From spongy moss and stringy weeds to spots of mould and oil spills, block paving is marred with all sorts of blemishes during its lifespan. Is it unsightly? Yes. But is it easy to clean? Surprisingly, also yes. That's because block paving is naturally low-maintenance, meaning all you need are a few specialist cleaning methods under your belt to remove even the most stubborn stains.
Continue reading below to learn more about the best ways to clean block paving.
Before cleaning your block paving, you will want to move garden furniture or vehicles out of the way, brush away any loose debris and remove weeds or moss around your jointing compound.
Now, you're ready to give those block paving stones a quick clean. The easiest way to do this is with basic soap and water. Here's how it's done.
What you need:
How to clean block paving with washing-up liquid:
TOP TIP: Always scrub diagonally; this will be gentler on the jointing compound and less kiln-dried sand will come out during cleaning. If some sand does come loose, you'll need to re-fill the gaps.
Oil spills stained your driveway? Algae making your garden look messy? These common imperfections might appear impossible to shift but, with an expert spot clean, trust us – your block paving stones will look better than ever.
For all you need to know, follow our guides for removing algae, lichens and oil spills, below.
How to remove algae and lichens from block paving
Concerned about that green mist which is, slowly but surely, covering your block paving? That's algae. And those black-and-white spots? They're lichens.
You'll usually find algae tucked between paving recesses or in shaded areas (as they need damp and dark places to grow) and lichens over the surface of your paving stones.
Both are natural organisms and are easy enough to remove when you know how.
Here is the best way to clean block paving that's covered in algae and lichens.
What you need:
How to clean block paving with bleach:
TOP TIP: When combining any harsh chemical, like bleach, with water, always remember to fill your bucket with water first, and then add the chemical. This helps to reduce potential splashback.
TOP TIP: Always test a small area of your paving first, before continuing with any of the methods.
TOP TIP: Regularly brush your block paving stones to prevent future build-up.
Lisa Cooper, Area Landscaping Manager says:
"If you're looking at your outdoor space and thinking 'how do I clean my block paving effectively?', it's important to remember to focus on the details. It can be easy to overlook small crevices or missing spots of stubborn grime but this can lead to weeds, algae or long-term discolouration creeping in.
"By paying close attention to the edges and joints, you not only achieve a flawless look but also prevent minor issues from escalating into costly repairs. It's not just about making the space look good; it's a smart way to protect your investment."
Anyone who has splashed oil accidentally on their clothes will know how difficult it can be to cut through the grease and banish the stain for good.
The same applies to block paving, only these oil stains are deeper set and are more likely to have built up slowly over time, making the job of shifting them even more difficult. As such, you'll need a specialist driveway degreaser for this particular block paving cleaning job.
What you need:
How to remove oil spills from block paving:
TOP TIP: If the oil spill is on your driveway, book your car in for a service at the same time as buying your oil cleaning products. Oil spills mean you've got a leak – if the leak persists, all your cleaning efforts will have been for nothing when your vehicle is reunited with its place on the driveway.
If you have any questions about how to clean block paving, please do not hesitate to call one of our experts on 0800 032 6306 or start a live chat with us. if you're exploring new options, take a look at our paving slabs and block paving collection.
Try our frequently asked questions, how to guides and technical support for specialist advice.
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