Dilute white malt vinegar (a 50/50 solution) will remove it; apply it with a nylon brush dipped in the solution and scrub gently. If you're outdoors, you could rinse the wall down afterwards with water. If not, scrub it again using plain water.
For very small cases of efflorescence, you can remove it using products you may already have to hand at home. Mixing 50/50 white vinegar and water will create a solution that can be applied to the affected area with a stiff bristle brush.
The white residue and fluff on your bricks may be efflorescence, a buildup of salt and minerals that occurs when moisture seeps through the brick. This is needed to identify the address of any stuffiness-related issues to prevent further buildup. You can remove it with a stiff brush or hire a professional to clean it.
Efflorescence and alkali salts can be removed by dry brushing with a stiff bristled brush followed by wet sponging the surface with a mild 5% solution of white vinegar (acetic acid) in water. The whole area should then be wiped down with a damp cloth and allowed to dry thoroughly.
An acidic cleaner, such as PROSOCO's Sure Klean Light Duty Concrete Cleaner, and Sure Klean Vana Trol can dissolve efflorescence more effectively.
A solution of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and water (Approx. 1 lb. Of baking soda per 5-gallons of water) can be used to neutralize the stain. The solution should be applied until it stops fizzing.
Efflorescence will typically decrease or disappear as the weather warms up, so should be left to weather naturally.
We were told a diluted CLR solution would work. We tried this and it was a lot of work to scrub the surface clean of the residue and you have to be sure to rinse immediately because technically CLR is not for painted surfaces.
Depending on the amount of efflorescence, many homeowners simply use regular dish soap and water with a stiff plastic scrub brush. Beware: harsh cleaners or chemicals may damage the pavers.
Muriatic acid is the standard way to remove it—muriatic acid basically being diluted hydrochloric acid. There are other efflorescence cleaners out there that can provide you with similar results, but they may be costly and perhaps not readily available, while muriatic acid more than likely will be.
Clear water repellents, silicone and acrylic coatings also may help you remove efflorescence as well. The coating will absorb water across a masonry surface and prevent efflorescence from recurring. Plus, the combination of warm water and white wine vinegar has been shown to eliminate efflorescence.
A stiff scrubbing brush and a dry brushing technique will remove the efflorescence. Muriatic acid can be used for efflorescence removal, but it poses risks such as discolouration and potential surface damage. Consider safer commercial solutions.
You might use the incorrect cleaning method, as well, such as applying red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Distilled white vinegar is for cleaning bricks, whereas the other kinds can discolour the brick.
While efflorescence itself is not harmful to your foundation, it can be a sign of a more serious problem. The presence of efflorescence indicates that water is entering your foundation and carrying these salts to the surface. If left untreated, this water infiltration can cause damage to your foundation over time.
The acidity in the vinegar helps remove the efflorescence and calcium deposits by breaking down mineral crystals. After cleaning the surface, let dry for 48-72 hours (moisture content below 25%).
If CLR Grease & Oil Remover is left on a surface for too long it begins to dry and can be very difficult to remove.
How do I permanently get rid of it? If you wish to remove efflorescence, you can consider using a specialized efflorescence remover. These products are specifically formulated to dissolve efflorescence and remove dirt from paving stones and concrete surfaces without causing discoloration or damage.
Hydrochloric acid eats efflorescence. Wet the surface down first so that the acid is not absorbed into either the tile if it is concrete or stone or grout as it will bleach the pigmented grout.
A good brick sealer will adhere to the brick and mortar, preventing moisture from penetrating into the brick and causing more efflorescence. It also helps to prevent stains caused by dirt that gets trapped in between bricks and mortar joints under the surface of your roof or wall.
Using a water-dampened sponge or garden hose, wet the area to be cleaned. Apply the cleaner and etcher solution to the area with a sponge or pump sprayer. Using a scrub brush, lightly scrub the area to remove the white powdery residue from the surface.
Hydrogen peroxide: Mix hydrogen peroxide with warm water in a 1:1 ratio, then apply the solution to the affected area with a stiff-bristled brush. Allow the solution to sit for several hours or overnight, then rinse the surface with clean water.
Efflorescence is a problem that generally surfaces when your property is encountering a problem with damp, and excess moisture present in the brickwork of a building. You can get rid of it by putting some white distilled vinegar into a spray bottle and apply generous amount of vinegar onto the bricks.
Similar to vinegar, lemon juice contains citric acid, which can effectively break down efflorescence. Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes. Again, use a brush or cloth to scrub away the deposits gently.