The secret to pressure washing for brick is using the right method, not the most pressure. In Tennessee, we match the cleaner and pressure to the surface so it comes out clean without damage. On brick, the method we use is low-pressure wash.
The right method for the job
Cleaning solution: Soft wash for algae and mildew; a masonry-specific cleaner for efflorescence and mortar haze.
Caring for brick
Brick is tough, but the mortar joints are softer than the brick itself, and older soft-fired brick can pit. Organic growth comes off with a soft wash; mineral deposits such as efflorescence need a masonry-safe cleaner instead of more pressure.
Avoid: Zero-degree tips and close-range blasting that erode mortar joints, and strong acids on brick that hasn't been pre-wet.
How often: Every 2-3 years for most homes.
When to book pressure washing for brick
- Driveway or walkways look dark, gray or streaky
- Green or black growth in shaded areas and along edges
- Slippery surfaces after rain
- Oil, rust or tire marks you can't scrub out
- You're getting ready to sell, seal or paint
What causes the dirt and stains
- Dirt and pollen that settle into the pores of concrete
- Mold, mildew and algae in damp, shaded spots
- Oil and fluid drips from vehicles
- Rust from sprinklers, furniture and fertilizer
- Tire marks and general foot traffic
What you can do yourself
- Sweep off leaves and loose debris so they don't stain
- Blot fresh oil drips with cat litter or an absorbent right away
- Point sprinklers away from walls and walkways to cut down on rust and hard-water stains
- Rinse pollen off with a garden hose during heavy pollen season
Not sure what you're looking at? The free stain identifier and safe pressure guide explain each stain and surface.
What can go wrong with DIY pressure washing
- Etched lines and 'zebra stripes' from holding a narrow tip too close
- Water forced into window frames, door sills and siding laps
- Damaged plants and lawns from chemical runoff
- Injuries: a zero-degree tip can cut skin, and wet surfaces are slippery
How we handle pressure washing for brick
- Walk the property and note surfaces, stains and anything fragile
- Protect plants, outlets, lights and doors, and move small items
- Pre-treat organic growth and degrease oil spots
- Clean with the right pressure and a surface cleaner for even results
- Rinse, post-treat to slow regrowth, and walk the job with you
How much does pressure washing for brick cost?
What moves the price:
- Size: square footage of siding, roof or flatwork
- Condition: heavy growth, old stains and peeling finishes take longer
- Access: number of stories, roof pitch, slopes and how close we can park
- Add-ons: sealing, gutter brightening and other services done in the same trip
These are typical U.S. ranges, not a quote. You get an exact price before any work starts. For a quick estimate, try the pressure washing cost calculator.
Other services for brick
- Soft Washing for Brick
- House Washing for Brick
- Driveway Cleaning for Brick
- Sidewalk & Walkway Cleaning for Brick
- Patio Cleaning for Brick
- Paver Cleaning & Sealing for Brick
- Rust Stain Removal for Brick
- Graffiti Removal for Brick
- Efflorescence Removal for Brick
- Exterior Mold & Mildew Removal for Brick
- Pre-Paint Washing for Brick
- Commercial Pressure Washing for Brick
- HOA & Apartment Pressure Washing for Brick
Pressure Washing for Brick in Tennessee
Shaded driveways, walkways and pool decks in Tennessee grow black mildew and algae quickly and can become slippery. Pre-treating the growth before washing, and post-treating after, keeps them clean longer than pressure alone.
Spring pollen season in Tennessee coats houses, cars, screens and patios in a yellow-green film, and pollen gives mildew something to feed on. Many homeowners book their wash after pollen season ends so the house stays clean longer.
Red clay soil is common in parts of Tennessee. Rain splashes it onto the bottom of the siding, walls and walkways, and its iron-rich color can stain light surfaces. It usually needs a dedicated clay or rust cleaner rather than pressure alone.
We cover 206 cities and towns across Tennessee. Find pressure washing for brick in your city:
- Nashville
- Memphis
- Knoxville
- Chattanooga
- Clarksville
- Murfreesboro
- East Chattanooga
- Franklin
- Cordova
- Jackson
- Johnson City
- Bartlett
Pressure Washing for Brick: frequently asked questions
How much does pressure washing for brick cost in Tennessee?
Pressure Washing for Brick typically costs $150-$600 for a typical home's driveway, walkways and patio, and usually takes 1-4 hours. The exact price depends on the size and condition, and you get it before any work starts. Call (555) 010-0000 for a free quote.
Do you use high pressure for pressure washing for brick?
For brick: usually 500-1,500 PSI with a wide fan tip, held well back from the mortar. What we avoid: zero-degree tips and close-range blasting that erode mortar joints, and strong acids on brick that hasn't been pre-wet. The cleaning solution does most of the work, followed by a gentle rinse.
Is pressure washing for brick safe for my plants and pets?
We pre-wet plants and lawns, keep cleaning solutions diluted to what the surface needs, and rinse landscaping again when we finish. Keep pets and children inside until surfaces are rinsed and dry.
How often should I schedule pressure washing for brick?
Every 2-3 years for most homes. Shade, nearby trees, humidity and heavy traffic mean more frequent cleaning; sunny, dry spots can go longer. Our free cleaning frequency tool gives a recommendation for your climate.
What if it rains on the day?
Light rain doesn't stop most washing, but heavy rain, high wind, lightning and freezing temperatures do. If the weather isn't right, we reschedule at no charge. Our work is backed by a satisfaction guarantee.