Building a house with brick versus other materials has many advantages. Brick houses are more energy-efficient and are warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
They are aesthetically pleasing and the material is highly durable. Brick buildings also gain in attractiveness as they age due to the patina that develops on the brick as a result of chemical action, explains Granite Foundation Repair in Dallas.
On the other hand, brick can be challenging to clean. Except for the natural patina, dirt adhering to it can be unsightly. These may be grease, tar, and smoke stains. Or hard water stains from a lawn sprinkler spraying the building.
It could also be discoloration which results from moss growing on brick surfaces. Cleaning any of these can be hard, but this post will show you how to do it.
Cleaning brick indoors
What you will need:
- Some old newspapers or tarp (waterproofed canvas)
- Gloves and goggles
- A vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment
- A spray bottle filled with water
- Dish soap and salt, or boric acid
- Bristle brush (do not use a wire brush)
- A clean rag
Follow these steps:
- First, take all decorative materials off the surface. Cover all floors or furnishing close to the brick wall with tarp or newspapers. This will keep the cleaning solvent from splashing and ruining them.
- Use the vacuum cleaner and brush attachment to dislodge loose dirt from the brick surface. Repeat as required until the surface is clean.
- Remember that you should not apply the cleaning solvent on dry brick. The dry brick will rapidly absorb the solvent and end up with a faded look or greenish and white discoloration marks. Instead, first spray the wall with water using the spray bottle until it is saturated.
- Apply either dish soap and salt or boric acid to clean the surface. Use gloves when doing this step. Depending on how badly stained the surface is, both methods may be used. The dish soap and salt should be used first.
Here are instructions for using either of both:
- Using dish soap and salt
Take equal parts of dish soap and salt (a cupful each) and pour them into a large bowl. Mix thoroughly to make a coarse paste.
Next, select a 3-by-3-foot section of brick surface and spread the paste evenly, using a rag. Gently scrub the selected section of brick and mortar from top to bottom with a bristle brush.
Let the paste sit on the surface for ten minutes before removing it with a clean rag soaked in warm water. Finally, use a vacuum cleaner to draw off any salt that is lingering on the surface. Repeat for other parts of the brick surface.
- Using boric acid
After putting on the safety gear, dilute one tablespoon of boric acid powder in one gallon of warm water inside a large bucket. Select a 3-by-3-foot section of the brick surface and apply the solution to the section with a brush.
Ensure the brush is saturated with the liquid and scrub the surface firmly, using circular motions. Soak a clean rag in warm water and wipe the solution off the surface.
Cleaning brick outdoors
What you will need:
- Some old newspapers or tarp (waterproofed canvas)
- Gloves and goggles
- A vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment
- A garden hose with a spray nozzle
- Bleach or muriatic acid
- A bristle brush
- Choose a day when the weather is cloudy; this prevents the cleaning solvents from drying out quickly and leaving residue stains on the walls.
- To prevent them from being splattered and ruined by the cleaning solvents, cover nearby metal, wood, and glass surfaces with old newspapers and tarp. Also cover plants and lighting fixtures.
- Use the vacuum cleaner and brush attachment to dislodge loose dirt from the surface. Using the garden hose, spray the surface generously with water.
- When the brick stops dripping, use either of these two methods to clean it:
- Bleach
This will remove mold, mildew, and moss, as well as the stains they leave on brick walls and pavers. Remember to wear gloves and safety equipment.
Pour a tablespoon of bleach in a gallon of warm water inside a large bucket. Select a 3-by-3-foot section of the surface and using a sponge, apply the solution to the section.
Scrub the section firmly with the bristle brush and if the surface starts to dry out, apply more of the solution. Finally, hose down the section to wash off the solution.
- Muriatic acid
This industrial cleaner is highly effective for removing rust, soil, and mortar stains. Wear full safety gear: gloves, goggles, and mask/respirator before working with this chemical.
Add a cup and half of muriatic acid into a gallon of water inside a large bucket. Select a 3-by-3-foot section of the surface and apply the solution to it, using a bristle brush.
Scrub gently and leave on for a few minutes. Then wash it off by hosing down the section with plain water.
There you have it! Step-by-step tips on how to clean your indoor and outdoor brick walls.
For best results, it’s always advisable to hire professionals to clean brick for you.
Valet Maids is your Dallas maid service that will check cleaning off your to-do list. You can easily book online or give us a call at 214-438-4804.
