How to clean outdoor pavers on sand?

Liss

Hi,

I got quotes to have my pavers cleaned, but the quotes are out of my budget. I want to learn how to clean the tiles myself. The tiles/bricks are set on a sand profile (some are uneven). I was told by some handyman that I would need to 'soft clean' as the sand would go everywhere. Others said it was OK to pressure wash them, but they would charge me to re-sand the area. The quotes range between $500 to $550 or more if they need more time resanding. 

I don't own a pressure cleaner (but I know I can rent one from Bunnings), and I have no idea how to get started. 

Can anyone provide some assistance? 

Liss

   

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Liss. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about cleaning pavers.

This is something you can certainly do yourself. You could either rent a unit or purchase something like the Gerni High-Pressure Washer. It comes with a patio head, which will make large surface areas a breeze.

You have some sand between your pavers, but I wouldn't be concerned about this. Just clean the paving, and when done and everything is dry, simply pour a bag of paving sand over the area and use your broom to brush it into the cracks. You can then sprinkle the area with your hose to help the sand bed into the cracks and apply more if necessary.

The hire pressure washers are fairly extreme trade quality units, and my preference would be for you to purchase one of the less powerful units that I've linked above. After a few cleans, it will have paid for itself.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell