How to clean pavers, brick and patio surfaces safely, protect the joint sand and mortar, and know when sanding and sealing make the result last.
Pavers, brick and patios can be pressure washed, but they need moderate pressure, a wide tip or a surface cleaner, and care around the joints. High pressure blows out the sand between pavers and erodes mortar on brick, which lets weeds and ants in and loosens the surface. After washing, re-sand paver joints with polymeric sand and consider a sealer to lock in color and slow algae. Wait until the surface is fully dry before sealing.
Pavers and pool decks are the surfaces where the wrong wash costs the most to fix.Paver patios are one of the nicest things about a Florida backyard, and one of the fastest to turn green. Brick walkways go dark, pool decks go slick, and the joints fill with moss and weeds. We are asked to clean these surfaces almost every week around Broward and Palm Beach counties.
This guide covers how to pressure wash pavers, brick and patios without damaging them, why the joint sand matters, when to seal, and what pool deck surfaces need. If you would like the work done for you, see our residential team.
| Surface | Pressure range | Main risk | Key tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete pavers | Moderate; wide fan or surface cleaner | Blowing out joint sand, etching | Re-sand after washing |
| Brick (walkway or house) | Low to moderate | Eroded mortar, spalling | Soft mortar joints need a wide tip |
| Poured concrete patio | Moderate to high with a surface cleaner | Zebra stripes, etching | Use a rotary tool |
| Travertine and natural stone | Low | Pitting, etching, stains | Use stone-safe cleaners only |
| Pool deck (textured concrete) | Moderate with surface cleaner | Damaging the texture | Rinse chemicals away from the pool |
If you are unsure what you have, test a hidden corner with a wide tip first. Natural stone and older brick in particular can be softer than they look.
Clear furniture, sweep debris and rinse nearby plants.
Use a paver-safe cleaner on algae and stains, and let it dwell.
Use a surface cleaner or a 25 to 40-degree tip, keeping it level and moving.
Let the surface dry, refill the joints with polymeric sand and consider a sealer.
The narrow gaps between pavers are filled with fine sand that locks them together and stops weeds and insects. A concentrated jet blasts that sand out in seconds, and the pavers begin to shift. That is why a paver wash is often paired with re-sanding, and why the pressure setting matters so much.
White powdery patches are efflorescence, mineral salts moving to the surface. They need a mild acidic cleaner and dry brushing. Orange stains are typically rust from irrigation, and they need a rust remover. See our guide on removing paint, rust and oil.
Brick is durable, but the mortar between bricks is not. Older mortar is soft, and high pressure erodes it, which leads to loose bricks and water getting into walls. Use a low to moderate pressure with a wide tip, work along the joints rather than into them, and avoid narrow tips. For painted brick or a brick house, soft washing is often better, as we explain in our house washing guide.
In Florida, pool decks and lanais are where algae grows fastest, and where it is most dangerous, because a green film turns concrete into an ice rink. A regular wash improves safety as much as appearance. Use a surface cleaner for the flat areas, treat algae with a suitable cleaner, and rinse thoroughly so no chemical goes into the pool. Do not use aggressive tips on textured or coated decks, or you will wear away the grip surface.
Sealing is optional, but it is often the difference between a patio that stays fresh for a year and one that greens up again in weeks. A sealer helps prevent stains, holds joint sand in place and can enhance color. The surface must be fully dry, and sealer should be applied in dry weather. We explain the timing in how long to wait after pressure washing before sealing or painting.
A small brick walkway is a reasonable DIY job. A large paver patio, a pool deck or any sanding-and-sealing project is worth handing to a professional. We control pressure, treat stains, re-sand joints and seal, and finish in a single visit. For a sense of pricing factors, see our pressure washing cost guide, and ask for a free quote.
Patios and pavers look best when they are cleaned gently, re-sanded and sealed. The most common regrets we hear are blown-out joints and a shiny sealer put down over damp stone. Take it slower and you will avoid both.
We restore driveways, roofs, patios, pool decks and commercial properties across South Florida from our base in Sunrise, FL. Free, no-obligation quotes: call (954) 405-6642 or request a quote online.
Send us your address and a few photos. We will come back with a clear, no-obligation price.
Request a Free QuoteCall (954) 405-6642WhatsApp UsServing Sunrise, Plantation, Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach and nearby cities.Send us your address and a couple of photos. We will tell you what your pavers or deck need and give you a clear price in writing, free and with no obligation.
