Two places damage can happen

The paver face: an aggressive wash can remove surface material instead of just dirt. Unilock’s product-care guide warns that pressure washers can expose the aggregate—the small stones within concrete—on a paver’s surface. A newly rough patch is not something to keep washing until it matches.

The joints: water can dislodge the material between pavers. Joint sand is part of the installation, not loose dirt to blast away. Unilock explains that maintaining it helps protect the bedding sand below from washout and the pavers from settling. Its guidance also calls for checking the joints after cleaning.

These are different problems. A clean-looking paver face does not tell you whether the joints are still in good condition.

“Pavers” is not one material or finish

Concrete and porcelain pavers can require different care. Belgard’s cleaning guidance says to consult the installation instructions and choose cleaning products compatible with the material. A method used on a neighbor’s concrete drive is not automatically suitable for your patio.

Look for the original invoice, leftover packaging, or the installer’s product name. If a sealer or coating was applied later, find its name and care instructions too. Share those details before anyone chooses a cleaning method. If you do not know the finish, say so rather than guessing from its shine.

What to check before cleaning

  • Existing condition: photograph cracked, chipped, uneven, or visibly loose pavers and joints that are already low or empty.
  • The actual problem: distinguish loose leaves and dirt from attached growth or an isolated stain. Unilock’s cleaning guidance separates routine debris removal from deeper cleaning; not every mark calls for a whole-area pressure wash.
  • A suitable trial: ask how the method will be checked before the entire area is cleaned. Unilock recommends testing on spare stones from the installation.
  • The joints afterward: agree who will assess any joint-material loss and whether separate maintenance is needed. Do not assume re-sanding, sealing, or repairs are included in a cleaning visit.

For a Lakeland driveway or patio, include close-up joint photos as well as a wide view when discussing pressure washing with Valley. Existing damage may need an installer’s assessment before cleaning can proceed.

If something looks wrong afterward

If you notice new rough patches, missing joint material, or movement, pause further washing and photograph the affected area. Compare it with the before photos, then contact the cleaner and, where needed, the original installer or a qualified paver specialist. Those observations help establish what changed; a photo alone does not establish the cause.

A stronger second wash will not replace lost surface material or put an installation back in position. Get the condition assessed before deciding on another treatment. For the broader difference between cleaning approaches, see soft washing versus pressure washing.