How to Remove Salt on Paver Bricks
Brick or concrete walkways add a formal element to the home landscape, channeling foot traffic and preventing undesirable wear on grass or other groundcovers. Sometimes, an unattractive white salt residue, or efflorescence, may appear on the surface of the pavers. This problem is common on newly-installed pavers and eventually may stop appearing after sufficient rainfall occurs. Deicing salts, or water splashing from saltwater pools or water conditioners also can leave salt on pavers, requiring occasional treatment. If the soil or crushed rock under the pavers has high salinity, the efflorescence will continue to appear on the surface of the pavers periodically, requiring regular removal to maintain the desired residue-free appearance.
Step 1
Loosen and brush off as much of the salt deposits as possible using a stiff-bristled brush.
Step 2
Spray the pavers thoroughly with a strong stream of water from the hose.
Step 3
Repeat the scrubbing and spraying several times or as needed to eliminate the salt without the use of chemicals. If the efflorescence is occurring because the pavers are new, normal weathering in areas that receive regular rainfall often is sufficient and the efflorescence will disappear within several months. Scrubbing and rinsing will speed up its disappearance.
Step 4
Water the paver bricks well before you apply any acid cleaner. Put on safety goggles, gloves, pants and long sleeves before handling the acid cleaner.
- Loosen and brush off as much of the salt deposits as possible using a stiff-bristled brush.
- Water the paver bricks well before you apply any acid cleaner.
Step 5
Spray or otherwise apply a muriatic acid cleaner labeled for use on the specific paver material evenly and thinly over the paver surface. Prepare a solution that contains no more than one part muriatic acid to 12 parts water. Multiple applications of a weak acid solution will have a greater impact on the salt deposits than one application at super-strength.
Step 6
Scrub the acid cleaner evenly over the paver bricks with a stiff-bristled brush unless otherwise directed by the product manufacturer. Work efficiently and quickly, without being sloppy, so that you can treat the entire area without leaving the chemical sitting for too long in any spots.
Step 7
Spray the acid-treated paver bricks thoroughly with water, making sure to rinse the acid off completely, and use enough water that the acid solution is diluted sufficiently by the time it reaches any nearby vegetation or other structures.
Related Articles
References
- Bricks, Pavers and Tiles; Murdoch Books
- The New Complete Aussie Backyard Book; Paul Urquhart et al
- Interlocking Concrete Paving Institute: Managing Efflorescence on Concrete Pavers
- Masonry Institute of America: Efflorescence -- Cause and Control
- Anchor Block Company: Paver Care and Maintenance
Warnings
- Always follow directions supplied by the chemical cleaner manufacturer for safe and effective use and handling, and apply acid-containing cleaners very carefully.
- Acid cleaners can impact the color of the paver surface or damage the material. Test the cleaner on a small section of paver and monitor that area for any damage before treating the whole area of pavers.
Writer Bio
Angela Ryczkowski is a professional writer who has served as a greenhouse manager and certified wildland firefighter. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in urban and regional studies.
