Common Brick Paver Stains & How Brick Paver Cleaning Restores the Surface

Written By Craig Minogue

Brick pavers bring instant curb appeal to any outdoor space — but let’s call it like it is: they’re workhorses. Between Illinois weather mood swings, heavy foot traffic, and the occasional oil-dripping vehicle, those pavers end up wearing every battle scar right on the surface. The upside? With the right brick paver cleaning strategy, most stains don’t stand a chance.

At Brick Paver Creations, we’ve spent decades helping homeowners revive their outdoor investments through professional brick paver cleaning, brick paver repair, full brick paver restoration, and long-lasting brick paver seal coating. If your patio or driveway is starting to look a little “lived-in,” let’s break down the most common stains — and how proper cleaning brings your surface right back to operational excellence.

Why Brick Pavers Develop Stains Over Time

Illinois weather is a character all its own, and your pavers are right there in the splash zone. Over time, contaminants settle into the surface and joints, dulling color, weakening structure, and creating perfect conditions for weeds and erosion.

Before jumping into repairs or major restoration, it helps to understand what type of stain you’re dealing with. Trust me — the right process makes all the difference. (If you’re curious about timing, you’ll love our blog on why seal coating is essential for Illinois weather.)

1. Dirt, Grime & General Surface Build-Up

The usual suspect — and thankfully, the easiest to fix. Foot traffic, landscaping debris, and weather create a film that dulls everything out.

Our professional brick paver cleaning cuts through that buildup and exposes the original color hiding underneath. A clean surface also ensures your brick paver seal coating bonds like it’s supposed to, extending longevity and preventing premature wear.

Want the deeper dive? Check out our breakdown on why a clean surface makes all the difference.

2. Mold & Mildew Discoloration

Shaded, damp areas are mold's favorite hangout. Besides looking bad, they create slippery surfaces and speed up deterioration.

Our cleaning process eliminates mildew and sets the stage for long-term protection with premium seal coating. Once sealed, your pavers are far less likely to host unwanted “green guests” again.

If you’re dealing with more serious surface wear, our guide on how to restore the original beauty of your brick patio is a must-read.

3. Efflorescence (White, Chalky Residue)

You know that chalky white film that makes your pavers look faded? That’s efflorescence — minerals working their way to the surface.

Professional cleaning removes it completely, restoring uniformity. Follow that with a solid brick paver seal coating, and mineral migration is drastically reduced.

For more on long-term durability, explore our blog:
Why professional brick paver restoration matters.

4. Vehicle & Traffic Marks

Driveways take the heaviest beating. Oil stains, tire marks, and general wear get ground into the surface.

Our combined cleaning + sealing approach lifts contaminants and creates a barrier that keeps future stains from bonding. Translation: easier maintenance and a driveway that looks sharp year-round.

Interested in driveway-specific solutions? Our blog on restoring curb appeal with professional driveway paver repair hits all the key points.

5. Weed-Related Staining & Joint Breakdown

When joint sand fails, weeds move in — and they leave behind discoloration and root stains that make the whole area look neglected.

Through our professional brick paver repair & restoration process, we remove failed sand, install polymeric sand, and lock everything into place before cleaning and sealing the surface.

Not sure whether you need joint re-sanding? This post breaks it down:
How to know when your brick pavers need joint re-sanding

How Brick Paver Cleaning Restores the Surface

Every stain has an origin story — and a solution. Our cleaning process:

  • Removes embedded contaminants

  • Lifts stains from the surface

  • Restores natural color

  • Prepares the surface for sealing

Once cleaned, our brick paver seal coating enhances color, shields against weather, and prevents new stains from setting in. The result? A refreshed, easier-to-maintain outdoor surface that performs better season after season.

If you're thinking cost-efficiency, here’s a smart read:
How our seal coating process saves homeowners money

Choose Brick Paver Creations — Your Local Brick Paver Professionals

With 35+ years of Illinois-focused expertise, we understand exactly what your pavers go through — and how to bring them back to peak performance. Our proven methods, high-quality materials, and long-term approach help homeowners get the most out of their investment.

Explore our services:

If your brick pavers are showing stains, fading, or general wear, now’s the perfect moment to schedule professional cleaning. Reach out anytime through our contact page — we’re here to help you protect and elevate your outdoor space.

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Craig Minogue
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How Our Brick Paver Seal Coating Process Saves Homeowners Money