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What Can You Use To Clean Brick?

Many people would agree that the visual aesthetic and feel of a properly constructed brick structure are unrivaled by any other materials. However, to maintain the appearance of this structure it is important to use the correct products that are well suited to cleaning bricks.

Cleaning the bricks

You can clean bricks with a variety of products including strong acidic chemicals, like muriatic acid, hydrochloric acid, bleach, and even TSP. You can also use less harsh chemicals that are easily available, such as vinegar, baking soda, dish soap, and pine sol.

Even if you know which products to use to clean your bricks, without knowing the proper cleaning method you risk staining, discoloring, and eroding the surface of your brick. Read on to find the proper cleaning procedure to keep your bricks looking pristine.

Can You Use Muriatic Acid To Clean Brick?

Cleaning the bricks

Sometimes, common household cleaners such as vinegar don’t work well on bricks smeared with mortar and dried cement. In such a case you have to use a stronger cleaning agent to get the job done. Muriatic acid is an example of a strong substance but it is also corrosive in nature. So, can you use it to effectively clean bricks?

Yes, muriatic acid will help you get rid of any clumps of mortars and concrete smeared on your bricks. However, you need to use muriatic acid with utmost care as it is an extremely toxic agent. Any accident in the handling of this acid can lead to you sustaining severe injuries.

Using Muriatic Acid On Brick Structures

Before proceeding with the cleaning process, make sure to wear suitable safety equipment such as thick rubber gloves, a respirator, eye protection, and a long-sleeved shirt. You might also stain your clothes while using this acid to clean so make sure to wear something you don’t mind getting dirty in.

Step 1: For the cleaning process, make sure that you dilute muriatic acid in water. Create a solution in a plastic bucket and make sure that you pour in the water first, followed by the muriatic acid at a 1:10 ratio. 

Make sure you exercise extreme caution while pouring this acid into the water as the acid will release vapors that will cause great discomfort if you accidentally inhale them.

Step 2: Wet the brick you’re trying to clean before applying the acid solution. If you apply the solution to a dried brick, you risk burning or damaging it. 

Step 3: Allow the solution to sit on the surface of the brick for at least 5 minutes. Then, scrape the brick using a hard scrubbing brush. 

Step 4: Once you are done scraping, rinse the brick thoroughly with water. When the brick is dry and you notice there are still some mortar stains left, repeat this cleaning process and give more time to the solution to sit on the brick before scrubbing so that you can get rid of all the stains.

This article and its contents are owned by Ready To DIY and was first published on 06/23/2022

Can You Use Hydrochloric Acid To Clean Brick? 

Clay brickworks can occasionally get stained by mortar, especially during the construction process, which is nearly impossible to clean after some time. However, if you use a strong substance like hydrochloric acid, you might be able to get rid of these tough-to-remove stains.  

Hydrochloric acid can easily remove mortar stains from bricks. However, make sure to dilute the hydrochloric acid before using it to clean your bricks; otherwise, it will damage the structure of the brick or cause stains to appear which you will not be able to reverse.

Proper Way Of Cleaning Bricks Using Hydrochloric Acid

Hydrochloric acid is readily available in hardware stores. However, using this acid without knowing the proper procedure can be dangerous. That is why I’ve laid out some steps to help you effectively clean your bricks using hydrochloric acid without any complications.

Step 1: Create a solution of hydrochloric acid and water. The solution should have 1 part hydrochloric acid mixed with 10-15 parts water.

Step 2: Before you clean the wall, soak the bricks with water. Then, using a scraper, remove any mortar dags that you see.

Step 3: Once the brick is clean and damp, apply the solution to the brick and start scrubbing using a spirit brush. Constantly apply water to the brick and make sure it does not dry out while you are scrubbing.

Step 4: When you are done scrubbing, properly rinse the brick with water. If there are still some mortar stains left, you can repeat this cleaning procedure once the brink is properly dry.

Can You Use Vinegar To Clean Brick?

Cleaning the bricks

Since Vinegar is a common household item that is widely used both as a condiment and as a cleaner, it makes sense to wonder whether you can use this liquid to clean bricks and brick structures.

You can definitely use vinegar to clean bricks. Vinegar is a great natural cleaner that can be mixed with water to clear all sorts of stains from dirty bricks. It’s also an efficient alternative to most commercially available cleaners and is light on your pocket as well. 

Step-By-Step Guide On Cleaning Bricks With Vinegar

Vinegar and water solution works especially well for cleaning brick floors or walls. However, you still need to follow the proper method to get the optimal results.

Step 1: Grab some vinegar and water and mix equal parts of both the items in a spray bottle.

Step 2: After spraying the bricks with the solution, let it stay on the brickwork for a couple of minutes.

Step 3: After that, clean the brickwork using a sponge mop. If the stains are incredibly stubborn, scrape them with a nylon-bristled brush and elbow grease.

Step 4: Once you are done scrubbing, rinse the brick surface with water. If there are any remaining stains, you can repeat this treatment to ensure a pristine look.

Can You Use s Pressure Washer And Water To Clean Brick?

Pressure washers are widely used to remove stubborn dirt, grime, and moss from various surfaces with considerable success. However, can the strong cleaning capabilities of a pressure washer be of any use to remove such impurities from bricks.

Absolutely, pressure washers can effectively clean your bricks and restore them to their former glory. For the optimal cleaning experience, set the washer to 800 PSI or lower and make sure to never hover the pressure washer at a single spot for too long; otherwise, you risk causing damage to the surface of the brick.

Can You Use Bleach To Clean Brick?

Cleaning the bricks

We all know how effective bleach is to get rid of tough stains on various surfaces. Since it’s great at removing all sorts of stains, it made me wonder if it can stand its ground versus dirt-filled bricks as well.

Definitely, bleach is perfect for eliminating mold, mildew, and fungus from external brick walls. However do make sure to dilute the bleach, by mixing 1 tbsp of bleach and a gallon of warm water, before using it to scrub away any stubborn stains that may be residing on your bricks.

Make sure to keep the brick wet when you are cleaning it with bleach. Once you are done scrubbing away the stains, properly rinse off the brick with water so that there is no residue of bleach left on the surface.

Can You Use Oxygen Bleach/Oxiclean To Clean Brick?

You might have heard of oxygen bleach before. Also known as soda ash and Oxiclean, this product releases oxygen when exposed to water. This property allows it to remove stains and grime from whatever you’re cleaning, but is it just as effective to clean bricks?

Whether it’s an outdoor patio brick or a brick path, Oxiclean works perfectly well for cleaning the surface of bricks. It is a great alternative to chlorine bleach, which is known for harming or killing any plants you have surrounding your patio or along your walkway. 

This article and its contents are owned by Ready To DIY and was first published on 06/23/2022

Can You Use TSP To Clean Brick? 

Cleaning the bricks

Trisodium phosphate, also known as TSP is a strong, extremely poisonous chemical that works exceptionally well as a cleaner. It is very effective at removing stains and grease from various surfaces. However, can it also clean bricks?

Yes, you can use TSP to remove stubborn dirt and grease stains from your bricks. However, since this chemical is extremely dangerous to your skin, you should always make sure to create a diluted solution and wear protective gear such as latex gloves when using this chemical as a cleaning agent for bricks.

Can You Use Wire Brush To Clean Brick? 

A wire brush is definitely a very versatile tool for cleaning. It can remove rust and oxidations from various surfaces and appliances, including angle grinders and drills. Sounds like a brilliant solution for your brick-cleaning problems, right?

Well, despite its many uses, a wire brush shouldn’t be used to clean bricks. The harsh surface of a wire brush can scrap away the brick’s finish, creating a highly uneven appearance. Wire brushes may also leave behind bits of metal which will later rust and stain the surface of the brick.

Can You Use Steam To Clean Brick? 

Cleaning the bricks

Hard surfaces, such as kitchen counters and bathroom tiles, are frequently cleaned with steam cleaners. They are also suitable for use on asphalt and laminate flooring. The question is whether or not steam can clean bricks just as effectively.

You can use steam cleaners to clean brick surfaces and patios. This method cleans brick surfaces more thoroughly and effectively than standard pressure washers while also saving you the cost of buying expensive and harmful detergents and chemicals.

Can You Use Baking Soda To Clean Brick? 

It’s usually a daunting concept to use harsh and powerful chemicals to clean bricks. Baking soda seems like a less scary option, but can it clean our bricks well?

Yes, you can easily clean the dirtiest brick surfaces with a thin paste of baking soda and water without causing damage to the brick or the mortar. Due to its slight abrasive property, baking soda is very effective at removing dirt and grime from bricks.

This article and its contents are owned by Ready To DIY and was first published on 06/23/2022

Once you are done cleaning, do make sure to rinse the area thoroughly with water to avoid a chalky haze appearing on the brick. Baking soda may also be used in place of sandpaper and other abrasive chemicals to remove excessive soot accumulation and unattractive paint without destroying the brick.

Can You Use CLR To Clean Brick?

Cleaning the bricks

CLR is an all-around household cleaner that is very effective at cleaning various surfaces such as sinks, tubs, and metals. This chemical is more than capable of getting rid of extremely hard stains. So how well does this product perform when you use it to clean brick surfaces?

CLR can dissolve calcium and lime stains from your bricks quite easily. It is also capable of removing dust from your brick. However, make sure to properly rinse off the CLR from the brink surface or else it will leave behind a white haze.

Can You Use Dawn/Dish Soap To Clean Brick? 

Dawn is notorious for leaving your greasy dishes perfectly clean and pristine. You may have wondered if this dish soap is just as good at cleaning rough surfaces like that of a brick. Well, we have the answer to that pressing question.

Turns out you can use dawn to clean brick surfaces. A mixture of baking soda and dawn dish soap with water is one of the safest and most environmentally friendly ways of cleaning your bricks. All you have to do is soak the bricks for 10-15 minutes in the dish soap solution before using a bristle brush to scrub them off and rinsing it. 

How To Clean Bricks Using Dawn/Dish Soap 

To get rid of dirty stains and grease marks from your bricks, all you have to do is follow the steps I have laid out for you.

Step 1: Combine equal amounts of Dawn dish soap and baking soda (about one ounce each) with enough water to make a paste. 

Step 2: Dip a towel in the paste and rub it all over the surface of the bricks

Step 3: Now let the mixture soak on the bricks for at least 10-15 minutes

Step 4: Finally, scrub it off in a circular pattern using a bristle brush. Start from the top and work your way down. To assist you with the scrubbing, you can spray some water on the surface of the bricks

Can You Use Pine Sol To Clean Brick?

Cleaning the bricks

Yes, you can use pine sol to clean bricks. To do that, you require a scrubbing brush, warm water, and some pine sol (Obviously). Create a mixture using ¼ cup of pine sol cleaner in a bucket filled with a gallon of water. Use this mixture along with a scrubbing brush to get rid of the grime buildup and hard brick stains. 

Can You Use Coke To Clean Brick?

Surprisingly, Coca-Cola is capable of cleaning your bricks. The acids present inside the soda have great degreasing properties that get break down grease stains and make it easier to wash them off. However, do make sure to properly rinse off the brick once you are done cleaning, or else they’ll be very sticky and disgusting to touch.

Can You Use Angle Grinder To Clean Brick?

Cleaning the bricks

Yes, the rapidly spinning disc of angle grinders can finely grind, polish, sharpen, and clean your bricks and mortar. However, it’s easy to damage the brick using angle grinders, so make sure it is properly equipped with the right settings before you begin.

Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on June 23, 2022.

Can You Use Simple Green To Clean Brick?

Simple green is very effective at eliminating oil, grease, and filth, as well as most stains and discolorations from your bricks. It can easily restore the look of the dirtiest brick walls, pavers, patios, and other brick surfaces around your house.

Can You Use Clorox To Clean Brick?

Cleaning the bricks

Yes, using Clorox, you can scrub away impurities from highly soiled bricks. However, keep in mind to not leave Clorox on the surface of the brick for too long or it may dry out and cause discoloration. Also when you’re finished removing the stains, thoroughly rinse the wall with water to make sure there is not any residue of Clorox left.

Can You Use Borax To Clean Brick?

Yes, Borax is great at removing ash and soot from the surface of a brick. To use Borax effectively, mix 2 tbsp of Borax, a squirt of Dawn soap, and 4 cups of warm water. Shake the solution well and coat the brickwork with it. Finally, use a bristle brush to scrub the bricks and remove impurities.

This article and its contents are owned by Ready To DIY and was first published on 06/23/2022

Can You Use Hydrogen Peroxide To Clean Brick?

Cleaning the bricks

Yes, you can use Hydrogen peroxide to clean bricks but do make sure to use a diluted version of this chemical. Fill a spray bottle with 3 glasses of water and 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide and spray the mixture all over the wall and let it sit overnight before scrubbing the bricks clean.

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on June 23, 2022.

Can You Use Acetone To Clean Brick?

Acetone isn’t that great at cleaning away stains and dirt from your bricks. While it can help in removing paint marks, it’s not that effective at the job and it also poses a lot of health hazards. Therefore, you’re better off not using acetone and instead resorting to more effective and environmentally-friendly options. 

Can You Use Fabuloso To Clean Brick?

Cleaning the bricks

No, Fabulso is not a great option when it comes to fending off the dirt from your bricks. It will neither sanitize nor disinfect your bricks. Moreover, it contains harsh chemicals that might end up damaging your bricks and doing you more harm than good. 

How To Clean Brick Properly?

Confused man standing

While brick is a robust and long-lasting material, it requires upkeep and cleaning differently as compared to other surfaces. 

To clean your bricks properly, you first need to choose the right chemical. For most stains, a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water will do the trick. However, if you intend to remove mortar smears from your brick, you are better off using strong chemicals such as Muriatic acid.

Step-By-Step Guide On Cleaning Bricks Properly 

Follow these steps to ensure that your bricks are cleaned properly and become as good as new. 

Step 1: Firstly, create a solution using 50/50 vinegar and water, as that is the safest way of cleaning your bricks. 

Step 2: Cover the surrounding area. If you’re cleaning the bricks outside, it is your responsibility to protect nearby plants and vegetation, since even mild acids like vinegar can damage them.

Step 3: Test the solution on a small area of the brick. This is because different bricks react differently to various cleaners, and you wouldn’t want them to get damaged.

Step 4: Before proceeding, water down the brick using a hose. This will make the cleaning process a lot easier as it will get rid of surface dirt.

Step 5: Using a hard-bristled brush, scrub the brick with the solution. 

Step 6: Once you’re done scrubbing, rinse the brick thoroughly. Make sure that no residue is left behind. 

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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on June 23, 2022.

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