How to Clean Paving and Flags.
How do I remove oil stains from my paving?
It is imperative that you act quickly when you spot the oil as the sooner a stain is treated, the better chance you have of getting it removed. Use a dry cloth or kitchen roll to absorb as much of the oil as possible by “blotting” the stain. When the excess oil has been removed spread the area with an absorbent material such as talcum powder. Leave the stain for a further 24 hours and repeat until the powder has absorbed as much of the stain as possible. If the stain persists Acheson & Glover recommend replacing a stained block with another from a less prominent area or obtaining a replacement from your local brick and paving centre.How do I clean dirt from my paving?
General dirt can be removed by scrubbing with a stiff brush using a mild detergent and hot water. Whilst A&G don’t recommend it, if power washing must be used please observe the following:
- Remove loose debris
- Test a small area first
- The lance of the power washer should be held at no more than 30 degree angle and a medium pressure selected.
- Any jointing sand which is removed must be replaced.
Heavy Staining
Proprietary cleaners are available but many are acid based and are therefore best avoided, as they may damage the paving. These can be obtained from many DIY outlets, builders merchants and hardware stores. Test a small area first before an overall application and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Weeds, Moss and Lichen
These problems are easily controlled as long as they are treated regularly.
Treat as soon as they appear, regularly during a dry period in spring and autumn.
Weed and grass growth need to be attacked with a proprietary weed killer.
Moss, Lichen, etc, need to be treated with a proprietary water based fungicide and algaecide.
Sealing of Natural Aggregate Flags
A variety of sealers and cleaners are available through many DIY outlets, builders merchants and hardware stores. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and check its suitability. Please note that applying sealant may affect the colour of paving. Responsibility for the performance of sealers and cleaners rests with the user and the manufacturer of the products used.
Efflorescence
All quality products with high cement content may, in their early life, exhibit milky- white staining. This is known as efflorescence (or white bloom). This is a temporary phenomenon which is in no way detrimental to the performance of the product. It is difficult to predict how long it will last as factors such as climate conditions, location and aspect all have an effect. However in some instances, it can take in excess of twelve months to disappear.
Acheson & Glover can not be held responsible for the occurrence of this phenomenon, and the best course of action is to ‘let nature take its course’.
You can download all information contained above in our care and maintenance leaflet. (pdf).
