Patio prep starts early. It may not feel like patio season yet, but the best results happen when you clean and prep before the spring rush. A quick reset once temperatures cooperate can make your pavers look brighter, newer, and ready for sealing later.

This guide breaks down interlock care by timing, stain type, joints, and sealing, so you’re using the right product at the right time (and not doing extra work twice).

Step 1: Start with the “When”
(timing rules that matter)

✅ Temperature + weather window

• Cleaners and sealers work best on a calm, dry day.

• Follow each product’s minimum temperature notes (many require above 4–5°C, some above 16°C).

• Avoid using products in strong hot sun or letting them dry on the surface.

✅ New interlock? Wait.

• Never use Gator Efflorescence Cleaner on NEW concrete pavers.
  Wait at least 60 days after installation.

✅ Polymeric sand cure time (if you’re cleaning a fresh install)

• Freshly installed Gator Polymeric Sand must cure 48 hours at 15°C+ with no rain before using Efflorescence Cleaner.

Step 2: Clean first
(dirt vs stains)

Most patios need one of these cleaning lanes:

A) General dirt + winter grime

GATOR SHAMPOO

Use for: ground-in dirt and overall cleaning (pavers, slabs, walls, wet cast & natural stone)
Why it matters: restores natural colour and is designed to be safe around joints and vegetation.
Not for: efflorescence (white haze).

Key notes:

• Dilute 4 parts water : 1 part product

• Keep surface wet from start to finish

• Don’t let it dry on the surface

• Wear goggles + rubber gloves

• Test a small hidden area first

B) White haze / chalky residue (efflorescence)

GATOR EFFLORESCENCE CLEANER

Use for: efflorescence trapped in paver pores
Why it matters: this is a necessary step before sealing if you have efflorescence, otherwise sealer can lock it in.

Key notes:

• Do not use on new concrete pavers, wait 60 days

• Ideal dilution: 4 parts water : 1 part cleaner (stronger can discolor)

• Do not let it dry on surface

• Wear goggles + rubber gloves

• Always test a small hidden area first

• Don’t apply under extremely strong sun

C) Spot stains (rust, oil, grease)

GATOR RUST REMOVER

Use for: rust stains on concrete pavers, wet cast & natural stones
Workflow tip: after spot-treating rust, clean the entire surface with Gator Efflorescence Cleaner for a more uniform overall colour.

Key notes:

• Do not let product dry on surface

• Wear goggles + rubber gloves

• Test first (prior cleaners can affect performance)

GATOR XP OIL & GREASE REMOVER

Use for: motor oil, cooking oil & grease
How it works: shake → spread on stain → let dry → sweep up
Do not use: on asphalt/blacktop
Not recommended: for synthetic oil stains

Key notes:

• On sealed pavers, it may damage the seal (test first!)

• Use above 4°C

• Do not use on wet surfaces; ensure ventilation

Step 3: Don’t forget the joints
(this is where patios fail over time)

Your joints aren’t just cosmetic, they help lock pavers in place and reduce weed growth and washout. If your joints are low, sandy, or washing out, this is the step that makes everything feel “new” again.

GATOR MAXX G2 Polymeric Sand (Fast, clean, and beginner-friendly)

Why people love it:
✅ No dust • ✅ Haze free • ✅ No blower • ✅ One watering
✅ Rain safe in 15 minutes (traditional applications)

Best for: pool decks, patios, footpaths, driveways, parking spaces, pavements
Colours: Beige, Slate Grey, Ivory, Black Diamond

Joint depth limits (important)

• Up to 4” (10 cm) in traditional applications

• Up to 2” (5 cm) in overlay applications

Key installation rules (don’t skip)

• Pavers/slabs must be installed to proper standards (traditional base per ICPI Tech Spec #2)

• Paver tops + sides must be completely dry (damp activates polymers early and causes sticking/haze)

• Joints must be completely dry (for proper sliding + dense packing)

• Temperature must be above 0°C

• Needs a minimum of 15 minutes dry weather after activation (traditional)
  and 24 hours for overlay applications

• Maintain slope (especially around pools): 1/8” per foot away from structures

• Pool coping joints require mortar; use polymeric for the rest around the pool

• Do not sweep over asphalt

• Final joint level should sit 1/8” below the surface/chamfer

Best time to use: once surfaces are dry and stable (spring refresh, summer touch-ups, or after repairs).

Step 4: Seal
(optional, but a big protection upgrade)

Sealers help protect against:

• oil and dirt penetration

• corrosion from de-icing salts

• UV fading
  …and they make cleanup easier next year.

Before any sealer:

• Pavers and joint sand must be 100% dry

• Clean first (remove dirt, oil/grease, rust)

• If efflorescence exists: use Gator Efflorescence Cleaner

• Most manufacturers recommend sealing 60 days after installation

Sealer options (choose your look)

GATOR SEAL WET LOOK

Best for: unsealed surfaces only + dramatic “wet” finish
Must know:

• Only for unsealed surfaces (cannot be used as a resealer)

• Apply one coat

• Needs 48 hours of dry conditions prior

• Temp range: 16–29°C (surface must be cool to touch)

GATOR HYBRID SEAL (Acrylic Sealers)

Choose sheen + whether you want colour enhancement:

• ZERO GLOSS (most natural look)

• LOW GLOSS (subtle refreshed look)

• LOW GLOSS + COLOUR ENHANCER (richer colour, subtle sheen)

• HIGH GLOSS (shiny look)

• HIGH GLOSS + COLOUR ENHANCER (maximum shine + colour pop)

General Hybrid Seal notes:

• Don’t apply if rain is expected within 24 hours

• Temp range: 5–29°C

• Wear gloves, eye and respiratory protection

Bonus: Decorative stone paths (keeps stones in place)

GATOR ROCK BOND BINDER KIT

Use for: binding washed + dried riverstone to create a durable, permeable surface
Best for: garden pathways where erosion and drainage are concerns

Key notes:

• Rocks must be clean and 100% dry

• Pedestrian use only

• Works above 16°C

• Needs 24 hours dry with no rain

• Wear gloves; tools clean with Gatorene

What you actually need 
(simple buying guide)

Product Comparison Cheat Sheet (What Each One Is For)

Product	Use it for	Best on	Temperature / Dry-time rules	Notable warnings / notes
GATOR SHAMPOO	Ground-in dirt + overall brightening	Pavers, wet cast, natural stone	Avoid hot sun; don’t let dry	Not an efflorescence cleaner. Dilute 4:1. Safe around joints/vegetation.
GATOR EFFLORESCENCE CLEANER	White haze/efflorescence + pore cleaning (pre-seal step)	Concrete pavers + natural stone	Don’t apply under strong sun; don’t let dry	Never on new pavers (wait 60 days). Polysand must cure 48 hrs at 15°C+ no rain before use. Dilute 4:1 (stronger can discolor).
GATOR RUST REMOVER	Rust stains	Concrete pavers, wet cast, natural stone	Don’t let dry on surface	Wear goggles/gloves. For uniform colour after spot cleaning, follow with Efflorescence Cleaner on whole area.
GATOR XP OIL & GREASE REMOVER	Motor oil, cooking oil & grease	Concrete, brick, wet cast, natural stone	Use above 4°C; surface must be dry	May damage sealer (test first). Not for asphalt. Not for synthetic oils.
GATOR MAXX G2	Polymeric joint sand (locks joints, reduces weeds/washout)	Patios, paths, driveways, pool decks	>0°C; surface/joints must be 100% dry; rain safe 15 min (traditional)	Joint depth: 4” traditional / 2” overlay. No blower, one watering, haze-free. Do not sweep over asphalt. Final joint level 1/8” below surface/chamfer.
GATOR HYBRID SEAL (Zero/Low/High ± enhancer)	Seals pavers (protects from oil/dirt/salt/UV)	Concrete pavers	Apply 5–29°C, surface cool, no rain 24 hrs	Wear protective gear. Most manufacturers recommend sealing 60 days after install. Choose sheen + enhancer based on look.
GATOR SEAL WET LOOK	Wet-look finish + protection	Unsealed concrete pavers only	Apply 16–29°C, pavers/joints 100% dry, needs 48 hrs dry before applying	Not a resealer (unsealed only). One coat. Clean first (oil/grease/rust + efflorescence if present).
GATOR ROCK BOND	Binds riverstone for a permeable decorative surface	Washed, dried riverstone	Works above 16°C; needs 24 hrs no rain	Stones must be clean + 100% dry. Pedestrian only. Tools clean with Gatorene.

A simple early-season interlock routine

Interlock Care: Step-by-Step (What to Use + When)

Step	Goal	Product(s)	When to do it	Must-know notes
1	Remove loose debris	(Broom / blower / rinse)	Early spring as soon as temps cooperate	Start dry if possible, cleaning products work best on controlled moisture.
2	General deep clean (dirt/grime)	GATOR SHAMPOO	When temps are mild and you have a dry window	Dilute 4:1 (water:  product). Keep surface wet; don’t let it dry. Safe around polymeric joints/vegetation.
3	Treat rust spots	GATOR RUST REMOVER	Anytime you see rust (before sealing)	Do not let dry on surface. Wear goggles/gloves. After spot use, wash whole area with Efflorescence Cleaner for uniform colour (recommended).
4	Treat oil/grease spots	GATOR XP OIL & GREASE REMOVER	Anytime (before sealing)	Spread → dry → sweep. May damage sealer on sealed pavers (test). Not for asphalt; not for synthetic oils. Use above 4°C on dry surface.
5	Remove white haze/efflorescence	GATOR EFFLORESCENCE CLEANER	Before sealing, or if chalky haze is visible	Do not use on new pavers (wait 60 days). Dilute 4:1. Don’t let dry. Test hidden area. Avoid strong sun.
6	Refill/lock joints	GATOR MAXX G2 Polymeric Sand	After cleaning, when pavers + joints are 100% dry	Joints up to 4” (traditional) or 2” (overlay). No dust/haze, no blower, one watering. Rain safe in 15 min (traditional). Temp >0°C.
7	Seal for protection	GATOR HYBRID SEAL (Zero/Low/High gloss ± enhancer) or GATOR SEAL WET LOOK	After surface is fully clean + dry (and joint sand cured/dry)	Most pavers: seal 60 days after install. No rain within 24 hrs (Hybrid). Wet Look requires 48 hrs dry and is unsealed surfaces only (not a resealer).
8	Decorative stone bonding (optional)	GATOR ROCK BOND	Warm, dry weather	Stones must be 100% washed + dry. Pedestrian only. Works above 16°C. Needs 24 hrs no rain.

Want help picking the right products?

Bring a photo of your interlock (especially the stains and joints) and tell us whether you want a natural look or a wet-look finish. We’ll help you choose the right cleaner, jointing sand, and sealer so your patio looks its best all season.