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How to Polish Bricks

Charles Poole

Brick is used to make flooring, walls and fireplaces in residential and commercial settings. However, brick can absorb stains easily. When brick is laid, mortar is used to hold the bricks together. The mortar also can become dirty over time.

Clean and polish your brick to extend its life.

Polishing your brick will remove dirt buildup from the surface and keep the material looking new while extending its life. You can clean your brick with little trouble and just a few common cleaning products.

Warning

Never clean brick with muriatic acid. This dissolves the mortar and discolors the brick.

  1. Use a vacuum to remove superficial dirt and debris from the brick.

  2. In a bucket, combine 1 cup of ammonia, 1/4 cup of all-purpose cleaner and 8 cups of water. To clean bricks on the floor, dip the mop into the bucket and wring it out. To polish bricks on a wall, use gloves and a sponge.

  3. Mop or scrub the brick until the material is clean. Use a scrub brush to get heavy stains out of the brick.

  4. Rinse the brick with a garden hose hose and allow it to dry. If you are cleaning inside the home, use clean water and a sponge.

  5. Apply a thin coat of flooring wax to the brick for a polishing finish, then allow it to dry. Apply a second coat of wax after the first coat has dried. If you choose a wax that is not also a self-sealant, you will need to buy a sealant.

The Drip Cap

  • Brick is used to make flooring, walls and fireplaces in residential and commercial settings.
  • Use a vacuum to remove superficial dirt and debris from the brick.
  • If you are cleaning inside the home, use clean water and a sponge.
  • Apply a thin coat of flooring wax to the brick for a polishing finish, then allow it to dry.