How to Remove Water Stains from Brick

Hard water from various sources can accumulate on damp areas, causing white, powdery stains to form on interior and exterior brick surfaces. These water stains can ruin the appearance of brick surfaces over time. Fortunately, brick is durable and simple to maintain, and you can remove water stains with basic solutions. However, make sure to clean brick before attempting to remove water stains.

Things You'll Need

• Brush or broom
• 2 buckets
• Water
• Liquid dish soap
• Sponge or sponge mop
• Rag
• 2 dry towels
• Vinegar
• Baking powder

Instructions

1. Rub a brush over the brick surface to remove any loose debris. If the surface is a floor, sweep the bricks with a broom.

2. Fill a bucket with water. Squirt some liquid dish soap into the water to make a soapy solution.

3. Dip a sponge into the soapy solution, and then rub the sponge over the bricks to clean them. If the surface is a floor, mop the bricks with the soapy solution and a sponge mop.

4. Dampen a rag in water, and then rub the rag over the bricks to rinse off the soapy solution. Wipe the brick surface with a dry towel.

5. Make a solution of one part vinegar and one part water in a bucket. Pour the solution onto the water stains.

6. Scrub the water stains with the brush, inspecting the stains often to see if they are lifting away. If the water stains are not coming off, pour vinegar directly onto the stains and allow it to set for 15 minutes.

7. Scrub the brick surface with the brush until the stains are removed. Rinse the bricks with the damp rag to remove the vinegar.

8. Sprinkle baking powder over the wet bricks, and allow the baking powder to set for 20 minutes. Rinse off the baking powder with the damp rag, and then dry the bricks with a dry towel.

References

• How To Clean Stuff: How To Clean Unsealed Brick Floors
• hometips.com: Removing Hard-Water Stains