Between afternoon rain, pool chemicals, and the Florida sun, pavers in Palm Beach and Broward County get dirty fast — black mildew, white efflorescence, oil stains, and weeds in the joints. Here is how to clean them properly, when to call a pro, and what professional paver cleaning costs in 2026.
Why South Florida pavers get dirty so quickly
Our humidity and frequent rain feed mold and mildew, salt air and pool water leave a white haze (efflorescence), and cars drip oil onto driveways. Left alone, organic growth traps moisture, loosens joint sand, and can make surfaces slippery. Regular cleaning is not just cosmetic — it protects the installation.
How to clean pavers (the right way)
For light maintenance: sweep, then wash with a mild soap and water and a stiff brush. For mildew, an oxygen-based cleaner works without bleaching the color. Avoid harsh acids and avoid blasting joint sand out with a high-pressure tip held too close — that does more harm than good. After a deep clean, joints should be re-sanded and the surface re-sealed to lock everything in.
DIY vs. professional cleaning
A homeowner can handle routine washing. But deep stains, efflorescence, large driveways, and the re-sand-and-seal step are where a professional pays off — the right equipment and products get a uniform result without damaging the pavers or stripping color. Cleaning and sealing are usually done together for that reason.
What a professional clean-and-seal includes
Quotes for paver cleaning and sealing are easier to judge when you know the steps. A complete job usually looks like this:
- Inspection. The surface is checked for loose, sunken, or cracked pavers and for old sealer that is peeling or cloudy.
- Stain treatment. Oil, rust, and efflorescence each need a different cleaner, applied before the main wash.
- Controlled wash. A surface cleaner at the right pressure lifts dirt and growth evenly without carving out the joints.
- Drying time. Pavers need to be dry before sand and sealer go down.
- Re-sanding. Fresh joint sand is swept in and settled so the pavers lock together again.
- Sealing. Sealer is applied evenly and left to cure before foot traffic or cars return.
A good installer will fix loose or sunken areas before sealing. Sealing over a problem only locks it in. If part of your driveway has dropped, read why your driveway is sinking and how to fix sinking pavers first.
What moves the price up or down
- Size. Larger areas cost more in total but are often priced lower per square foot.
- Condition. Heavy mildew, deep oil stains, and rust take more time and product than surface dirt.
- Old sealer. If a failed sealer has to be stripped, that is a separate and slower step.
- Material. Natural stone such as travertine needs gentler, stone-safe products than concrete pavers.
- Joint sand. Wide or empty joints need more sand.
- Sealer type. Different finishes and grades of sealer are priced differently.
- Access. Tight side yards, screen enclosures, and furniture that must be moved add labor.
How to compare two cleaning quotes
Ask each company the same questions so you are comparing the same job:
- Is re-sanding included, and what kind of sand is used?
- Which sealer will be applied, and what finish will it leave?
- How will stains and efflorescence be treated?
- How long will the pavers dry before sealing, and what happens if it rains?
- Are small repairs, such as resetting a few loose pavers, part of the price?
A quote that covers washing only will always look cheaper than one that includes sand and sealer.
Common paver cleaning mistakes
- Sealing damp pavers. Moisture trapped under sealer can leave a cloudy white haze.
- Sealing over efflorescence or stains. Whatever is on the surface gets locked underneath.
- Using strong acid on natural stone. Acid can etch travertine and marble.
- Heavy bleach. It can fade color and harm nearby plants and grass.
- Skipping the re-sand. Empty joints let pavers shift and give weeds and ants a place to settle.
When cleaning is not enough
Cleaning restores color. It does not fix movement. If the pavers rock underfoot, sit at different heights, or have cracked, the base needs attention through paver repair and remodel work before any sealing. Our guide to common paver problems in South Florida explains what each symptom usually means.
Keeping pavers clean between professional visits
Sweep leaves and soil off before they break down. Rinse the surface from time to time. Treat oil drips promptly, and pull weeds while they are small. Check that downspouts and sprinklers are not soaking the same spot every day, because areas that stay wet grow mildew first.
What professional paver cleaning costs in South Florida (2026)
Professional paver cleaning typically runs $0.30–$0.80 per square foot, and cleaning plus re-sanding and sealing together generally runs $1.50–$3.50 per square foot, depending on size, condition, and material. Most homes are due for a clean-and-seal every 2–3 years. For an exact quote, request a free estimate.
Frequently asked questions
How often should pavers be cleaned and sealed?
Most South Florida driveways and pool decks benefit from a clean-and-seal every 2–3 years, sooner in heavy-shade or high-traffic areas.
Will pressure washing damage my pavers?
It can — too much pressure blasts out joint sand and etches the surface. A controlled wash followed by re-sanding is the safe approach.
How soon can I use the pavers after sealing?
It depends on the sealer and the weather. Foot traffic is usually allowed sooner than cars. Your contractor should give you a clear time for each before leaving the job.
Can travertine be cleaned the same way as concrete pavers?
Not quite. Travertine is a natural stone and reacts badly to acidic cleaners, so it needs stone-safe products and lower pressure. See our travertine and marble paver service for more on caring for stone.
Do you service my area?
We clean and seal pavers across Palm Beach and Broward County, including Boca Raton, Palm Beach Gardens, and more.
Related guides: paver restoration vs replacement, how to fix standing water on a pool deck, the guide to travertine pool decks, and paver driveway cost in South Florida.
Restore your pavers
Bring your pavers back to new with a professional clean-and-seal. See our paver cleaning & sealing service or contact Pavers by Silva for a free quote.