Patio & Paver Cleaning in Ooltewah & Apison, TN: Joint Sand, Weeds & Stains

Oct 27

3 min read

Your patio is where fall really happens around here: football on the radio, a fire pit going, and the grill working overtime. It's also the spot that quietly collects a year of green algae, black mildew, leaf stains, and weeds popping up between the pavers. In shady Ooltewah and Apison backyards, a patio can go from "nice" to "slick and splotchy" in a single season. Here's how we Dew patio and paver cleaning, plus a few honest tips for keeping those joints tight and weed-free afterward.

Before and after cleaning a brick patio wall and concrete patio of black mildew, patio cleaning by JimmyDew Pressure Washing in Ooltewah and Apison TN

Why patios get grimy so fast

Most patios sit right next to the house, under trees, or at the bottom of a slope. That means shade, runoff, and leaves, which is the perfect recipe for growth. Here's what we usually see on patios in Ooltewah, Apison, and Collegedale:

Green algae and black mildew in shady corners and along the edges of the house.
Dark leaf and tannin stains where oak and maple leaves sat after a rain.
Weeds and moss growing in the joints between pavers.
Grill grease spots and drink rings near the outdoor kitchen.
Black streaks on brick planter walls and seat walls, like the wall in the photo above.
Red clay washed onto the patio from nearby beds after heavy storms.

Concrete, pavers, and brick: different surfaces, different care

Poured concrete patios handle a surface cleaner well. It spins the water in a flat, even pattern, so you get a uniform finish instead of wand stripes. It's the same method we use on driveways and walkways.

Paver patios need a lighter touch. Too much pressure aimed into the joints can blow out the sand that locks the pavers together. We keep the pressure moderate, work across the pavers instead of straight into the joints, and pre-treat algae so the cleaning solution does more of the work.

Brick seat walls, planters, and steps get a low-pressure clean to protect the mortar. Our soft wash vs. pressure washing guide explains how we pick the right method for each surface.

Overhead view of a surface cleaner pressure washing concrete, the same even-cleaning method used for patio and paver cleaning in Ooltewah TN

Paver joint care: the part most people skip

The sand between your pavers isn't just filler. It keeps the pavers from shifting, rocking, and separating. After years of rain, and after any good cleaning, some of that sand will be gone. Here's what we recommend:

Let the patio dry completely, usually a day or two of sunny weather, before adding any new joint sand.
Sweep fresh joint sand or polymeric sand into the gaps, then sweep the extra off the paver tops.
If you use polymeric sand, follow the bag's directions closely. Too much water or leftover sand on the surface can leave a hazy film.
Pull or spot-treat weeds early, before their roots spread the joints apart.
Check the edges. If the edge restraint has failed and pavers are drifting, that's a job for a hardscape pro.

We'll let you know after cleaning if your joints look low, so you can decide whether to re-sand yourself or call a hardscaper. We'd rather be upfront than surprise you.

What patio cleaning can and can't fix

Algae, mildew, moss, dirt, and most leaf stains come out well. Grease, rust, and old fertilizer stains often lighten but may not disappear. Our driveway stain removal guide goes into detail, and the same rules apply to patios. Cracked concrete, sunken pavers, and loose bricks need a repair, not a wash, but cleaning makes them easier to spot.

Keeping your patio clean through winter

Blow leaves off every week or two in the fall so they don't stain.
Trim back shrubs and low branches so more sun hits the patio.
Clean up grill grease soon after it drips.
Keep gutters and downspouts flowing so roof runoff doesn't pour onto the patio. Our roof and gutter guide covers that.
Read our winter concrete care guide for freeze-season tips.

Pair it with the rest of the backyard

Patio cleaning fits right in with a deck cleaning, a fence wash, or a house soft wash on the same visit. If you have a pool, our pool deck cleaning guide covers the concrete around it, and our curb appeal guide handles the front of the house. Curious about pricing? See our quote guide.

JimmyDew pressure washing truck heading to a patio and paver cleaning job in Apison and Ooltewah TN

Patio and paver cleaning near you

JimmyDew Pressure Washing is based in Ooltewah, licensed and insured, and cleans concrete patios, paver patios, and brick walls in Ooltewah, Collegedale, Apison, Harrison, East Ridge, Cleveland, McDonald, Hixson, and Soddy-Daisy, TN. Snap a couple of photos of your patio, text them over, and we'll send a free quote. Let's get your backyard looking Dew-licious before the holidays.