How to Clean Fake Brick

Fake brick has a texture that allows grease and dust to cling to it. Without regular cleaning, a wall of fake brick can soon look like a wall of fake fur. Follow these steps to clean fake brick and then treat it to keep it looking good and easier to clean.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 qts. hot water
• 2 cups of powdered non-bleaching laundry soap
• 1 lb. powdered pumice
• 1 c. household ammonia
• 2 non-metal buckets
• Soft-bristled scrub brush
• Disposable stir stick
• Safety glasses or goggles
• Heavy-duty rubber gloves
• Cleaning rags
• Old towels or cloth tarp
• Linseed oil (available at art stores and home improvement center)

1. Mix the hot tap water and powdered laundry soap in one of the buckets. Add the ammonia and powdered pumice and mix thoroughly.

2. Lay a cloth tarp or several old towels under the fake brick that's being cleaned. The cleaning solution may be harmful to flooring or countertops.

3. Wear protective eyewear and rubber gloves.

4. Dip the scrub brush into the solution. Use a circular motion to work the solution over the bricks and loosen the surface dust and dirt. If you are cleaning a large area, work in sections.

5. Fill a second bucket with tap water. Soak the cleaning rags with water, wring them out and then wipe the surface of the brick to rinse off cleaner and loose dirt.

6. Apply a thin coat of linseed oil with a clean, lint-free cloth, once the fake brick is dry. The linseed oil will seal the surface, improve the appearance and make cleaning next time much easier.

Tips & Warnings

• Before tackling the entire wall, test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area to make sure that it is safe for that surface.
• To protect the surface below the fake brick, use towels or a cloth tarp to absorb any drips. A plastic drop cloth will become messy and slippery as the water pools on it.
• Wear heavy-duty rubber gloves and protective eyewear. If the cleaning solution splashes on your skin or face, flush the area immediately with cool water.
• Use this cleaning method only on fake brick that has the same feel as real brick. Do not use the solution on paper, plastic or ceramic surfaces.