How to Clean and Seal a Block Paved Driveway: Ultimate Guide

How to Clean and Seal a Block Paved Driveway: Ultimate Guide

Your driveway is one of the first things people notice about your home. Over time, block paving can accumulate dirt, weeds, algae, and oil stains, making it look tired and worn out. Fortunately, with the right approach, you can restore it to like-new condition — and protect it from future damage. In this blog, we’ll guide you through cleaning and sealing a block paved driveway to keep it looking sharp all year round.

Why Clean and Seal Your Block Paving?

Block paving is durable and attractive, but it requires maintenance to stay in good condition. Cleaning removes surface grime, while sealing:

• Enhances colour and appearance
• Inhibits weed and moss growth
• Protects against stains and water damage
• Helps prevent block movement and erosion

Regular cleaning and sealing can extend the lifespan of your driveway and improve your home’s kerb appeal.

What You’ll Need

For Cleaning:

• Pressure washer
• Patio or block paving cleaner
• Weed remover or wire brush if pressure washer power is not sufficient
• Jointing sand (kiln-dried)

For Sealing:

• One of our block paving sealers
• Medium pile roller or sprayer
• Protective gloves and mask
• Weatherproofing tape or sheeting for adjacent areas if spraying sealer

Step 1: Remove Weeds and Debris

If your pressure washer’s power is not enough to blast out the weeds, you can manually pull them out from between the joints. A wire brush or weed remover tool can help dislodge roots. Sweep the entire surface to remove leaves, dirt, and loose debris.

Step 2: Wash the Surface

Use a pressure washer to deep clean the blocks, working methodically from one end to the other. Be careful not to blast out too much jointing sand. If the driveway is heavily soiled, apply a paving cleaner, scrub stubborn stains, and rinse thoroughly. De-greasers can help remove any oil spills and drips.

Tip: Avoid using acidic cleaners, as they can damage concrete blocks.

Step 3: Allow the Driveway to Dry Completely

This is critical. Let the driveway dry for at least 24–48 hours. The surface must be fully dry before applying new jointing sand or sealer. Moisture trapped under the sealant can cause cloudiness known as ‘blooming’ or delamination from the surface of the blocks.

Step 4: Re-Sand the Joints

Once dry, brush kiln-dried jointing sand into all the block gaps. This helps stabilise the paving. Empty a bag or two across the driveway in a line and use a soft broom to sweep diagonally across the joints for full coverage.

Step 5: Apply the Sealer

Pick a dry day with no rain in the forecast for at least 24 hours. Use a roller or sprayer to apply an even coat of our block paving sealer – available here – over the surface. Work in small sections and avoid pooling.

Most sealers require two coats. We recommend ‘flooding’ the sealer on the first coat so it penetrates the jointing sand. Spray until it slightly pools — this will ensure the sand cures hard and inhibits airborne weed growth. Once the first coat is dry (usually after 1–2 hours), apply a second coat using roughly half the amount of product.

Choose matt finish for a subtle colour-enhancing look or go for sheen finish if you prefer a slightly glossier result.

Caution: Wear gloves and a mask. Ensure good ventilation and avoid skin contact with the sealer.

Step 6: Let It Cure

Allow the sealer to cure completely before walking or driving on the surface. This can take 24–72 hours depending on the product and weather conditions.

Ongoing Maintenance Tips

• Sweep regularly to remove debris. A leaf blower can be your best friend on larger areas.
• Reapply sealer every 2–4 years
• Spot clean oil or chemical spills quickly

Final Thoughts

Cleaning and sealing your block paved driveway might take a weekend, but the results are well worth the effort. With regular maintenance, your driveway will remain durable, vibrant, and weed-free for years to come.

Want to save time or ensure a flawless finish? Hire a Pro Sealants contractor.

Need help choosing the right sealer or want a free quote for professional driveway cleaning? Contact us today — we’re happy to help!