Paver & Patio Cleaning in Anaheim, CA

Paver and patio cleaning takes more care than a plain driveway. Interlocking pavers sit on a sand bed with sand packed into the joints, and that sand holds them in place. Too much pressure aimed at the joints blows the sand out, which lets pavers shift and weeds grow. Stamped and colored concrete can lose its color coat or sealer under a narrow, high-pressure stream. Patios also collect a different kind of dirt than driveways: food and grease near the grill, algae under planters, rust rings from furniture and leaf stains.

How we clean pavers

We use a rotary surface cleaner at a moderate setting so the force is spread evenly and not driven down into the joints. Stains get pretreated first. Edges and steps are done by hand with a wider tip. If the joints are already washed out or full of weeds, we tell you before we start, because re-sanding may be needed after cleaning to lock the pavers back in place.

Common patio stains

• Grill grease and food: degreaser and hot water, with some shadows possible on porous pavers
• Algae and black spots: pretreated where planters and sprinklers keep the surface damp
• Rust rings: from furniture legs and fertilizer, treated with a rust remover
• Efflorescence: a white, chalky bloom of salts from within the paver or concrete, which may need a specific cleaner
• Leaf and berry stains: often lift with a cleaning solution and time

Stamped concrete and flagstone

Stamped concrete usually has a color hardener or release agent and a sealer on top. We use lower pressure and avoid holding a tip close, which can etch the pattern. Flagstone set in mortar can usually take moderate pressure, while flagstone set in sand or gravel needs care at the joints like pavers.

Sealing after cleaning

Clean pavers or stamped concrete are ready for sealing once they are dry. A sealer can deepen color, slow staining and help hold joint sand. HomeGuide puts concrete cleaning and sealing at about $1 to $3 per square foot, with the sealer itself $0.30 to $1.75 per square foot depending on type. If you want sealing, we include it as a separate line on the written quote so you can decide.

Runoff from patios

Backyard patios often drain to a side yard and then to the street, or into a yard drain that connects to the gutter. Before cleaning, we find out where your patio drains. Under Anaheim's stormwater code and the countywide guidance, wash water must not reach the curb, gutter or storm drain, so we direct it into lawn or planting areas where it can soak in fully, or recover it with a vacuum. Pools and spas next to the patio are covered so wash water does not go in.

Timing

Outdoor living in Anaheim runs most of the year, so patios get heavy use and see little rain. A cleaning before the spring and summer season, or after the autumn wind season blows in dust and leaves, keeps the surface from staining permanently.