What Is the White Haze on My Pavers and Brick?
That white, powdery film on new pavers, brick walls and block retaining walls is efflorescence: salts carried out of the material by water. It's common, it's usually harmless, and it has to be removed before any sealer goes down.
What causes it
Concrete, mortar and brick contain soluble salts. When water moves through them and evaporates at the surface, it leaves the salts behind as a white deposit. New pavers and new brick produce the most, and it usually tapers off over the first year.
Why it matters before sealing
Sealing over efflorescence traps it under the sealer, leaving a permanent cloudy look. The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute recommends letting new pavers go through their initial efflorescence and cleaning it off before sealing.
When it keeps coming back
Ongoing efflorescence means water keeps moving through the material. Check for downspouts dumping onto a patio, poor drainage behind retaining walls, or sprinklers soaking brick.
What you can try yourself
- Try dry brushing first. Light efflorescence often brushes off.
- For heavier haze, use an efflorescence cleaner made for pavers or masonry, following the label.
- Rinse thoroughly and let the surface dry completely.
What to avoid
- Pressure washing it off. The added water often pulls up more salts.
- Sealing new pavers in the first few months.
When to call a professional
If you're planning to seal, it's best to let a pro clean the efflorescence, re-sand the joints and seal in one process so nothing gets trapped. See our paver sealing service.
What customers say
"I used First Class Pressure Cleaning to seal my aggregate driveway and they did a fantastic job. It was in rough shape as we had never sealed it before. Lots of salt damage as well from trying to de-ice the last winter storm. It looks so much better now. They even came back the next day for touch-ups on some areas where the winter salts had worn through to the concrete. Very happy with this company and the work they’ve done!"
Dan · Google Review
"Great job done by Wally & crew for 1st Class Power wash. Front & Back porches along with large patio and lots of stairs. Furniture and planters moved and replaced. Sealant added to protect patio. Will use again!"
Judy B. · Google Review
"Highly recommend! Andrew and his team were great at communicating and worked around rainy weather days to clean and seal our stamped concrete around the pool to ensure the product would successfully seal it. They were on time, friendly, and their communication throughout the process was amazing!"
Andrea H. · Google Review
96 Google reviews from homeowners and businesses across Middle Tennessee. Read them all on Google.
Get a free quote
Get a Free Quote Today
Same-day estimates · No pressure · No obligation
Related guides
- Polymeric Sand for Pavers: When to Re-Sand and How It Works
- Why Sealed Pavers Turn Cloudy or White (and What to Do)
- How to Clean and Seal Concrete Pavers
- How to Clean Flagstone, Limestone and Travertine Patios
Serving Williamson County
Franklin · Brentwood · Spring Hill · Nolensville · Thompson's Station · Arrington · College Grove · Belle Meade · Nashville · Murfreesboro
Sources
Rather Have the Pros Handle It?
Call for a free, same-day estimate or send us a few details and we'll get right back to you.