Pressure Washing Brick Patios and Walkways

Outdoor patios provide an ideal space to enjoy the outdoors and serve as the epicenter for backyard barbecues. Brick remains one of the most popular choices for these areas due to its rich and classic appearance. 

However, over time, the accumulation of dirt, grime, and moss can cause significant discoloration, leaving a patio looking dull and unwelcoming. Fortunately, power washing brick can restore it to its former glory. 

Prepare The Surface 

It is important to thoroughly soak the patio or walkway surface with regular water using a low-pressure spray pattern. Rinsing the surface prior to washing creates a protective barrier between the brick and the detergent. This step is essential to prevent detergent from soaking into the porous brick. 

Wash and Spray Pattern 

Once the surface is sufficiently wet, the cleaning process can begin. To achieve the best results, use a low-pressure stream and an ample amount of detergent. 

A high-pressure spray pattern can force detergent into the brick, potentially leaving unsightly stains. It is also helpful to divide the project into smaller sections to ensure even coverage. 

Detergent 

Detergent should be applied to the work area and allowed to settle on the surface for 5 to 10 minutes. If any areas begin to dry, additional detergent water should be applied as needed. It is very important to allow the detergent time to soak in and loosen stains and dirt effectively. Once the detergent has had a few minutes to work, the pressure washer will more efficiently clean the surface. 

Rinse 

After the dwell time, the detergent must be flushed from the area with a basic rinse. The detergent tank should be turned to the "Off" position, and the trigger squeezed to flush any remaining soap from the gun and hose. 

Rinsing should begin from the same section where the detergent was first applied. Using a high-pressure spray pattern, the surface should be rinsed from one end to the other. Covering two to three rows of brick at a time and moving slowly ensures all detergent and residue are washed away. This process may need to be repeated, or the spray gun moved slightly closer, for deeply stained areas. 

Cleaning Off White Residue 

If a white powdery residue, known as efflorescence, appears once the brick dries, it can be addressed with an efflorescence remover. This task must be performed by hand using a brush. Follow the manufacturer's directions and avoid using a pressure washer for this specific step.