There are three effective types of cleaning solvents for brick, including soapy water (for general brick cleaning), a bleach formula (for mold and mildew), or muriatic acid (for the toughest-to-remove stains).
Cleaning the bricks will remove much of the filth, making them appear brand new once again. They will, however, require a protective coating to maintain that condition. Using a high-gloss sealant may produce the desired glossy, wet look.
Clean your bricks with a cleaning solution, or by using undiluted white vinegar. Once you've prepared the surface of the bricks, you can apply a coat of concrete stain. You can adjust it according to the original color of your bricks. You can choose from a wide variety of water-based stains and acid-based ones.
Mix equal parts vinegar and water and pour into a spray bottle. Spray on the bricks and let is sit for a few minutes. Use a sponge mop to clean the bricks. If the bricks are very dirty, use a nylon-bristled scrub brush and put some elbow grease into the scrubbing.
Vinegar (For Basic or Interior Cleaning): Alternatively, some people skip the dish soap and mix a solution with equal parts vinegar and water, then pour it into a spray bottle. This solution can be surprisingly effective at removing basic stains from brick.
WD-40 may remove paint stuck to brick if applied directly and in large quantities, allowing it to sit on the surface for a few hours.
Mix Dawn and baking soda into a paste to clean detailed brickwork. For old brick, always try the least abrasive method and work your way up. Use a sturdy bristle brush when it comes to fireplace brick cleaning.
Cleaning bricks with vinegar is an effective and natural way to remove dirt and stains. However, it is essential to follow proper techniques to ensure the brick surface's safety and achieve the best possible results.
Brick cleaning should only be undertaken by a trained professional. A hydrochloric acid solution is commonly used to remove mortar stains from clay brickwork. Any acid used incorrectly can damage the brick or cause unsightly staining and can be more difficult to repair.
Luckily, you can restore most brick damage using everyday tools. For dirty and stained bricks, surface cleaning and applying a sealant may be enough. If your brick is cracked or loose, however, you may need to repair the damage with mortar. With time and a little elbow grease, your brick will look as good as new!
Most Exterior Bricks Do Not Need to Be Sealed
In fact, bricks today are even better made than they were a century ago. Most do not need the added layer of protection. Mortar has also gotten stronger over time. The mortar of today creates a better seal around the brick joints than the mortar made decades ago.
Mildly crumbling bricks can often be stabilized with a sealer, but more serious spalling cannot be handled with DIY methods. Additionally, sealing your bricks will not address the underlying cause. If you believe serious water damage is the cause, you need the help of a professional.
Muriatic acid is a powerful and corrosive acidic liquid made from hydrochloric acid, water, and other trace minerals. This product is a very strong acid that will clean dried cement products off stones, bricks, and other masonry surfaces.
If vinegar does not work on your hardscape, you can use bleach. To create a powerful mold-killing mixture, you can add one cup of bleach to a gallon of water. However, you should exercise meticulous care and caution since bleach can discolor your brick pavers and thus ruin your precious hardscape.
Here are some options for removing stubborn stains on brick: Mix two tablespoons of borax with four cups of water and one tablespoon of dish soap. Mix ½ cup of ammonia with four cups of water and ¼ cup dish soap.
If you don't have the supplies for the ammonia mixture, you can also use bleach or hydrogen peroxide to remove mold, mildew, and stains. Remove dirt and debris using the broom. Put on safety gear. Pour ½ cup of bleach or hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle with 3 cups of water.
Efflorescence is a crystalline deposit of salts that can form when water is present in or on brick, concrete, stone, stucco or other building surfaces. It has a white or greyish tint and consists of salt deposits that remain on the surface after water evaporates.
You need to scrub the dirty bricks with a mixture of table salt and dish soap. The spreadable paste will work well if you are using a bristle brush. Once you have removed the paste with a washcloth, go on and use a sealant to keep the bricks in tip-top condition.
Vinegar- if the brick wall is heavily stained or soiled, you can use a mixture of vinegar with water to clean it. The vinegar with its acidic concentration will pull the tough dirt and leave the wall undamaged. Mix both the ingredients in equal quantities and you can fill a spray bottle with it.