How to Remove Efflorescence from Pavers
So what can you do about that white residue on your pavers? In this 5-minute quick guide, you’ll learn the best ways how to remove efflorescence from the surface of concrete pavers.
Updated: July 26, 2024
Efflorescence is caused when moisture mixes with water-soluble salts in the pavers and comes to the surface. The water evaporates leaving behind crystalline salt deposits on the surface of the pavers.
So how can you remove efflorescence? Will vinegar remove efflorescence? What’s the best efflorescence cleaner?
Get all the answers you need from the pros at A&X Masonry.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Efflorescence from Pavers
Here are the exact steps you should take for how to clean efflorescence off pavers.
Grab a stiff brush or push broom and brush away! If there’s just a little bit of efflorescence that’s starting, this could help remove most of it.
Be sure to brush the deposits completely off your patio. If you leave the salts on the surface, the next time it rains they can soak back into the pavers and you’re back where you started.
Step 2: Wet Brushing
Step 3: DIY Efflorescence Cleaner
Uh-oh…you’re still seeing some stubborn white or grey salt stains on the pavers! Now it’s time to get out the cleaning vinegar.
Mix a mild acid solution with one part white cleaning vinegar (usually about 6% concentration) to two parts water.
Spray it on the paver surface (a garden sprayer works nicely). Scrub the stones with your brush. Then rinse with clean water from the hose.
Step 4: Store-Bought Efflorescence Cleaner
Now it’s time to get out the big guns! If all else fails, head to your local home improvement store and buy some efflorescence cleaner for pavers and other masonry surfaces.
Here are two good options for the best efflorescence remover for pavers.
- Diluting the efflorescence cleaner with water and adding it to a garden sprayer
- Spraying the concrete pavers with the cleaner
- Scrubbing the surface
- Rinsing clean with water
PRO TIP! – Always test any efflorescence cleaner on an extra paver or a paver that’s in an out of the way area just to make sure it won’t damage the material or affect the color of the stones.
What Causes Efflorescence on Pavers?
Efflorescence on pavers is a common issue that many homeowners encounter. It manifests as a white, powdery substance on the surface of the pavers, detracting from their appearance. Understanding the causes of efflorescence is crucial for effective prevention and treatment.
Moisture Movement
Capillary Action: Water travels through the porous structure of the pavers by capillary action, carrying dissolved salts with it.
Source of Moisture: Efflorescence occurs when water within or beneath the pavers evaporates and moves to the surface. This water can come from rain, irrigation systems, or groundwater.
Dissolved Salts
Salts in Materials: Salts are naturally present in the materials used to manufacture pavers, including cement, sand, and aggregates.
External Sources: Salts can also come from de-icing salts, fertilizers, or adjacent soil.
Dissolved Salts
Surface Evaporation: When the water reaches the surface of the pavers, it evaporates, leaving the dissolved salts behind. These salts crystallize, forming the white, powdery residue known as efflorescence.
Learn more in our article on Efflorescence Prevention.
Let Professionals Help in Getting Rid of Efflorescence
Just because you removed efflorescence from your pavers once doesn’t mean it won’t come back. If you’re noticing returning efflorescence for more than just a few months, you might want to call an expert. They can help diagnose more serious problems that are causing efflorescence to keep appearing on your patio.
If you’re in the Garland, Texas area, contact us at A&X Masonry. We can help diagnose and fix the issue so your patio keeps looking great for years to come! Contact us today for a FREE quote and estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a way to prevent efflorescence?
There’s no 100% foolproof way to prevent it. However, carefully selecting your materials and following proper design and construction practices can help in preventing efflorescence.
Why is efflorescence cleaning necessary?
If the efflorescence is allowed to crystalize, it’ll be harder to clean and is more likely to leave lasting stains.
How do I permanently remove efflorescence?
It’s a two-part process. First you have to fix the underlying causes like moisture penetration. Second, you can remove the efflorescence with a special efflorescence remover.
How much does it cost to remove efflorescence?
A cleaning service or a handyman may charge about $100-200 to remove efflorescence from the surface of a small area. However, the efflorescence could be a sign of a more serious problem. In that case, a masonry contractor might need to make some repairs, which will cost more. If you’re in the Dallas, Texas area, contact A&X Masonry for a FREE estimate.
Should I worry about efflorescence?
Some efflorescence is normal, especially on a new patio or brick wall. But if the efflorescence continues for more than a year or you only start to notice it after a year or so, then you should call a professional masonry contractor to come take a look.
Does sealing stop efflorescence?
Not necessarily. The underlying causes have to be addressed. If moisture is penetrating the pavers from the underside, sealing the top won’t prevent that. However, if the only moisture getting into the masonry elements is from the surface, then sealing that surface will help.
