Block paving is a popular choice among homeowners and businesses alike and adds kerb appeal to any property. That’s why it’s so important not to let dirt, grime, and moss detract from its beauty over time. Proper maintenance is key to keeping your block paved driveway looking its best. Some people prefer to hire a professional driveway cleaning company because block paving cleaning can take time, but in this blog, ‘How to clean block paving,’ we’ll walk you through the steps to clean your drive and make sure it stays looking amazing for years to come.
Why clean block paving?
- Block paving is a significant investment, adding value to your home
- Regular cleaning not only enhances its appearance, it also prolongs its lifespan
- Neglecting maintenance can lead to weeds, moss, and algae growth, causing damage
- Algae and moss will make most surfaces slippery
- Its a great job to do in Spring to brighten up a tired looking driveway!
What tools do I need to clean my block paving?
Before starting the process of cleaning your block paved driveway, gather the following tools and materials:
- Jet washer/pressure washer or hose pipe with adjustable nozzle
- Wire weeding tool like this one from B&Q (optional)
- Stiff bristle brush
- Bucket
- Detergent or specialised block paving cleaner
- Weed killer (optional)
- Sealer (optional)
Step-by-Step: How to clean a block paved drive
1.Preparation:
- Move any vehicles that are parked within the area to be cleaned
- Clear away any pots, plants or debris, loose dirt, or vegetation
- The wire weeding tool is really handy if you’ve got lots of weed and moss growth in the joints – you’ll thank me later! (Or your back will!)😉
- If necessary, apply weed killer to remove weeds and prevent regrowth
2. Initial Rinse:
- Begin by rinsing the block paving with water to loosen any surface dirt and debris
- Adjust the jet wash or hose nozzle to a low setting to avoid damaging the blocks (Jet or pressure washing should always be done on the lowest setting)
3. Application of Detergent:
- Dilute the detergent, mild washing-up liquid should be fine, or block paving cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions. To be honest, I find that the jet wash does its job usually and little to no detergent is needed.
- Apply the solution to the paving using a brush or sprayer, ensuring even coverage
4. Scrubbing:
- Use a stiff bristle brush to scrub the surface of the block paving thoroughly
- Pay particular attention to areas with stubborn stains, oil spills, or algae growth
5. Rinse again:
- Once the paving has been scrubbed, rinse it thoroughly with clean water
- Ensure all detergent residue is removed to prevent staining and streaking
Weed killer and sealer are optional and care should be taken as with any chemical type products, especially if you have pets and children! You should also test on an area that’s not so obvious. Not all products are suitable for your paving even if they say they are!
What kind of sand do I use for block paving?
Once your block pavers are completely dry, it will likely need a top-up of kiln dried sand in the joints. Pour out the bag, and use a soft broom to sweep it into the joints. You can purchase it from most builder merchants. We get ours from Myers Building Supplies.
What’s the best way to keep my block paving clean?
- Regularly sweep or hose down your block paving to stop the build up of dirt and debris
- Sort out any spills or stains when they happen to avoid permanent damage
Want to know more about us?
Kettlewell Groundworks are block paving driveway specialists based on the border of Bradford and Halifax. We’re a family business, with family values and recently won an award for the excellent service we provide to all of our clients.
We’re proud to be a Tobermore Approved Contractor and ensure 100% client satisfaction with every driveway we design and install.
If you’d like to know more, you can contact us here, or if you’re ready to book an appointment for a quote, you can do so here. We look forward to hearing from you. 😊
