How to Remove Stains From Brick Veneer

Help keep the brick veneer in your home looking pristine.

Brick veneer can be used both inside and outside of a home to add a decorative touch to an otherwise plain facade. Inside of the home, brick veneer is used to accentuate fireplace inserts and walls. Outside, brick facing can be installed as an accent or placed over the entire exterior to not only add beauty but also to protect the wood, vinyl or metal siding that lies below. Just as with traditional brick, brick veneer can become stained and will require a proper cleaning to restore its original appearance.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Putty knife
• Metal brush
• Water
• Cloth
• Paint remover
• Chisel
• Muriatic acid
• Rubber gloves
• Hand towel
• Garden hose
• Oxalic acid
• Plastic scrub brushes
• 1 cup bleach
• Liquid laundry soap

Old Paint

1. Scrape off the majority of the paint with a putty knife.

2. Dip a metal brush into cold water and scrub it against the hardened paint stain.

3. Soak a cloth with paint remover and rub off any paint that was not removed with the metal brush. Test a small amount of the paint remover on an inconspicuous area of the brick to ensure that it does not leave any stains.

Mortar

1. Remove as much mortar as possible with a chisel.

2. Prepare a mixture of 10 parts water and 1 part muriatic acid, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. Put on rubber gloves and rub the mixture on the mortar stains with a hand towel.

3. Allow the muriatic mixture to sit for 15 minutes, then use a garden hose to rinse it off.

Rust

1. Combine 1 gallon of water with 1 pound oxalic acid, which can be purchased at most auto parts stores.

2. Dip a plastic scrub brush into the mixture and rub it against the iron stains. Test a small amount of the solution on an inconspicuous spot to ensure that it does not leave a stain on the brick.

3. Allow the mixture to remain for five minutes, then use a garden hose to rinse it off.

Efflorescence

1. Combine 1/2 cup muriatic acid with 7 1/2 cups of water.

2. Dip a plastic scrub brush into the mixture and work it into the white stains that are caused by salt deposits forming on the brick.

3. Rinse the muriatic acid away using the garden hose.

Mildew

1. Combine 1 cup bleach with 3 cups water. Add a few drops of liquid laundry detergent to the water.

2. Apply the mixture with a scrub brush. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.

3. Allow the mixture to sit for 15 minutes, then use a garden hose to rinse it off.

References

• Better Homes and Gardens: How to Remove Stains from Brick
• How to Clean Stuff: How to Clean Exterior Brick