Skip to main content

Pro Paver Cleaning Tips Part 2

When your patio or pool deck is made from a soft, porous stone like Travertine marble, it’s possible to damage it with the wrong cleaning methods.  While some homeowners would be tempted to DIY this project on a weekend, be aware that a power washer can easily score and damage the stone, and it is important to never use a harsh cleaner on your delicate Travertine marble.

So what products do the pros use?  Check out our videos to watch the techniques that a professional hardscape company uses and follow the steps outlined below to bring new life to your old patio or pool deck.

Products and Tools:

·       Techniseal HD Paver Prep cleaner

·       Rotary power washer head

·       Pump sprayer for the Paver Prep cleaner

·       Power washer

·       Flushing nozzle or garden hose

·       Sandpaper for stains

·       Palm sander

 

Cleaner Prep

For the Travertine marble pool deck we were working on, we used Techniseal HD Paver Prep cleaner in a ratio of 1 quart of cleaner to 1 gallon of water.   To avoid scoring and damaging the pool deck, be sure to purchase a rotary power washer head.  You can find these at Lowes or Home Depot very reasonably priced at $69. 

Patio Prep

Lightly dampen the surface before applying the cleaner.  Using a pump sprayer, apply the cleaner evenly to about 200-300 square feet of the area you are cleaning.  Let the cleaner soak in and wait for about 5 minutes before beginning to work with the power washer.

Cleaning Technique

Use a very low pressure setting, around 2000 psi, when washing the patio.  It’s important to be systematic and even when washing with the rotary head.  As you know, Travertine marble is textured, and has lots of small holes and grooves.  Once you’ve scrubbed it thoroughly, rinse with a garden hose or use a flushing nozzle on your power washer. 

Stains

You may see that some stains remain, but don’t be tempted to power wash them out.  Instead, after the patio has dried, use a palm sander and sandpaper to gently sand the entire stone that the stain is on.  This will give it an even look while just sanding the spot will make it more noticeable.  Like sanding wood, sanding stone requires several steps.  Use the heaviest grit sandpaper (usually 100), and gradually work your way out to a fine sandpaper for the best results.

What’s Next?

You’ve just completed cleaning your Travertine marble stone, so now is the time to consider having it sealed.  Sealing has many benefits, as it repels water and dirt making future cleanings easier.  It also protects against staining.  We recommend that, regardless of which company you choose to complete this project, you use a product from Laticrete specifically formulated for natural stone called Stone Tech Stone Sealer.  Stone Tech used to be owned by DuPont, and so you may still see the Dupont label on some products, but it is the same product.  Congratulations on completing your DIY patio cleaning.  Now you can get back to doing what you love, relaxing and enjoying your fabulous outdoor living space. And if you need any help with your landscaping, give Greensward, LLC a call at (540) 257-1329 

Watch Part 3 of our Pro Paver Cleaning Tips Series

What impressed us about Greensward LLC? The owner is: - knowledgeable - reliable - conscientious, and - on the job site! Whatever minor details I mentioned found their way into Andrew's design. He listened. Andrew managed my level of expectation skillfully and he executed his plan.

Denis R. - Boston, VA