After a long Wisconsin winter, your pavers and natural stone have likely seen better days. Between the road salt, snow mold, and stubborn weeds, your outdoor living space might look a little “weathered.”
Before you fire up the grill for the first time this season, here is how to get your hardscape back to its original glory.
1. The Deep Sweep & Weed
The first step is the simplest: a thorough sweep. Use a stiff-bristled outdoor broom to clear off heavy debris. If weeds have popped up in the joints, pull them by hand or use a specialized joint brush.
- Pro-Tip: Avoid using a string trimmer (weed whacker) on your paver joints, as it can flick out the sand that keeps your pavers locked together.
2. Attacking Moss and Algae
Does your patio have a green tint in the shaded areas? That’s likely moss or algae fueled by our humid spring weather.
- The Fix: Mix a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Scrub the area with a nylon brush and rinse thoroughly with a garden hose. For a more eco-friendly version, white vinegar can also work on milder spots.
3. Removing Winter Stains (Rust and Oil)
If you left a metal fire pit or a grill on the stone over winter, you might find rust or grease stains.
- For Rust: Use a specialized rust remover designed for masonry. Avoid acid-based cleaners on natural stone like limestone, as they can etch the surface.
- For Oil/Grease: Dish soap (like Dawn) and hot water are surprisingly effective. Squirt it directly on the stain, let it sit for 10 minutes, and scrub.
4. The Power Washing Warning
It’s tempting to blast your patio with a high-pressure power washer, but be careful. * High pressure can strip the “finish” off your pavers, making them look pitted.
- It will also blow out the polymeric sand in your joints. If you do power wash, keep the nozzle at a distance and be prepared to sweep in new joint sand once the patio is dry.