How to clean block paving with a pressure washer

Pressure washing your block paving is the best way to keep your block paving looking fresh and new. it removes dirt, algae, and lichen, and can also revive faded or dirty blocks.

This guide will show you how to How to clean block paving with a pressure washer, prepare the surface, choose the right equipment, and avoid common mistakes.

How to clean block paving

• Remove any surface Debris
• Remove any weeds from the area
• Use a jet wash to remove the dirt and grime
• Rinse thoroughly and remove any dirty surface water
• Apply a chemical cleaning solution if required
• Leave the block paving to dry completely
• Brush in new kiln-dried sand to replace any sand that was lost during the pressure washing

Is Pressure Washing Block Paving Safe?

Yes, as long as you follow our tips below, there is no reason why pressure washing should cause damage to your block paving. Just make sure you have the correct tools for the job and wear protective clothing.

How to Pressure wash block paving.

Don’t remove too much sand from the joints.

The main concern when pressure washing block paving is the loss of jointing sand between each block. make sure you replace any lost sand once the area is dry

This element of block paving, also known as kiln-dried sand, provides the necessary friction that holds each block in place. Loose too much of it, and you risk damaging the structure of your driveway.  

We recommend using a brush to remove any weeds, moss, or debris from the paving bricks before using a power washer on your block paving. Ideally, apply a weed killer a few days beforehand.

This will result in less sand loss and help maintain the stability of your block paving.

Use the pressure washer lance at an angle.

The key to knowing How to clean block paving, and minimising damage, is to make sure you’re holding the jet washer hose at an angle whilst working.  

We recommend aiming the lance at a 45-degree angle to lessen the force of the high-pressure water jet on the joints and blocks while cleaning. 

Remove weeds before jetwashing paving.

To achieve the best results when you pressure wash block paving, you should remove any weeds and moss before washing. 

You may choose to apply weed killer to help complete the job, but be sure to wash this and any other cleaning products away before using a power washer.

Gently pull any weeds by hand, or take care lifting them up and away from your paving. This will prevent any unnecessary damage to the paving joints and keep your driveway free of any loose debris that could cause harm. 

How to clean block paving with a pressure washer.

Prepare the Area

As with any important job around your house and garden, preparation is key to a job well done. Take time to sweep away any dirt or debris and use a stiff broom to compact the jointing sand.

Pull up any large weeds and moss, and remove any garden furniture from your driveway or patio area before pressure washing. 

If your driveway features a drainage channel, be sure to remove any blockages before you start.

Work towards the drainage point

To avoid cleaning the same area twice, start at the highest point and work towards the lowest point or drainage area.  

Once completed, rinse any doors and walls that may be dirty from overspray. Then rinse the standing water towards a drainage point.  

Top up the Sand

Once the area has dried, brush new kiln-dried sand between the blocks to replace any sand that has been lost during the pressure washing. 

How Do I Remove Nasty Spillages?

Oil stains?

Oil can be a nightmare to remove from otherwise clean block paving. Oil is absorbed into the blocks and cannot be removed by scrubbing.  

There are ways to remove oil and stains from your block paving, but it will require specific cleaning products.  

The Results from cleaning Block Paving

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)