How to Clean Moss and Stains from Brick Pavers

Brick pavers add a timeless, rustic charm to your outdoor living space, but they are also magnets for stubborn moss and unsightly stains. Over time, moisture gets trapped in the pores of the brick and the joints, creating the perfect environment for moss to take hold. If left unchecked, this growth can not only make your patio look aged and dirty, but it can also cause bricks to shift or crack as moisture freezes and expands during the colder months. Cleaning pavers properly is about more than just aesthetics; it is about preservation. When done well, you aren't just stripping away surface grime—you are removing the biological root systems that cause long-term damage. By following a methodical cleaning process, you will reveal the natural color of your brick and protect your hardscaping from premature degradation, keeping your patio safe and inviting for years to come.

  1. Clear Every Speck First. Use a stiff outdoor broom or a leaf blower to remove all loose dirt, leaves, and surface debris from the patio. A clean slate is essential before applying any cleaning solutions to ensure they reach the bricks directly.
  2. Soak the Moss Out. Mix a solution of one part white vinegar to one part water, or use a specialized biodegradable moss remover. Spray the solution generously over the moss-covered areas and let it soak for at least 20 minutes.
  3. Brush Away the Roots. Use a stiff-bristle scrub brush—not wire, which can scratch the brick—to scrub the moss away. Apply firm pressure to loosen the roots from the surface of the brick and the sand joints.
  4. Target the Stubborn Spots. For oil or rust stains that remain after the moss is gone, apply a specialized degreaser or rust remover. Let it sit for the time recommended on the bottle before scrubbing with a medium-stiff brush.
  5. Rinse with Precision. Using a wide-fan nozzle at a low to medium setting, rinse the pavers thoroughly. Move the wand in a sweeping motion, keeping the nozzle at least 8 inches away from the surface to avoid gouging the bricks or blasting out too much joint sand.
  6. Lock the Bricks Down. Once the patio has dried completely, pour polymeric sand over the joints and sweep it in with a fine-bristle broom. Lightly mist the surface with water to activate the sand's binding agents, locking the bricks in place.