Paver surfaces can serve as garden walkways, patio surfaces, driveways, and more! Keeping them clean and well-maintained makes your home look welcoming and attractive. The problem is that pavers are almost always out in the open. This makes them defenseless against grease and dirt build-up. The good news is that their upkeep is pretty straightforward!
However, there will be times when you’ll come across pavers that can’t be removed with soap only. Do you use harsh chemicals, like bleach or ammonia, to remove them? Or can you clean pavers with vinegar, a safe and non-toxic sanitizer?
If you like using natural, eco-friendly cleaning products, then you’re in the right place. We’ll tell you how you can use vinegar to wash and disinfect your pavers.
Let’s get started.
Can You Clean Pavers with Vinegar
So, can you clean pavers with vinegar? Yes, you can. In fact, it’s actually pretty common to use vinegar as a natural disinfectant and sanitizer.
Any type of vinegar will work. Yet, it’s worth mentioning that the white vinegar you get from the supermarket won’t be as strong in the face of all that outdoor grime and dirt.
If you still prefer using regular vinegar, make sure it’s not wine or balsamic vinegar. They’re usually dark-colored, which means they can stain the pavers.
If you’re looking for something stronger, we recommend you use industrial vinegar. It’s available in concentrations that range from 45% up to 75%.
Whichever concentration you choose, you’ll still need to dilute it with some water. An average ratio would be to add a cup of industrial vinegar to one gallon of water.
Benefits of Using Vinegar to Clean Pavers
Cleaning with vinegar is pretty common, both indoors and out. One of the reasons we like using vinegar is that it’s more affordable than chemical cleaners. It’s available in many sizes and concentrations that fit every household budget.
Below are a few more advantages.
User-Friendly
A major advantage to using vinegar is how easy and user-friendly it can be. All you have to do is mix it with some water and get to work.
Safe on the Skin
Vinegar is also safer on the skin than bleach and other types of harsh disinfectants. Plus, it’s safe to inhale and won’t cause any allergies or irritations.
That being said, you should be careful when using any type of vinegar. Keep it away from your children and pets. If it gets in your eyes or on your skin, rinse immediately with cool water.
Eco-Friendly
Because vinegar is all-natural, meaning it’s safe for the environment. In addition, using this sustainable cleanser means it’s safe for your plants. If any vinegar accidentally seeps into the soil, you have nothing to worry about.
How to Clean Pavers with Vinegar: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now, it’s time to clean those pavers! Before we start, let’s gather our supplies
Here’s what you’ll need:
- White or industrial vinegar
- Dish soap or a commercial paver cleaner
- An outdoor bristle brush or scrubber
- A garden hose or pressure washer
- Gloves to protect your hands
Step 1: Water Down the Pavers
Using your garden hose, water all of the pavers. When the pavers are wet, they can absorb the vinegar and cleaning solutions better.
Step 2: Spray the Vinegar Solution
To begin, place some of the vinegar and water solution in a spray bottle or garden sprayer. A sprayer will make sure that the vinegar evenly covers each block. It also helps distribute the solution over a large area quickly and easily.
Make sure you cover the area in-between each paver block as well. These gaps are where the most dirt accumulates. Plus, it’s one of those hard-to-reach spots that get missed during regular cleanings.
Step 3: Let the Vinegar Work its Magic
After you’ve covered the entire area with the vinegar solution, let it soak into the pavers. Give it about 10 to 15 minutes to work its way into all the grime and dirt.
If you haven’t washed the pavers in a long time, you can leave them for up to an hour.
There’s no need to worry about the smell of vinegar lingering in your home, or yard. The smell quickly fades away in a matter of minutes.
What you should be concerned with, however, is keeping people off the pavers. One way to do that is to put up a sign letting them know to keep off the pavers.
Another option is to set up stakes around the pavers and tie string or a ribbon around the area. This will get people’s attention and they’ll understand to avoid stepping on the pavers for the time being.
Step 4: Spray Soapy Water
After leaving the vinegar solution to seep into the pavers, water the area again with the garden hose.
Now, it’s time to add some dish soap. Mix half a cup of soap with a gallon of warm water.
If you prefer, you can also use a cleaning solution designed specifically for pavers. They offer quick and effective washing and disinfecting. Plus, they help restore pavers to their original appearance so your yard looks fresh and inviting.
Step 5: Start Scrubbing
Using an outdoor scrub brush, it’s time to get to work. The vinegar will have loosed many of the stains and scrubbing will get the rest.
For hard-to-remove stains, you can use a drill extension scrubber. Another option is to use an electric scrub brush. You won’t risk injuring your back and you’ll get the job done in half the time.
If you’re looking for something that’s even more powerful, you can use a pressure washer. It’ll help you get out those stubborn, hard-to-reach stains. It’s also super user-friendly. Simply add some vinegar to the detergent tank of the washer and spray away.
Conclusion
So, can you clean pavers with vinegar? Absolutely!
The best thing about vinegar is it’s natural and sustainable. In other words, the health risks are minimal for you and your plants.
Not only that, but vinegar will disinfect and sanitize your pavers. It’s one of the best ways to make sure your yard stays grime-free.
With regular upkeep and some elbow grease, your outdoor space will always look and feel bright and attractive!
