How to Clean Bricks

Whether they are indoor or outdoor bricks, bricks get dirty and need cleaning from time to time. Though the cleaning process is easy, the actual act of cleaning the bricks can be time consuming and will require a moderate level of physical exertion and stamina.When it comes to choosing an appropriate cleaning solution, some people prefer commercially-made solutions, while others prefer less toxic homemade cleaning solutions.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• For Indoor Bricks:
• rubber gloves
• bucket of water
• stiff wire brush
• appropriate cleaning solution
• newspaper or towels if cleaning a brick fireplace
• For Outdoor Bricks:
• rubber gloves
• broom
• garden hose with spray nozzle attachment
• appropriate cleaning solution

Clean Your Bricks

1. Gather all your supplies and put on your rubber gloves. If cleaning a brick fireplace, cover immediately surrounding floor area with newspaper or towels.

2. Brush: If the bricks only needs a light cleaning, brush off the dust and dirt with a wire brush or broom. Wet down the area of brick you will work on first, and lightly scrub with a wire brush. Wipe or rinse the brick. Let dry while moving onto the next section of brick. Repeat process until complete.

3. Use that muscle: For moderate brick cleaning, remove loose dirt and dust. Wet down the brick and apply the appropriate cleaning solution. Scrub, rinse, and repeat as needed on each section of brick.

4. Clean stained brickwork and treat the stains. Remove surface debris first. Clean the stained bricks. Treat the stains with the appropriate stain treatment solution. Wet brick may hide some stains. Repeating the stain removal process after the bricks are dry may be necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• The regular maintenance and light cleaning of your bricks will help minimize or eliminate future heavy cleaning needs. One great all-purpose cleaning solution for bricks and other surfaces is created from one bucket full of hot water, one cup of ammonia, 1/2 cup of vinegar, and 1/4 cup of baking soda. A 50/50 mix of water and bleach can work well to remove mold and mildew on brick. Gritty hand cleaner found at auto parts stores works well for cleaning soot off bricks.
• If using commercial brick cleaning products, read all of the directions and warnings carefully before use. Some commercial cleaners are highly caustic. Some people prefer to use ammonia with water when cleaning their brick. That solution will work, but never mix ammonia with bleach. The combination creates toxic chlorine gas.