The best way to clean block paving driveways and patios, so they look brand new!
If you’re looking to restore or protect your block paving driveway, it’s important to go beyond a quick once-over with a pressure washer. Block paving is a popular choice for driveways and patios across Cornwall and the UK but without the right care, even the best paving blocks can fade, shift, and develop issues like weed growth and oil stains. At Probuild Paving, we’ve spent over 20 years cleaning, sealing and maintaining block paving to a professional standard using Smartseal products. In this guide, we’ll show you how to clean block paving thoroughly and explain why sealing is essential for keeping it protected and looking its best for years to come.
How to Clean Block Paving Safely and Effectively
The right cleaning process for paving involves much more than simply removing dirt from the surface. Many people use a pressure washer without realising that too much water pressure can actually cause a damage. As well as loose debris it can easily wash away jointing sand, disturbing the underlying structure and if your not careful, even chip the paving surface, take it from us this isn’t how to clean block paving!
We always begin by sweeping the area to remove loose material like leaves, stones, and any general debris. A stiff broom is ideal for this first step to help achieve a weed free surface. If you’re dealing with existing weeds, moss, or algae, it’s a good idea to apply a weed killer in advance. For areas around plant pots or where plant life has taken hold, a wire brush can also be an handy tool to have with you.
Next, for less stubborn dirt, warm soapy water or a solution of washing up liquid will do the job, and for tougher grime, we apply a specialist block paving cleaner. These cleaners are designed to break down stains, tyre marks and other grime without damaging or fading the blocks colour. After letting the cleaner soak in, we rinse the area using controlled pressure washing or steam cleaning to protect the joints while still getting a deep clean, leaving the area in tip top condition.
When pressure washing, we avoid flooding the sand-filled joints. Even if you’re only trying to remove dirt or oil, too much pressure can weaken the pavement performance and shorten the life of the paving surface.
Drying Time and Re-sanding the Paving Joints
After cleaning, it’s essential to allow time for the surface to dry out completely. This might take a few hours or days depending on the weather. Sealing a block paved surface while it’s still damp can cause the sealant to trap moisture, leading to discolouration or peeling. Once the paving is dry, we re-sand the joints using kiln dried sand. This is a super fine, dry sand that settles neatly between blocks and helps stabilise the structure. We sweep the sand into the paving joints carefully and remove any excess from the top of the blocks. This process restores the integrity of the surface and prepares it for sealing.Tip: It’s important for the joints to dry completely along with the surface because kiln dried sand will absorb any moisture and start to clump. This clumping prevents the sand from properly filling the joints, leaving large gaps that can cause movement in the blocks.
Applying the Block Paving Sealer
The final stage of the process is sealing the block paved surface. As a registered installer we use high-quality sealers from Smartseal, designed to soak into both the paving blocks and the joints. This strengthens the surface, reduces plant growth, and improves resistance to fuel stains and everyday wear from foot traffic or vehicles.
Sealing enhances the natural colour of the blocks and gives a professional finish. Our sealers are applied using spray units designed for the job, allowing for even coverage. We always follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely to ensure the product performs as intended. Two coats are usually applied, with enough drying time in between. A well-sealed driveway becomes much easier to clean and maintain in the future, and the surface stays weed free and looking sharp for longer.
We can see in the example there are some weeds coming through in different areas. The black stains, which most people think is just dirt, is actually lichens and algae that are just living on the dampness of the blocks. All of these problems can be treated, and with the right level of maintenance, and a little bit of commitment there’s no reason why you can’t keep the property looking great!
In the next example, we can see weed growth has become more prevalent, but with the investment in the right surface care professional, it looks as good as new. We’re going to talk you through the benefits and various steps of block paving cleaning which will tell you everything you need to know to keep your driveway or patio in tip top condition.
General Block Paving Maintenance Tips
Once your driveway has been professionally cleaned and sealed, some simple habits will help keep it in great condition. We recommend regular cleaning with a broom every few months for most block pavers and paving slabs to prevent build up of debris. If you notice new weeds appearing, remove them quickly and apply a weed killer before they take hold.
For areas that see little or no traffic, such as side paths or corners around patio furniture, check for moisture retention and moss growth. Occasional biocide treatments can help keep the surface clear of green stains and simple surface weeds.
Avoid using power washing unless absolutely necessary, and when you do, be gentle. Using hot soapy water or a light block paving cleaner is often enough to remove tyre marks or small spills.
Why Hire a Professional to Clean Block Pavers?
Cleaning block paving properly isn’t just about appearance, it’s about protecting your surface for the long term. At Probuild, we don’t just pressure wash block paving, we understand the difference between cleaning and damaging, and we use techniques that ensure the best results without compromising the structure of the paving.
We invest in the right tools, including purpose-built spray units for sealant application, and always wear protective clothing. Safety matters when working with these materials, especially during sealing when sufficient ventilation and the right gear are essential.
Our full service includes:
- Careful cleaning using specialist chemicals
- Re-sanding of joints with kiln dried sand
- Application of high-quality sealers to block paving driveways, patios, and paths
We also offer spot treatments for stubborn stains, fuel or oil patches, and areas where jointing material may need renewal. Whether it’s newly laid paving or a surface that’s seen better days, when we clean block paving we tailor our approach for the best possible outcome.
Please feel free to get in touch and arrange a free quote.
