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When spring hits, your clients start thinking about sprucing up their outdoor spaces—and it’s the perfect time for contractors to upsell paver cleaning services as a value-added offering. Whether you’re restoring a patio or refreshing a driveway, a proper post-winter cleanup not only boosts curb appeal but also protects long-term performance.
If you’re a hardscape contractor, this guide answers common questions and gives you professional-grade tips on how to deal with seasonal eyesores like efflorescence, lime run, and organic buildup. We’ll walk you through the essentials and highlight what the best products for paver cleaning are—whether you’re offering general paver cleaning, paver cleaning and sealing, or specialized stain removal.
How to Clean Pavers: What Do Contractors Need to Know?
Whether you're maintaining concrete, clay, or natural stone, the process for cleaning pavers begins with understanding what you're dealing with. Common contaminants in spring include:
▪️Salt and de-icing residue
▪️Organic buildup (leaves, mold, mildew)
▪️Efflorescence and lime run
▪️Oil or rust stains from snow-removal equipment
A thorough paver cleaning service not only enhances visual appeal but also gives you a chance to inspect and maintain joints, edges, and sealant. Many contractors even use spring as a lead-in to sell resealing services, paver cleaning and sealing, or additional hardscape features. For clients searching “paver cleaning and sealing near me,” being proactive with this offering can be a huge advantage.
What Is Efflorescence and How Do You Remove It?
Efflorescence is one of the most common spring complaints you’ll hear from clients. That white, powdery haze is calcium or salt deposits migrating to the surface as moisture evaporates. While it’s harmless, it’s definitely unsightly.
How to remove efflorescence from pavers:
▪️Start with a soft nylon brush and a rinse-down. Often, this is enough.
▪️For stubborn spots, use a professional-grade paver cleaner like:
➔ Flexlock Efflorescence Cleaner
💡 Pro tip: Always pre-wet the surface and test a small hidden area first. These cleaners are acidic and require proper dilution and PPE. Using the best paver cleaner for the job ensures a safe and effective result.
What Is Lime Run and How Is It Different from Efflorescence?
Lime run—also called calcium runoff—shows up as streaky white stains that don’t go away when wet. It occurs when moisture carries lime from deep within the wall or paver bed to the surface, often in vertical streaks.
How to remove lime run:
Unlike efflorescence, you’ll need a heavy-duty paver cleaner. Recommended products include:
▪️Prosoco Heavy Duty Concrete Cleaner
▪️Flexlock Efflorescence Cleaner (for moderate cases)
Because lime run stains are deeper and more embedded, they may require repeated applications and brushing with a stiff bristle brush.
How Do You Tackle a Post-Winter Cleanup for Pavers?
Spring is your best opportunity to offer a full post-winter paver cleanup service. Snow, salt, and freeze-thaw cycles can leave outdoor surfaces looking tired and patchy.
Step-by-step cleanup tips for contractors:
▪️Blow or sweep away all loose debris, leaves, and gravel.
▪️Pre-rinse with water to identify problem areas.
▪️Apply an all-surface cleaner:
➔ Flexlock Shampoo: For general paver cleaning and organic dirt.
➔ Prosoco 2010 All Surface Cleaner: For deep-set grime.
➔ Prosoco Light Duty Cleaner: Great for milder buildup and leaf stains.
Many contractors also take this time to offer joint sanding, sealer reapplication, or even pitch repair if drainage has shifted over the winter. If you want to be found by homeowners searching for paver cleaning and sealing, now is the time to showcase these services.
What Should You Know About Preventing Future Stains?
Prevention is key when it comes to long-term maintenance. Once surfaces are clean, you can upsell your clients on services that will protect their investment:
▪️Recommend using a breathable, penetrating paver sealer.
▪️Encourage regular rinsing and light cleaning every season.
▪️Consider offering annual or bi-annual maintenance packages.
Not only do these strategies build trust, but they create recurring revenue and extend the lifespan of your hardscape installs.
Other Common Questions About Paver Cleaning
▪️How do I clean oil stains off pavers?
Use a degreaser, like Prosoco's Oil & Grease Stain Remover. Blot the area and avoid pressure-washing without lifting the oil first.
▪️Can I use vinegar to clean pavers?
Not recommended. While vinegar is acidic, it can damage the surface or alter the paver’s color over time. Use professional-grade cleaners instead.
▪️When should I re-seal pavers after cleaning?
Wait until pavers are fully dry—typically 24–48 hours. Make sure no rain is expected during that time.
▪️Is it worth offering paver cleaning as a service?
Absolutely. It’s a low-cost, high-margin add-on that builds long-term client relationships and keeps your work looking its best. Whether you offer general paver cleaning, paver cleaning and sealing, or targeted stain removal, it’s a smart business move.
Final Thoughts: Make Spring Cleaning Part of Your Service Offering
Spring is when homeowners see their patios and walkways for the first time in months—and you can be the expert they turn to for help. By offering professional paver cleaning, removing efflorescence, tackling lime run, and performing full post-winter hardscape cleanup, you’re not just solving problems—you’re adding value.
Looking for more help? Download our Care and Maintenance Guide or contact your local Techo-Bloc rep for personalized support.
