Effective Water Cleaning Solutions for Stubborn Stains on Pavers

How to Remove Leaf Stains

Why do leaves stain pavers?

The stains that come from leaves are present because of the tannins in those leaves. Without getting too scientific, tannins are stringent molecules that bond at a molecular level with the alkaloids in your concrete pavers. For us, that simply means that leaf stains are difficult to remove.

Remove using bleach and water

We recommend removing leaf stains from your pavers using a mixture of bleach and water, with one part bleach to four parts water.  If the stains seem especially intense, you can use a little higher concentration of bleach. 

Remove using boiling water

If the bleach doesn’t work, use a hot water pressure washer or boiling water above 200 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat of the water makes it easy to remove the organic stains that come from sitting leaves.

How to Remove Sap from Pavers

What can you do if a tree drops sap onto your pavers? Of course, this is frustrating when it happens. However, sap is removable, and you do not need to be afraid that the sap has irreparably damaged your hardscape.

Step #1: Scrape off sap

If you have sap on your pavers, the first thing to do is to use a plastic putty knife or tool and gently scrape away the sap. You will not be able to remove quite all the sap with a putty knife, but make sure it is down to a thin layer. 

Step #2: Use an acetone chemical

The next step is to use an acetone-based product, such as nail polish remover, pure acetone, or GoofOff. Put the product on a cotton ball, paper towel, or shop rag, and gently work at the remaining layer of tree sap until it begins to wear away. 

Step #3: Use xylene

If the nail polish remover or other acetone-based products are not doing the trick, move on to xylene. Follow the same process as you did for the acetone product, using a cotton ball, paper towel, or shop rag to apply the product and scrub at the sap on your pavers until it is gone.

Acetone and xylene are great products to use on some of these tougher stains. They will remove the stains without damaging your pavers and evaporate once they have cleaned the hardscape.

Check out our other resources 

If you’re ready to start a paver project or need more assistance with details like paver maintenance or new hardscape installation, explore our range of products and resources. We have installation guides, a PDF planning guide, and personalized support services for your paver needs. Click here to get in touch with our experts.