Even with brick’s tough reputation, it still needs a good cleaning every once in a while. In the same light, if you clean your brick without knowing the proper way, there’s a good chance you can damage it as well. And what’s worse, brick cleaning can be a challenge in itself – whether inside or outside, brick is susceptible to dirt, soot, and even mold. But don’t worry! Armed with a little elbow grease and the right materials, brick cleaning can be a success. If you follow these tips, you’re sure to have your bricks looking good as new in no time.
Armed with a little elbow grease and the right materials, brick cleaning can be a success. If you follow these tips, you’re sure to have your bricks looking good as new in no time.
Brick Cleaning How-To
When brick cleaning, it’s best to start off with the mildest method and eventually work up to the harshest. You should always start by brushing off the excess debris and dirt on top first, and remember that wet brick hides stains, so repeating steps may be necessary in the future. These brick cleaning methods are listed from mildest to harshest and should be tried in the order they appear.
- Mild dish detergent solution
Mix two tablespoons of dishwashing liquid, a dash of salt, and water together. Using a cloth, rub the solution onto the brick’s surface and let it stand for 10 minutes. Finally, scrub the brick with a stiff brush and rinse off with water.
- Water and bleach solution
Mix together equal parts water and bleach to create a solution that works well for removing mold and mildew from bricks. Scrub the solution into your bricks with a stiff brush, then rinse with water.
- Trisodium phosphate solution
First, make sure you are wearing gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing. TSP is caustic and therefore potentially dangerous. Make sure you’re following the product’s directions carefully and be sure to keep it away from children. Mix one half-cup of trisodium phosphate together with one gallon of hot water. Scrub the brick with a stiff brush, rinse with water, and allow to air-dry. If necessary, add another half-cup of TSP to the solution and repeat.
About DelPrete Masonry
For other questions regarding commercial masonry restoration, feel free to contact DelPrete Masonry. Our masonry restoration professionals have the experience and history of satisfied clients to prove that we’ll get the job done right, and cost-effectively. To get started with your commercial masonry restoration project, please contact our office today at 410-683-0650 or email us at mike@delpretemasonry.com. We serve Baltimore City, County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County. Keep up with our blog for masonry related information, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.
Tags: brick care, brick cleaning, bricks