How to Remove Stains From Pavers on a Pool Deck

Pool deck pavers need a good cleaning when dirt and stains mount.

Concrete deck pavers are designed to add interest and safety to a pool's deck. The pavers provide a surface grip for wet feet, and the porous material soaks up water quickly. Over time, the pavers will become dirty from dirt, pollen and other contaminants. Fortunately, cleaning deck pavers is easy, and there are several methods that can be used to clean stains and substances.

Things You'll Need

• Dish soap
• Bucket
• Water
• Stiff brush or broom
• Hose
• Power washer
• Electrical outlet
• Goggles
• Kitty litter (if oil stains present)
• Oxygen bleach
• Rubber gloves
• Trisodium phosphate

Instructions

1. Mix a few drops of dish soap into a gallon of water. Mix the soap and water, then dip in the brush.
   Brush the surface of the pavers thoroughly using a lot of pressure to loosen dirt. Rinse the surface dirt and mud with a hose.

2. Connect the pressure washer to an electrical outlet and a water source. Set the pressure to the lowest or second-lowest setting. Put on safety goggles. Spray the pavers to loosen the dirt between pavers and inside the pores of the stone.

3. Allow the pavers to dry. Inspect them for any remaining stains. If oil stains are present, sprinkle kitty litter on the stain and allow to sit overnight. The kitty litter will soak up any remaining oil and can be swept up the following day.

4. Mix about 1 cup of oxygen bleach powder with a gallon of water. Adjust the level of bleach, according to the package directions. Rub the bleach into the surface of the pavers with the stiff brush. Wear rubber gloves and goggles when working with bleach.

5. Apply a trisodium phosphate paste to bleach the toughest stains. Place 1 pound of TSP powder in a gallon of water. Mix to form a thin paste. Spread the paste over the pavers ½ of an inch thick. Allow the paste to sit overnight, then rinse with clean water. Again, rubber gloves and goggles should be worn during this step.

Tips & Warnings

• When using a pressure washer, keep the spray away from children, pets, windows and furniture. Do not spray your arms or legs.

• Oxygen bleach is less toxic than chlorine bleach but can still cause damage to skin, eyes and clothing.

• Rubber gloves and safety goggles are important when working with bleach and the TSP paste.

References

• Structure Magazine: Removing Stains from Concrete
• How to Clean Things: How to Clean Concrete