How to Remove Polymeric Sand Haze From Pavers, Step by Step

A cloudy white film across freshly jointed pavers is frustrating, but it can usually be cleaned off. This guide covers how to remove polymeric sand haze that has already formed: what the sand manufacturers say causes it, how to tell it apart from efflorescence or a sealer problem, and how to clean it with a paver cleaner used exactly as its data sheet directs.

If you have not installed your joint sand yet, start with our guide to preventing white haze from polymeric sand. This article picks up after the haze is already on the surface.

What causes polymeric sand haze

The manufacturers explain the haze in similar terms:

• Alliance Gator: the Gator Super Sand Bond data sheet says that if the watering and blowing steps are not done properly, a white haze may appear on the paver surface, caused by excess sand residue left on the pavers. The Gator Maxx Sand data sheet says the same.
• Techniseal: its product guide describes the penetration of additive particles into the pores of the concrete as the primary cause of unwanted haze. The EZ Sand data sheet adds that on porous or textured pavers, blowing excess surface water into the joints helps prevent hazing.
• SEK Surebond: its PolySweep literature says Portland cement is often the cause of hazing, and PolySweep is made without it.

In short, the haze is sand material that set up on or in the paver surface instead of down in the joint.

Sand haze, efflorescence or sealer? Check before you clean

Polymeric sand haze

If the film showed up soon after a joint sand install, sand residue is the first suspect, since that is the cause the sand manufacturers themselves describe.

Efflorescence

Efflorescence is a mineral deposit. SRW describes its EF Efflorescence Remover as dissolving mineral deposits (efflorescence), and SEK Surebond sells Efflo Off as an efflorescence, mineral and salt deposit cleaner. On bare concrete pavers the removal method overlaps with sand haze: Alliance names the same Gator Efflorescence Cleaner for both, so you do not have to be certain which one you have before you test.

A film on sealed pavers

If the white appeared after the pavers were sealed, it is likely a sealer problem, not a joint sand problem. For example, the Dyco 7200 data sheet warns that over application may cause "blushing" or a coating that does not dry clear. The efflorescence cleaners in this guide are intended for bare pavers before sealing, so call us before using one on a sealed surface.

Before you start: timing, a test patch and conditions

The Alliance Gator Efflorescence Cleaner data sheet sets these conditions:

• New joint sand: freshly installed Gator polymeric sand must cure 48 hours above 59°F (15°C) with no rain before you use the cleaner. For other brands, check the data sheet for your product.
• New pavers: never use it on new concrete pavers. Wait at least 60 days after the pavers are installed.
• Test first: always test on a small hidden area of approximately 4 sq ft. Alliance's limited warranty covers only 4 sq ft if no test is done.
• Weather: do not apply under extremely strong sun, and never let the product dry on the paver surface.
• Protection: wear goggles and rubber gloves.

How to remove polymeric sand haze, step by step

Here is how to remove polymeric sand haze using the application instructions on the Alliance Gator Efflorescence Cleaner data sheet, the cleaner Alliance names for sand haze. If you are using a different cleaner, follow its own label and data sheet, because dilution and method differ by product.

1. Mix the cleaner. Alliance's ideal mixture is 1 part concentrate to 4 parts water. It warns that any concentration stronger than this can discolor the pavers.
2. Wet the pavers with plain water.
3. Apply the diluted cleaner to the wet surface with a pump sprayer or watering can. A 1 gallon pump sprayer makes even coverage easier. Use 1 gallon of diluted cleaner for every 40 sq ft.
4. Wait one minute, then scrub the surface vigorously with a hard bristle brush.
5. Rinse thoroughly with water and move on to the next 40 sq ft section.
6. Repeat over every section that needs it.
7. Final rinse: once the surface is clean, rinse generously with a hose until there is no more foaming on the pavers.
8. Let it dry and inspect. Alliance notes you may have to repeat the process where a lot of efflorescence is trapped in the pavers.

For planning, the same data sheet says 1 gallon of concentrate diluted with 4 gallons of water cleans approximately 200 sq ft, and a 5 gallon pail diluted with 20 gallons of water cleans approximately 1,000 sq ft.

Paver cleaners we carry for haze and efflorescence

Figures below come from each manufacturer's own literature. Where none is shown, check the data sheet for that product before you mix anything.

Product	What the manufacturer says it removes	Mix and coverage (manufacturer figures)
Alliance Gator Efflorescence Cleaner	Efflorescence on concrete pavers, wet cast and natural stone; named in Gator sand data sheets for removing sand haze	1 part to 4 parts water; about 40 sq ft per diluted gallon (data sheet)
Alliance Gator Efflorescence and Slurry Remover	Efflorescence and slurry on concrete pavers, wetcast and natural stone	1 part to 8 parts water; 5 gallons diluted with 40 gallons of water cleans about 1,800 sq ft (data sheet)
Techniseal Paver Restorer	Haze created by some polymeric sands; stains from paver and slab cuts (Techniseal product guide). SRW PW Paver Wash, below, also lists polyhaze	Check the data sheet
Techniseal Slurry and Cement Stain Remover	Cement slurry and mortar jointing haze on bare concrete or clay pavers and slabs	Check the data sheet
SRW PW Paver Wash	Polyhaze, efflorescence and ground in dirt; contains no muriatic or hydrochloric acid (SRW catalog)	Catalog lists a 1:1 dilution and up to 200 sq ft per gallon
SRW EF Efflorescence Remover	Mineral deposits (efflorescence); contains no muriatic or hydrochloric acid (SRW catalog)	Catalog lists a 1:1 dilution and up to 200 sq ft per gallon
SEK Surebond Efflo Off	Stubborn efflorescence, mineral and salt deposits; prepares unsealed surfaces for sealing (SEK brochure)	Check the data sheet

Do not count on a general paver shampoo: the Alliance Gator Shampoo data sheet, for example, states that it is not an efflorescence cleaner. Several haze and efflorescence cleaners come in 8 oz paver cleaner samples, which is enough for a test patch before you buy a full jug. You can see every option in our paver and stone cleaners collection.

Protecting yourself, your pavers and your yard

• Wear goggles and rubber gloves, as the Alliance data sheet requires.
• Keep the surface wet from start to finish and avoid strong sun.
• Read the Safety Data Sheet before you start. You can find data sheets for the products we carry in our TDS and SDS library.
• Store leftover cleaner above 32°F (0°C). Alliance makes this a condition of its limited warranty.

If polymeric sand haze does not come off

If some haze remains, let the surface dry fully and look again. Alliance says a second application may be needed where a lot of efflorescence is trapped in the pavers. Do not respond by making the mix stronger than the data sheet allows.

Stop and call us if your test patch changes the paver color, if the pavers are sealed, or if you are working on natural stone and are unsure the cleaner is rated for it. If you plan to seal after cleaning, Alliance recommends cleaning before sealing for proper sealer adhesion, and its data sheet notes that most pavers should only be sealed 60 days after installation, so check with your paver manufacturer as well.

Frequently asked questions

Will polymeric sand haze go away on its own?

It can. Alliance Gator's sand data sheets say haze from sand residue will dissipate over time, or it can be removed with Gator Clean Efflorescence Cleaner.

How soon after installing polymeric sand can you clean off haze?

For Gator polymeric sand, Alliance says the sand must cure 48 hours above 59°F (15°C) with no rain before you use its efflorescence cleaner, and the cleaner should not be used on concrete pavers installed less than 60 days ago. For other brands, check the data sheet for your product.

Should you use a stronger mix on stubborn haze?

No. Alliance warns that any concentration stronger than its 1 to 4 ideal mix can discolor pavers. Repeat the process instead, following the label on your jug.

Will a regular paver cleaner remove haze?

Not reliably. The Alliance Gator Shampoo data sheet says it is not an efflorescence cleaner.

Can these cleaners be used on sealed pavers?

The efflorescence cleaners here are meant for bare pavers, typically before sealing. If your pavers are already sealed, call us before you clean so we can help you work out what the film is.

Is a test patch really necessary?

Yes. Alliance requires a test on a hidden area of about 4 sq ft, and its limited warranty covers only 4 sq ft if no test is done.