Paving Cleaning and Repairs: Bring Your Driveway Back to Life

By onke
November 8, 2026

Paving cleaning is the quickest way to make an old driveway look new again. Dirt, oil, moss and weeds build up over time, and the paving starts to look tired and slippery. This guide explains how to clean paving safely, when it needs repairs, and how to keep it looking good.

Most driveways do not need replacing. A proper clean, a few repairs and fresh joint sand bring them back to life for a fraction of the cost.

Why paving gets dirty in Cape Town

Cape Town winters are wet. Paving in shade stays damp for months, so moss, algae and black marks grow fast. These make the surface slippery, which is a real risk on steps and slopes.

Moss and algae on shady sides and under trees.
Oil and grease from cars dripping in the same spot every day.
Weeds growing in the joints once the sand washes out.
Dirt and sand blown in by the summer south easter.
Efflorescence, white salt marks on newer concrete pavers.
Rust stains from metal furniture, gates or water with iron in it.

Paving cleaning methods that work

Different stains need different methods. Using one method for everything is how paving gets damaged.

Method	Best for	Take care
Hard broom and water	Loose dirt, light marks	Safe for all paving
High pressure cleaning	Ground-in dirt, moss, algae	Right pressure and distance, or the surface scars
Rotary surface cleaner	Large driveways, even finish	Avoids the striped look of a hand wand
Degreaser	Oil and grease stains	Work it in and rinse before the main clean
Moss and algae treatment	Green and black growth	Kills the roots so it grows back slower
Efflorescence cleaner	White salt marks	Only after the pavers have settled

Clean driveway paving in front of a garage after paving cleaning

Paving cleaning step by step

A good clean follows the same order every time. Skipping steps leaves marks or damages the joints.

1
Clear the area
Move cars, pot plants and furniture. Cover nearby doors and low windows from spray.
2
Sweep and weed
Sweep off loose dirt and pull out weeds from the joints.
3
Pre-treat stains
Apply degreaser to oil marks and treatment to moss and algae. Give it time to work.
4
High pressure clean
Clean in even passes with the right nozzle, at a low angle, working toward a drain or the street.
5
Rinse
Rinse off all dirt and loose sand so it does not dry back on the surface.
6
Re-sand the joints
Once dry, sweep fine joint sand into every gap. This locks the pavers together.
7
Seal if you want
Apply a paving sealer on a dry day if you want extra stain protection.

Do not skip the joint sandThe joint sand is what holds pavers in place. High pressure cleaning always removes some of it. If the joints are not re-sanded, pavers start to move and weeds come back fast.

Our high pressure cleaning service covers driveways, paths and patios. Re-sanding the joints should always be part of the job.

Driveway looking tired?

Our team can clean it, fix sunken areas and re-sand the joints.

Get a free quote Call 076 272 8280

Paving repairs: what to look for

Paving cleaning often shows up problems that dirt was hiding. These are the common ones.

Sunken areas

Low spots where water pools. The base below has settled or washed out.

Lifted pavers

Pavers pushed up by roots or by a weak base. They are a trip hazard.

Broken bricks

Cracked pavers from heavy vehicles or a point load, like a skip or a truck.

Loose edges

Edge pavers moving outward because the edge restraint has failed.

Washouts

Sand washed out near downpipes or where rain runs off a roof.

Wide joints

Gaps opening up as pavers creep. Needs re-laying and new sand.

How paving repairs are done

Most paving repairs are done without redoing the whole area. The pavers in the problem spot are lifted, the base is levelled and compacted, and the same pavers go back. Broken pavers are replaced with a close match, and the area gets fresh joint sand.

If water from a downpipe keeps washing out the base, it should be led away with a channel or a splash block. Otherwise the same spot sinks again next winter. Good paving repairs fix the cause, not only the symptom.

Our team laying paving bricks during driveway paving repairs

Should you seal your paving?

After paving cleaning, a sealer can soak into the pavers and help resist oil and stains. It can also bring back some colour. It is optional and it needs a new coat every few years.

Seal only when the paving is fully dry, usually a day or two after cleaning.
Test a small area first, because some sealers darken the colour or add a shine.
Do not seal over efflorescence. It traps the white marks under the sealer.
Keep cars off for the time the maker gives.

How often to clean your paving

Driveways

Once a year, ideally in late summer before the rain.

Shady paths

Before and after winter, to stop slippery moss.

Pool surrounds

Once or twice a year, because wet surrounds grow algae fast.

Rental homes

Paving cleaning between tenants, so the property shows well.

What affects the price of paving cleaning

Every driveway is different, so a quote depends on what is on site. These are the main things that change the price.

Area. A short path takes an hour. A large driveway with side passages takes most of a day.
How dirty it is. Thick moss and years of oil need pre-treatment and more passes.
Joint sand. Re-sanding a big area adds material and time.
Repairs. Lifting and relaying sunken spots is quoted on top of the clean.
Sealing. A sealer adds product cost and a second visit once the paving is dry.

Ask for paving cleaning, re-sanding and any repairs in one quote. Doing it all in one visit usually saves time and money.

Mistakes to avoid with paving cleaning

Holding the nozzle too close. It cuts lines into soft or old pavers.
Spraying into the joints. It blasts out the sand that holds the pavers.
Using strong acid on concrete pavers. It can etch the surface and change the colour.
Forgetting the walls. Dirty spray splashes up onto painted walls and windows.
Cleaning after painting. Clean the paving first, then do any exterior painting, so fresh paint is not splashed.
Leaving weeds to grow. Roots open the joints and lift the pavers.

Water rules in Cape Town have changed over the years. Check the City of Cape Town for the current rules before you use municipal water to wash hard surfaces. A pressure washer usually uses less water than a hosepipe for the same area.

Getting your driveway done

If your paving is past cleaning, our guide on driveway paving cost explains what new paving involves. We also do driveway paving for new and extended driveways. High pressure cleaning is also the first step before a roof is painted, as our guide to roof painting explains.

We work across Cape Town and the Western Cape. Get a free quote for cleaning, repairs or both in one visit.

Paving cleaning FAQs

Can high pressure cleaning damage my paving?

It can if it is done wrong. Too much pressure, a nozzle held too close, or the wrong tip can scar soft pavers and blast out the joint sand. Done with the right pressure and a surface cleaner, it is safe for most brick and concrete paving.

How often should I clean my driveway?

Once a year is enough for most driveways. Shady paths and areas that stay wet in winter may need a clean before and after the rainy season.

What are the white marks on my new pavers?

That is usually efflorescence, natural salts coming out of the concrete. It often fades by itself over months. If it stays, a suitable cleaner can remove it once the pavers have settled.

Do I have to seal paving after cleaning?

No, sealing is optional. A sealer helps against oil stains and makes cleaning easier, but it needs redoing every few years. Some sealers also darken the colour, so test a small area first.

Can sunken pavers be fixed without redoing the whole driveway?

Yes, in most cases. The pavers in the low area are lifted, the base is built up and compacted, and the same pavers are laid back. Only broken ones need replacing.