Help cleaning flags

[bwfc0907]

Hi
20 months ago we had the patio laid with 17.5" sq yellow paving.
Yesterday I cleaned with a power washer as it was filthy. Its come up like new.
The only exception to this is that under plastic and glazed pots we have orange rings.
Can anybody advise the best way to clean these up. I was going to use a wire brush but am worried about damaging the flags.
The flags were from Marshalls if I remember right.
Many Thanks

[mickg]

its either a stain from the pots compost/soil where it has leaked out underneath or where the sun has not touched and the rest of the patio is slightly bleached hence the different colour

if you could post a photo to show these orange rings I could give you a definite answer

how to post a photo

[bwfc0907]

Thanks for the reply. Much appreciated, and hopefully you can give me more support after seeing these pics.
I've tried a detergent and that hasn't helped and in another hidden place used a wire brush. This just made that piece of flag cleaner than the rest.
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd150/bwfc0907/P1030548.jpg
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd150/bwfc0907/P1030549.jpg

[lutonlagerlout]

they look like saxons,on no account use a wire brush on them as you will destroy the face
try a weak 50/50 bleach/water solution applied with a mister then left for 30 minutes ,then hosed off
ATB
LLL

[bwfc0907]

Thanks for the response. Ill get some bleach tomorrow and give it a go.

I'll keep you informed.

[Tony McC]

That looks like peat discolouration. It's often seen where plant posts have been in direct contact with light-coloured paving for a prolonged period. It's just the natural tannins in the peat/compost that have stained the concrete.

Bleach might help, but it may take a few applications. Don't be using a wire brush - it will do more harm than good, Allow the bleach to work for 5-10 mins, scrub with a polypropylene bristled brush, rinse well and repeat.

In future, put a tray beneath your pots or lift them off the paving on bricks. Wash down regularly to prevent tanning build-up and, if you can, keep moving the posts around.

[RAPressureWashing]

Try the "bleach " mix that is in the stain removal page on the main site.
As stated before, where the pot has been in contact with the paving, so if you can get some pot feet/rasiers that will help. The other thing is the area under the pot hasn't weathered like the rest of the paved area so will look slightly different. Also if you are usinga plant food/feed try not to get any on this on the pavers as it will discolour then in time.