Fine sand, beautiful beaches, and 246 days of sunshine are some of Tampa’s biggest draws. But these things that let us enjoy Tampa to the fullest are also the ones that give us headaches when cleaning our patio, pool deck, and driveways. How do we clean our outdoor living spaces and keep them looking pristine all the time? Let’s find out! Call Paver Company Tampa for reliable, high-quality paving services!
The Impact of Tampa's Climate on Paving
Before we go into details of the actual cleaning, let’s first touch base with how Tampa’s climate makes it impossible for us to take satisfaction in successfully keeping our outdoor area grime and stain-free.
As we are all well aware, Tampa has a sub-tropical climate that exhibits high humidity and hot temperatures. Besides evaporating spilled liquid that could stain the floor and drying out food that could get stuck on it, it also creates a breeding ground for algae, mold, and mildew. These biological hazards can quickly turn our immaculately spotless floor into a disgusting, slimy eyesore.
Meanwhile, the salt spray from the beach can erode concrete and other paving materials like natural stone. Left without protection, salt will eat away the surface of pavers, making them look dull and pock-marked.
Then comes tropical storms and hurricanes. Rain alone, the pavers can handle. However, when the joints get clogged with debris from fallen leaves or branches, it’ll be difficult for pavers to drain water efficiently.
Understanding Your Paver Patio
Now that we know the challenges pavers face let us now figure out the materials used for different types of pavers. Knowing this can help us understand how best to clean and maintain them.
- Concrete pavers: Because of its durability and affordable price, concrete pavers are a crowd favorite. What’s more, compared to other pavers, it can handle heavier loads and high foot traffic. This type of paver is great for driveways, walkways, decks, and patios where most activities are at.
- Brick pavers: Clay and brick pavers, with their earthly tones, offer a classic, warm look. pavers are popular for their versatility. Clay pavers are also easy to maintain and can withstand high and low temperatures, making them less prone to cracking. They are also versatile and offer tons of options when it comes to customization. Moreover, it is great for walkways, retaining walls, and built-in fireplaces. Be it old-school or modern style, clay pavers can be adapted to however you want it. However, because of its high porosity, it requires more frequent sealing.
- Natural stone pavers: Chic and posh, these are the most common descriptions for natural stone pavers. These high-end pavers, that uses travertine or other natural stones, add a touch of elegance to any outdoor space. However, this type of paver requires high upkeep and regular cleaning. Also, it is prone to etching, so you have to be extra careful when being cleaned.
Dos and Don'ts When Cleaning Patio Pavers
Dos
- Sweep your patio with a push brush every few days to remove debris. This also prevents buildup that could lead to staining or clogging of joints.
- Hose your patio at least once a month, or after a heavy rain to prevent water stain or dirt getting stuck on the floor. Use a hose with spray a spray attachment for better cleaning.
- Use a mild soap or white vinegar+warm water solution.
- When using commercial cleaning solution for removing stain, make sure to wear gloves and eyewear to protect your hands and eyes from harmful chemicals.
- Hire professional cleaning service contractors every six months to 1 year for deep cleaning and removing stubborn stains or extensive damage.
Don'ts
- Not all pavers are made the same way. Some are more durable than others. So when using high-pressure washers, make sure to use the correct setting. Never use it on delicate materials to prevent surface damage.
- Don't use harsh chemicals when cleaning. With regular use, it can cause discoloration and other surface damage.
- Remove stains as soon as you see them. Don’t let them set or it would be more difficult to remove them.
- Avoid walking or placing heavy objects on wet pavers to prevent slipping and damage.
- Don't neglect regular maintenance. Doing so could lead to costly repairs and replacement.
DIY - How to Clean Pavers
So, how to clean patio pavers? If you are more of DIY type of guy (or gal), you can restore your home paver patio and make it shine once more with proper washing techniques and a lot of elbow grease!
Essential Cleaning Supplies:
- Garden hose
- Stiff-bristled brush
- Bucket
- Detergent
- Bleach (for tough stains)
- Muriatic acid (for severe cases, but use with extreme caution)
- Safety goggles and gloves
Step-by-Step Washing Guide:
- Remove everything that could get in the way of your cleaning.
- Sweep away loose debris with a stiff-bristled push broom.
- Hose down the surface to loosen the dirt.
- Mix the soap and water in a bucket. If you are using white vinegar, mix a 1:1 ratio of vinegar to warm water.
- Apply the soapy water to the pavers and leave it on for a while. This will help loosen the dirt stuck on the floor. After a few minutes, scrub it using a stiff-bristled brush. Pay close attention to stained or discolored areas.
- Once done brushing, rinse thoroughly. Make sure to remove all soap residue with clean water.
- For organic stains like that from fallen leaves, use a specific paver cleaner for it. For stubborn stains like car oil or grease, you may need to use a stronger mixture like bleach or other commercial cleaning solutions. Always follow safety precautions when using these chemicals.
Safety First: When working with cleaning chemicals, it's crucial to protect yourself. Wear safety goggles and gloves to prevent skin and eye irritation. Ensure proper ventilation while using bleach or muriatic acid.
When to Call Professional Cleaners
Maybe some prefer DIY over pro. But not all of us have the time nor the inclination to get down on our knees to clean outdoor spaces. This is when professional cleaners are called in. They know how to deal with damage, such as deep stains, heavy mold growth, or deterioration. With the right tools and proper technique when using power washer, they can help restore the floor to make it look brand new.
Maintaining Your Clean Deck
Keeping your pavement squeaky clean can be a real challenge. But you can mitigate these challenges using the right cleaning method. By Also, understanding the unique climate and topography of tampa, you’d know the proper way of cleaning pavers, you can transform your patio from a drab eyesore to an instagramable lounge area.
Remember, prevention is key. Regular sweeping, hosing down after storms, and considering a sealant can go a long way in protecting your floor. When it comes to stubborn stains or heavy-duty cleaning, don't hesitate to get professional cleaning services to do proper pressure washing for you.
Bonus Tip: To add a touch of local flair to your patio, consider incorporating native Florida plants into your outdoor decor. Not only will they add color and interest, but they're also well-suited to our climate.
