How to Clean Brick Mildew

Brick is an excellent building and landscaping material for homes. However, bricks in shady and damp areas can accumulate mildew and mold. Regular cleaning is the best way to prevent excessive buildup of mildew. Here's a surefire way to keep brick mildew cleaned up and under control.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bleach
• Water
• Bucket
• Pump-style garden sprayer
• Garden hose
• Spray nozzle
• Broom or stiff-bristled brush

1. Use a garden hose and spray nozzle to rinse the bricks you'll be cleaning. Use high pressure, and spray until you've removed loose dirt and debris. If the area is dirty or covered with leaves, sweep it before spraying with the hose.

2. Pour the mixture into a pump-style garden sprayer. Pressurize the sprayer by pumping the handle up and down for 10 to 15 strokes (this will vary by model) before you begin working.

3. Prepare a mixture of bleach and water. Use equal proportions, and mix them together in a plastic bucket. Prepare the mixture in a well-ventilated area.

4. Spray the area to be cleaned with the bleach mixture. Work on small areas at a time--a 2-by-2-foot area is a good size to work with.

5. Scrub each area you've sprayed with a stiff-bristled brush or broom to remove the mildew. Rinse the area with the hose and spray again with the bleach mixture if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Bleach can irritate the skin. Wear gloves when scrubbing and mixing bleach.

References

• The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cleaning; Linda Formichelli and Mary Findley; 2006