How to Remove Clay Stains From Brick
Bricks come in a wide array of colors and are used to construct a variety of outdoor areas such as patios, driveways, pathways, planters and the exteriors of buildings. If an area where bricks are in use has clay soil nearby, rainwater can splash the clay onto the brickwork and discolor it. Though a clay stain is a soil-based stain, removing clay stains from bricks can be challenging, especially if the stain has existed for a long time. The removal task may require special chemicals.
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Sweep the surface of the brickwork with a broom to dislodge as much of the exterior clay as possible.
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Fill a power washer with water and spray the surface of the clay-stained brickwork thoroughly to saturate it and to remove any remaining surface clay.
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Fill a bucket with 1 gallon of warm water and 2 to 3 tsp. of liquid dish soap. Apply the entire mixture to the bricks until they are saturated. If the bricks are on the ground, simply pour the bucket over the bricks. If they are on wall, use a sponge to apply the soap mixture.
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Scrub the bricks with the bristles of the push broom to remove the remaining clay stains from them.
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Turn the power washer back on and aim the water stream at the bricks to thoroughly remove any remaining clay stain and all of the soap residue.
References
Tips
- If the clay stains remain after you've completed the entire process, mix 1 gallon of warm water with 1 lb. of oxalic acid crystals in a plastic bucket. Put on eye protection, gloves, long sleeves and pants. Apply the mixture to the brick using a stiff-bristled brush. Oxalic acid is available at janitorial supply stores.
Writer Bio
Kimberly Johnson is a freelance writer whose articles have appeared in various online publications including eHow, Suite101 and Examiner. She has a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia and began writing professionally in 2001.
Photo Credits
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