The Ultimate Guide to Pressure Washing Your Paving for a Like-New Finish

Pressure washing is the fastest, most effective way to restore paved surfaces. It removes the dirt, moss, algae and oil stains that make paving look dull and old. Here's how to get a professional, like-new finish.

Step 1: Prepare the area

• Move cars, pot plants, furniture and bins off the paving.
• Sweep thoroughly to clear loose leaves, soil and debris. Pressure washing a layer of loose dirt just makes mud.
• Pull out large weeds from the joints.
• Check for loose or broken pavers so you don't blast them out.
• Cover electrical outlets, pool pumps and delicate plants nearby.

Step 2: Choose the right pressure

This is where most DIY jobs go wrong. Too little pressure won't clean properly, and too much can etch, pit or "stripe" the surface.

• Concrete and dense concrete pavers: generally around 2,500 PSI or more.
• Clay brick, older pavers and softer stone: noticeably lower pressure, with the nozzle held further from the surface.

Always test on a hidden corner first.

Step 3: Pre-treat with a suitable detergent

Apply a paving-safe cleaning solution and give it time to work on algae, moss and organic staining. Don't let it dry on the surface. In the Pretoria summer sun, that can happen quickly.

Step 4: Clean with smooth, even passes

Work methodically in overlapping strips, keeping the nozzle at a consistent distance and angle. For large areas, a rotary surface cleaner attachment is the professional secret: it spins two jets under a hood and gives an even, stripe-free finish much faster than a wand alone.

Step 5: Tackle stubborn stains

Oil and grease need a degreaser and sometimes several passes. Rust and some mineral stains need specialist treatments. Be realistic: very old oil stains in porous concrete may fade but not completely disappear.

Step 6: Rinse and re-sand

Rinse all dirty water and loosened debris off the paving and away from the house. Once it's dry, brush fresh jointing sand into any gaps to lock the pavers and discourage weeds.

Step 7: Keep it looking new

Sweep regularly, deal with oil spills quickly, keep gutters and drains clear so water doesn't pool, and book a professional clean once or twice a year.

DIY or professional?

A domestic pressure washer is fine for a small patio. For driveways, complexes and commercial areas, a professional with commercial-grade equipment and a surface cleaner will finish faster, with a more even result and less risk of damage. If you'd rather leave it to us, request a free quote.