Why brick gets dirty so fast around here
Much of Middle Tennessee and the Highland Rim sits on clay-rich soil. Every hard rain splashes red clay up the lower two feet of a brick wall, and over time that rust-colored band becomes part of the look of the house. Add humidity, shade from mature trees, and sprinkler overspray, and brick also picks up algae, moss, lichen, and black mildew, especially on the north and east sides.
Brick and mortar are porous, so these stains do not just sit on the surface. They work into the pores. That is why a quick spray-off rarely makes a lasting difference and why aggressive pressure can be a bigger problem than the dirt itself.
The safe way to clean brick
Too much pressure erodes the face of the brick and the mortar joints, which opens the door to water damage and costly repointing. We take a measured approach: a cleaning solution matched to the stain type, a gentle application, enough dwell time to loosen the stain, and a controlled rinse. For stubborn clay or oil, we can add heat from our hot water system to lift what the solution loosens.
We also pay attention to the details that give cleaning jobs away: the brick near the foundation, window sills, chimneys, brick columns, retaining walls, steps, and the soldier courses along the top of the wall.
What we clean in brick
Full brick homes and brick veneer, chimneys, brick garages, retaining walls, steps and stoops, mailbox columns, brick patios and walkways, and brick commercial storefronts. If your home combines brick with vinyl or painted trim, we clean the whole exterior in one visit. See house washing and walkway cleaning for the rest of the exterior.
What this removes
- Red clay splash and staining
- Green algae and moss
- Lichen
- Black mildew
- Dirt and soot
- Sprinkler and hard-water spotting
- General weathering and dullness
Why it is worth doing
- Brick returns to its true color instead of an orange-gray haze.
- Gentle methods protect mortar joints and the face of the brick.
- Removing moisture-holding growth helps masonry last longer.
- A major curb appeal upgrade for older brick ranches and newer builds alike.
Our brick cleaning process
- InspectWe check mortar condition, spot staining, and any sealed or painted surfaces before choosing a method.
- Pre-wet & protectPlants, fixtures, and nearby surfaces are protected, and the brick is wet down so cleaner works on the surface instead of soaking in.
- TreatA brick-safe cleaning solution is applied and allowed to dwell, with extra attention to clay and algae bands.
- RinseWe rinse with controlled pressure, working from the top down so dirt is carried away from clean brick.
- ReviewWe walk the finished brick with you and spot-treat anything stubborn.
Signs it is time
- There is a rust-colored band along the bottom of the brick.
- You see green or black growth on shaded walls and around downspouts.
- White powder (efflorescence) or mineral stains show on the surface.
- The brick looks dull compared to a sheltered spot like a porch ceiling or the back of a column.
Make it automatic with a care plan
Brick and masonry cleaning is available as an add-on to any plan, with 10 to 20 percent off for members. Plans start at $49 per month and include priority scheduling and member discounts on every other service.
Compare Care PlansFrequently asked questions
Can pressure washing damage brick?
Yes, if it is done with too much pressure or the wrong nozzle. High pressure can erode the face of the brick and wash out mortar. We use low pressure and the right cleaning solution, and use heat only where it helps.
Will you remove red clay stains?
In most cases, yes. Light to moderate clay splash cleans up well. Very old or deeply set staining may lighten dramatically but not completely, and we will tell you what to expect before we start.
What about white powdery deposits on brick?
That is usually efflorescence, which are mineral salts pulled out by moisture. We can treat and rinse many cases, and we will recommend steps to reduce moisture sources if it is recurring.
Should I seal brick after cleaning?
Sealing is optional and depends on the brick and your goals. Many homeowners simply keep brick clean on a regular schedule. We are glad to talk through whether sealing makes sense for your home.
Do you clean painted brick?
We can clean painted brick, but we use extra care because paint can lift when it is already failing. We evaluate on-site before quoting.
