How to Clean Pavers With a Pressure Washer
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The short answer
Use 1,500–2,000 PSI, a 25° nozzle, and keep the wand moving at a 30° angle to the joint. Never hold the stream in one spot, never use a 0° nozzle, and re-sand with polymeric sand after the patio dries if sand washes out.
Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric Pressure Washer
Plenty of power for paver joints when paired with a 25° nozzle and the right technique.
Pavers collect algae, mildew and tire marks faster than concrete because the joints trap moisture. A pressure washer cleans them well, but it can also blast the joint sand into the lawn and leave the pavers loose. The difference is technique, not just PSI.
The Right Setup
- PSI: 1,500–2,000 for residential pavers.
- Nozzle: 25° is the safest general choice; 40° for delicate stone.
- Distance: 8–12 inches from the surface.
- Angle: 30° to the joint, not straight down into it.
- Movement: keep the wand sweeping; never dwell.
Step-by-Step
- 1Sweep or blow loose debris off the patio first.
- 2Pre-treat mildew with a mild detergent and let it sit 5–10 minutes.
- 3Connect the 25° nozzle and test on an inconspicuous corner.
- 4Hold the wand at a 30° angle and sweep across the pavers, not up and down the joints.
- 5Rinse from the highest point downward so dirty water drains off the patio.
- 6Let the patio dry completely, then inspect the joints.
- 7Re-fill washed-out joints with polymeric sand and mist to set it.
When a Surface Cleaner Is Better
For a large paver driveway, a surface cleaner attachment is faster and gentler on joints than a handheld wand. The nozzles stay a fixed height and the spray bar covers a wide path, so you are less likely to gouge one spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will a pressure washer damage pavers?
- Pavers themselves are hard to damage at 2,000 PSI. The risk is to the joint sand, nearby plants and window seals. Use the right nozzle and keep moving.
- Should I seal pavers after pressure washing?
- Sealing is optional but worthwhile. It locks the joint sand and makes future cleanings easier. Wait until the pavers are fully dry.
- Can I pressure wash pavers with regular sand joints?
- Regular mason sand will wash out easily. Plan to re-sand after cleaning, or switch to polymeric sand for better durability.
The Gear We’d Buy
Everything referenced in this guide, in one place.
Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric Pressure Washer
Top pickPlenty of power for paver joints when paired with a 25° nozzle and the right technique.
Typically $130 – $180
Polymeric Paver Sand
Re-fill joints after cleaning so the patio stays locked together.
Typically $30 – $45 per bag
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Key Takeaways
- Use 1,500–2,000 PSI and a 25° nozzle for pavers.
- Keep the wand at a 30° angle and never dwell in one spot.
- Re-sand washed-out joints with polymeric sand after drying.
- Surface cleaners are faster and safer for large driveways.
Reviewed by
The Lawn Tool Hub Test Bench
We buy, borrow and break lawn tools on our own yards — clay in the back, sand-cut Bermuda in the front — and write down what actually changed the result.
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