How to Clean Permeable Paving
The right way to keep your Tobermore Hydropave driveway looking pristine — without damaging the drainage system. We recommend Wet & Forget as the safest, most effective cleaning solution.
Why Cleaning Permeable Paving is Different
Permeable paving works by allowing water to drain through the joints between the blocks. This means cleaning it incorrectly — particularly with a high-pressure washer — can actually block the drainage and defeat the whole purpose of the system.
Avoid High-Pressure Washing
Pressure washing blasts the jointing aggregate out of the gaps between blocks. This aggregate is what makes the paving permeable — lose it and you lose the drainage.
Use a Low-Pressure Rinse Instead
A gentle garden hose rinse is perfectly fine for routine cleaning. It removes surface dirt without disturbing the jointing material.
Treat Moss & Algae Properly
For moss, lichen, algae and black spots, a chemical treatment like Wet & Forget is far superior to scrubbing — it kills the spores so they don't grow back as quickly.
Tobermore Hydropave — Built to Last 25 Years
Correct maintenance keeps your guarantee valid
We Recommend Wet & Forget
After 17 years of installing and maintaining driveways across Wigan, Standish and the Northwest, Wet & Forget is the product we trust and recommend to all our customers.
Safe for Permeable Joints
Unlike pressure washing, Wet & Forget is applied gently with a garden sprayer. It doesn't disturb the jointing aggregate that makes your paving permeable.
Kills Spores at the Root
Wet & Forget doesn't just remove moss and algae — it kills the spores that cause regrowth. Results last much longer than scrubbing or pressure washing.
No Scrubbing Required
Apply it, walk away, and let the rain do the work. Over 1–3 months, moss, lichen, algae and black dots simply wash away. Annual re-application keeps it pristine.
Keeps Your Guarantee Valid
Tobermore recommends gentle chemical treatment over high-pressure washing. Using Wet & Forget helps maintain the integrity of your paving and keeps your 25-year guarantee intact.
Trusted by Professionals
Wet & Forget is used by professional landscapers and paving contractors across the UK. It's safe for use on block paving, concrete, natural stone, decking and more.
Easy to Find
Available from wetandforget.co.uk, Amazon UK, B&Q, Screwfix and Toolstation. The concentrate version (dilute 1:5 with water) offers the best value for large driveways.
Where to Buy Wet & Forget
Available at all major DIY retailers and online
* Easy Driveways is not affiliated with Wet & Forget. We recommend this product based on 17 years of professional experience.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
Follow these steps to keep your permeable driveway looking its best year after year.
🗓️ Annual Maintenance (Once a Year)
Visual Inspection
Walk the driveway and look for any areas where water is pooling after rain. Ponding indicates the jointing aggregate may need topping up. Also check for any cracked or sunken blocks.
Brush the Surface
Use a stiff-bristled brush (not a wire brush) to sweep the surface and remove loose debris, leaves and dirt from the joints. This keeps the drainage channels clear.
Top Up Jointing Aggregate
If joints look empty or drainage is reduced, top up with Tobermore-approved jointing aggregate (NOT kiln-dried sand — this blocks drainage). Your Easy Driveways installer can advise on the correct product.
Apply Wet & Forget Treatment
Mix Wet & Forget concentrate 1 part to 5 parts water in a garden pressure sprayer. Apply generously to the entire surface on a dry day. Do NOT rinse off — leave it to work. Rain activates the formula over the following weeks.
Weed Control
If weeds appear in the joints, apply a path weedkiller. Permeable paving is naturally resistant to weeds, but occasional treatment keeps it pristine. Avoid weedkillers that contain residual chemicals that could affect drainage.
🧹 Routine Cleaning (As Needed)
Remove Leaves & Debris
Sweep or blow leaves off the surface regularly, especially in autumn. Decomposing leaves can block the joints and cause moss to grow.
Rinse with a Garden Hose
A gentle garden hose rinse removes surface dirt and mud perfectly well. Keep the pressure low — you're rinsing, not blasting.
Spot-Treat Stains
For oil or fuel stains, use a specialist block paving degreaser (available from Screwfix or B&Q). Apply, leave for 15 minutes, then rinse with a garden hose. Avoid household bleach as it can discolour blocks.
⚠️ What NOT to Do
- ❌ Never use a high-pressure washer — it blasts out the jointing aggregate and blocks drainage
- ❌ Never fill joints with kiln-dried sand — this blocks the drainage channels permanently
- ❌ Never use bleach — it discolours blocks and kills beneficial microorganisms in the sub-base
- ❌ Never ignore ponding — if water pools after rain, call Easy Driveways for a free inspection
Frequently Asked Questions
Need a New Driveway or Maintenance?
Easy Driveways have been installing and maintaining permeable paving across Wigan, Standish, Chorley and the Northwest since 2008. Call Paul today for a free, no-obligation quote.
