the stone with a solution of equal parts of common white vinegar and water. Vinegar is a mild acid that will eat away most common mineral deposits and weathering from the face of tiles and stones. The solution needs to be applied to the surface and then allowed to sit for several minutes, after which you need to scrub the surface with a scrub brush and then rinse it with clean water.
Secondly, blast the surface of the paving stone with a pressure washer to remove dirt, grime and other buildup. This is a good option if you have access to a pressure washer, as you don’t need to use any chemicals. There are times when you need something stronger because the pavers have mold, mildew and other grime. Our All Surface Restoration division uses pressure washing with a natural solution that has amazing results.
Of course chemical solutions are readily available in any home improvement store but they should be reserved for the most stubborn of weathering buildup so as to not damage the surrounding grass or natural environment. Follow manufacturer directions for mixing, direct application, washing and rinsing. As a general rule, you will apply it, let it soak, scrub it and then rinse the stone. Our liquid solution at All Surface Restoration will not damage surrounding grass or plants.
If you happen to have a particularly difficult buildup of minerals and weathering on the surface of the stone, you can purchase muriatic acid at a home improvement or hardware store. While it will not harm natural stones, be aware that you cannot use muriatic acid if your paving stones are man-made or cement-based. Muriatic acid eats through anything that contains cement and is ideal for calcium and salt buildups. We really do not recommend the average homeowner using muriatic acid because you have to be very careful as you can ruin the surface of the concrete.