How to Remove Stains From Brick

Floors, walls and fireplaces made of brick are lovely to look at--until a grease, oil or soot stain spoils them, that is. Then this strong-looking, kiln-fired material can look old and just plain dirty. Bring brick's beauty back with these smart cleaning strategies.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Dishwashing Liquid
• Powdered Pumice
• Ammonia
• Cloth Or Rag
• Small Brush Or Paintbrush
• Stiff-bristle Brush
• Table Salt
• Naphtha Soap
• Rubber Or Latex Gloves
• TSP
• Plastic Bucket
• Safety Goggles

Soot

1. Create a cleaner by mixing a 4-oz. (125-g) shaved bar of naphtha soap in 1 qt. (32 fl oz/1 l) hot water in a plastic bucket until the soap is dissolved. Cool, then thoroughly mix in 1/2 lb. (250 g) powdered pumice and 1/2 cup (4 fl oz/125 ml) ammonia. Apply the naphtha solution with a small brush or paintbrush. Leave it for 1 hour.

2. Rub off with a stiff-bristle brush.

3. Rinse thoroughly.

4. Sponge on a solution of a few squirts of dishwashing liquid in a bucket of warm water.

5. Rinse clean with warm water.

Grease or oil

1. Mix 2 tbsp. dishwashing liquid, a dash of table salt and enough water to make the solution smooth.

2. Rub the solution into the grimy brick surface using a cloth or rag. Let it stand for 10 minutes.

3. Scrub off the grime with a stiff-bristle brush.

4. Rinse clean with warm water.

Stubborn stains

1. Using a stiff-bristle brush, scrub the surface with a cleaning solution of 1/2 cup (4 fl oz/125 ml) trisodium phosphate (TSP) mixed in 1 gallon (4 l) hot water in a plastic bucket. TSP is a dangerous product; when you use it, wear rubber or latex gloves, safety goggles and protective clothing.

2. Rinse with warm water.

3. Repeat if needed, adding up to another 1/2 cup (4 fl oz/125 ml) TSP to the cleaning solution.

4. Rinse clean with warm water.

Tips & Warnings

• Always try the weaker solution first. If that doesn't cut through the grease, grime or soot, move up to a stronger solution.

• Brick or stone is easier to clean if it's sealed with a finish containing tung oil.

• A commercial brick cleaner may be used for cleaning.

• For cleaning a brick fireplace, see How to Remove Fireplace Grime.

• Wear rubber gloves and safety goggles when using strong cleaners.