How to Restore Weathered Paving Stone

Over time, any type of exterior tile or natural stone will suffer weathering from continual exposure to the elements. This is especially true of coastal regions where salt moisture is in the air, which can leave a mineral film on the surface. While some people prefer this weathering, others prefer the clean look of freshly installed stone. Thankfully, all paving stones can be restored to their original state.

Vinegar and Water

Clean the stone with a solution of equal parts of common white vinegar and water. Vinegar is a mild acid that will eat away most common mineral deposits and weathering from the face of tiles and stones. The solution needs to be applied to the surface and then allowed to sit for several minutes, after which you need to scrub the surface with a scrub brush and then rinse it with clean water.

Pressure Washer

Blast the surface of the paving stone with a pressure washer to remove dirt, grime and other buildup. This is a good option if you have access to a pressure washer, as you don’t need to use any chemicals. Normal water can be used with a direct jet of water from the nozzle end of the pressure water. You can make multiple passes if necessary, but the pressure washer will peel back any buildup to reveal the natural stone beneath.

Stone Cleaner

Purchase a stone cleaner to use if pressure washing and vinegar/water do not sufficiently clean the surface. While chemical solutions are readily available in any home improvement store, they should be reserved for the most stubborn of weathering buildup so as to not damage the surrounding grass or natural environment. Follow manufacturer directions for mixing, direct application, washing and rinsing. As a general rule, you will apply it, let it soak, scrub it and then rinse the stone.

Muriatic Acid

If you happen to have a particularly difficult buildup of minerals and weathering on the surface of the stone, you can purchase muriatic acid at a home improvement or hardware store. While it will not harm natural stones, be aware that you cannot use muriatic acid if your paving stones are man-made or cement-based. Muriatic acid eats through anything that contains cement and is ideal for calcium and salt buildups.